You don't need to be nipped and tucked; there are many non-surgical options to reduce your facial wrinkles. Over-the-counter treatments and dermatology options range from sunscreen to laser treatments to chemical peels. When selecting the best treatment, it is important to evaluate discomfort during the procedure, desired results, post-procedure downtime and treatment frequency.
The Basics of Skin Damage
Squinting overworks facial muscles. Overworked facial muscles eventually form a crevice under the skin, which develops into a wrinkle. Another contributor to skin damage and wrinkles is sun exposure, specifically UVA and UVB rays. Both UVA and UVB rays breakdown collagen in the skin, which alters the body's ability to repair the skin. So how do you fix the damage and signs of aging?
Chemical Peels
This non-surgical treatment is commonly used on the face, neck and hands to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, according to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Topically applied solutions containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid, among others, remove the top layer of skin.
Cosmetic Fillers
Collagen and other fillers are injected directly into the area to smooth out facial wrinkles and bulk up the area. Some dermatologists use common body fat taken from the patient's belly or thigh.
BOTOX®
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves this injectable toxin for dermatology use. Commonly injected in the area between the eyebrows, BOTOX® blocks the nerves to the muscles. When muscle activity is minimized, lines and wrinkles formed by squinting are lessened. It takes three to seven days to see full results and the effect lasts about three months.
Serums
Tretinoins, commonly called Retin A or Renova, are topically applied twice a day to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Dermabrasion
This procedure, used to treat sun-damaged skin, sands away the top layer of skin. The recovery time is about one week due to bleeding and scabbing.
Laser Resurfacing
Outer layers of skin are removed with a high-intensity laser. A local anesthetic is often used for this somewhat painful procedure.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Using a sunscreen with at least SPF-15 is essential. Dermatologists advise using sunscreen daily; it is more effective to use a low SPF-15 sunscreen daily than to intermittently use a higher SPF. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from harmful rays, they also prevent the squinting that can lead to wrinkle formation.
Be sure to investigate all options for non-surgical treatments before making a final decision.
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