What are wrinkles?
Wrinkles are creases or lines in the facial skin. Over time and with age, as we lose fat, collagen, and skin elasticity, more wrinkles develop.
There are two main types of wrinkles:
- Dynamic wrinkles: These wrinkles are caused by years of making facial expressions. Frowning and smiling uses facial muscles under the skin – as we age, the skin sinks into the folds around the muscles, causing wrinkles.
- Static wrinkles: These wrinkles are visible no matter the facial expression. Dynamic wrinkles may eventually become static wrinkles over time.
What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles are caused by aging skin. As we age, our skin becomes less elastic i.e it doesn’t bounce back from facial expressions as quickly. Skin with less elasticity is also looser, causing folds in between the eyebrows, across the forehand, around the eyes and mouth. The wrinkles are further exaggerated by a loss of fat and collagen in our face.
External factors can cause wrinkling to be more noticeable or occur earlier in a person’s life, such as:
- Smoking
- Sun damage
- Repeated dehydration (not drinking enough water)
- Medications & illnesses
- Poor skin health
- Dehydration
- Environmental free-radicals (such as smog)
Who gets wrinkles?
Unfortunately, everybody gets wrinkles eventually! However, depending on a person’s skin type, lifestyle and ethnicity, wrinkles may occur sooner or later than others.
Those who make particularly exaggerated facial expressions are more prone to wrinkles, as well as those who smoke or drink.
How can I prevent wrinkles?
Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to prevent the onset of wrinkles in your early years:
- Don’t smoke
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Keep hydrated with 6-8 cups of water per day
- Consume antioxidants (blueberries, green tea etc).
- Limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen
- Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30
- Moisturize and use anti-wrinkle serums
- Keep skin covered in hot and cold weather
- Wear sunglasses to prevent squinting
- Don’t use tanning booths
- Exfoliate to encourage new skin production
In general, looking after your body and skin will protect you against wrinkles for as long as possible.
How can I treat wrinkles?
If you’re unhappy with your wrinkles, or feel that they age you unfairly, there are many treatment options available to you.
- Creams and serums
Creams containing Vitamin E and A are said to reduce superficial wrinkles. Retinoids, collagen and peptides are also beneficial ingredients.
- Laser DermaSurfacing
Resurfaces the skin with medical grade lasers. Depending on your skin type, results last up to 3 years.
- Collagen Volumizers
Injectables containing collagen or ‘collagen-like’ substance. By replacing the plumpness of the skin, wrinkles appear reduced and skin looks more youthful.
- Botox
A traditional and very popular treatment that can reduce even deep dynamic wrinkles. By relaxing the facial muscles that cause wrinkles, this effective injectable lasts for several months.
- PRP and Stem Cells
Stimulate your body to produce more collagen and elastic tissue, to naturally reduce sagging and wrinkles.
No matter your age or skin type, if wrinkles are a concern – there’s a treatment to suit you. Before embarking on any comprehensive or non-surgical skin treatment, always consult a professional. Cheaper options for skin rejuvenation are often not of a high standard or performed by poorly trained staff. At West LA Medical & Skincare, only Dr. Melamed performs all the procedures as well as all of your consultations to meet your satisfaction. You can trust that your skin, safety, and well-being are in safe and accredited hands. Call us today at (310-473-1734 or schedule an Online Appointment to find out how we can transform your skin, in less time that you might think!