Preventative care and treatments for wrinkles

What causes skin wrinkles

One of the natural signs of aging is wrinkling of the skin. As a person ages, elastin and collagen located in the dermal layer of the skin will start to break down. The elastin is what gives the skin its stretchiness while collagen (the protein that makes up structure of the skin). Over time, the skin will lose its elasticity, be less able to retain mositure, heal slower, and lose its 'glow' as a result of lower blood circulation. All of the factors contribute to the natural agin of skin.

Preventable factors that contribute to skin wrinkles

Although skin wrinkling is a natural process, there are other external factors which contribute and accelerate wrinkling of the skin. The following steps can be taken to reduce these factors:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure (UV radiation)
• Always wear sunscreen outdoors
• Do not smoke
• Avoid excessive facial muscle contractions (smiling, frowning, squinting)

Treatments for wrinkled skin

Click on the individual items in the following list to learn more about the various wrinkle treatment options available.

• Topical retinoids for wrinkles
• Non-prescription wrinkle treatment creams
• Dermabrasion
• Microdermabrasion
• Laser treatments
• Chemical peel
• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox)
• Soft tissue fillers
• Plastic surgery for skin wrinkles