In the interest of keeping things real, we regret to inform you that — if it hasn't already happened — one day, you'll look in the mirror and notice horizontal creases where your skin used to be smooth. But when those lines do show up, the good news is there are things you can do to make them far less noticeable. We talked to top derms about the latest tricks, tips, and treatments for minimizing this totally front-and-center sign of aging.
Change your habits
If you've ever wished for a simple, costless solution for preventing or minimizing a permanently-furrowed brow, we have good news: It actually exists! People should be aware that there are everyday things they can do to avoid creating forehead wrinkles. She recommends managing stress with techniques like meditation, wearing sunglasses outside (even in winter!) and seeing the eye doctor regularly to make sure your prescription is up-to-date (to prevent squinting).
Staying hydrated is also key to minimizing fine lines in the long and short term. Dehydration from alcohol and excessive amount of sugar in one's diet can affect the skin and cause wrinkles down the line as well as smoking. As painful as it is, consider reigning in your chocolate and rosé habit now to cut down on wrinkles later in life. Already have some lines you'd like to reduce? Make sure you're drinking enough water.
Use preventative skin care
You can't really erase your wrinkles, but retinoids are the next best thing. "Retinoids increase cell turnover, prompting new cell growth and collagen synthesis, so it can help smooth the appearance of wrinkles," says dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, founder of SmarterSkin Dermatology.
And don't forget the ultimate multitasker: SPF. "It’s important to wear a sunscreen even in the winter and look for moisturizers that contain SPF. Look for one that says broad spectrum, which means UVB and UVA coverage and SPF 30 or above.
Слънцезащитен кремUV SPF50
Apply anti-wrinkle creams
Over-the-counter anti-wrinkle creams can be effective against wrinkles depending on their active ingredients and how long you use them. The best anti-wrinkle ingredients to look for in skin care products are:
Retinol: “The most powerful anti-wrinkle ingredient available is retinol. It involves skin cell turnover and the production of collagen and elastin, which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Perkins. A 2007 study involving 36 adult users found that applying topical retinol can improve fine lines due to natural aging.
Antioxidants: "Antioxidants like vitamin C, which help protect against the free radical population, can also help make collagen," Garshik says. Niacinamide, the form of vitamin B-3, improves skin elasticity and locks in moisture. Products with tea or grape seed extracts contain a compound with antioxidants.
It is best to combine the combination of anti-wrinkle creams with other practices that appeal to wrinkles.
Try facial treatments
You may be able to reduce the appearance of wrinkles with in-office procedures like:
Laser resurfacing, where a laser removes the outer layer of the skin and heats the underlying layer to stimulate collagen growth. This procedure is proven to be effective in treating fine wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion, a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by spraying abrasive crystals on the face and removing a fine layer of skin.
Microneedling, where a dermatologist uses thin, sterile needles to puncture the skin and create wounds, effectively boosting collagen production. A 2018 study found that four micro-needling treatments administered one month apart improve fine lines and wrinkles in people aged 35 to 75 with signs of facial aging.
To protect your health and get the intended results, make sure that you are being treated by board-certified dermatologists.
АПАРАТ ЗА ДИАМАНТЕНО МИКРОДЕРМАБРАЗИО
Get an amped-up facial
Treatments need not be invasive in order to be effective. Even a facial can do the trick, if done with the right tools. Frank recommends hisOxyLight Facial for improving the overall appearance of skin. The high-tech method incorporates several buzzy anti-aging strategies, including LED light, which penetrates skin to boost collagen production, oxygen, which refreshes tired cells, and micro-current stimulation, which sends tiny amounts of electricity into facial muscles, giving them a “workout.” All three techniques are great if you have sensitive skin, or if you’re just wary of harsher treatments like peels. "These are all-natural complements to the way our bodies work, and they provide a safe, relaxing, and effective way to correct skin problems,” says Frank. Because they don’t hurt or require recovery time, facials like the OxyLight are perfect if you’re prepping for a big event. The catch? Results likely won't last as long as they would with a surgical procedure.
Try facial treatments
You may be able to reduce the appearance of wrinkles with in-office procedures like:
- Laser resurfacing, where a laser removes the outer layer of the skin and heats the underlying layer to stimulate collagen growth. This procedure is proven to be effective in treating fine wrinkles.
- Microdermabrasion, a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by spraying abrasive crystals on the face and removing a fine layer of skin.
- Microneedling, where a dermatologist uses thin, sterile needles to puncture the skin and create wounds, effectively boosting collagen production. A 2018 study found that four micro-needling treatments administered one month apart improve fine lines and wrinkles in people aged 35 to 75 with signs of facial aging.
To protect your health and get the intended results, make sure that you are being treated by board-certified dermatologists.
Manage stress
Chronic stress may cause wrinkles because the primary stress hormone, cortisol, can decrease collagen production.
In addition, repeatedly making facial expressions associated with stress, like furrowing your brows, causes wrinkles to deepen, says Garshick.
There is no medical procedure to prevent stress-induced skin aging, but getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help you manage stress and prevent exacerbating skin aging.
