How To Get Rid Of Wrinkles

The gradual development of facial wrinkles, whether fine surface lines or deeper creases and folds, is the classic early sign of accumulated skin damage and inevitable aging. We are not able to stop the clock that tells us our age through the look of our skin.

Next to death, the only certain thing in this world are wrinkles! No matter who you are or where you live, you'll get wrinkles sooner or later. And if you smoke, stay outdoors most of the time, patronize tanning salons, and have parents with lots of wrinkles, you may get them sooner than you think!

The certainty of wrinkles is best expressed by American actress Estelle Getty who said, “Age doesn't bring you wisdom. It brings you wrinkles.” Indeed, while they may appear at different ages in different people, wrinkles are here to stay because as we age, the skin ages as well. Young skin is elastic and can stretch and hold in moisture. As we grow old, the skin loses its elasticity and slowly dries up. With the loss of elastin and collagen, wrinkles set in.

The role of heredity in developing wrinkles is best summed up by American actress Doris Day who said, “Wrinkles are hereditary. Parents get them from their children.” But don't give up yet even if you have troublesome kids! There are several treatment options for wrinkles that can make a difference in your life. The trick is to find one that suits your needs, budget, and health.

Microdermabrasion - This is a cosmetic procedure in which the stratum corneum (the dead outermost layer of the skin) is partially or completely removed with a machine containing silica or aluminum crystals. Dead skin is removed by a vacuum connected to the handpiece that "sands the skin". Microdermabrasion cleans skin pores, removes dead skin, lessens scars and dark spots, and may make the face feel smoother. In "home microdermabrasion", mild exfoliants are used that are unlikely to produce any meaningful change in wrinkles.

Dermabrasion - This is a true surgical procedure, often performed under general anesthesia. The treating physician uses a rotating instrument to sand the skin down. Depending a great deal on the skill and experience of the operator, dermabrasion can result in excellent improvement, but can also produce significant side effects, including scarring and permanent changes in skin color.

Laser resurfacing - Using instruments such as the carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, physicians can achieve results similar to those of dermabrasion with greater reliability and precision. The laser is passed several times over the area to be treated until the peel reaches the middle of the dermis, the skin's second layer. This helps stimulate the body's natural collagen synthesis (production), which plumps up sagging skin and wrinkles. Some doctors perform laser resurfacing under "conscious sedation," in which the patient remains awake and receives intravenous medications to calm and ease pain. This sedation is combined with the application of topical anesthetic creams such as EMLA, as well as injections of local anesthetics like lidocaine. Procedures may need to be repeated to maximize improvement. Skin takes a long time to heal (weeks to months) after resurfacing. In addition, this procedure, like dermabrasion can cause permanent pigment changes and scarring.

Botox - The botulinum toxin is highly toxic and one of the most poisonous substances on earth. However, minute doses can paralyze muscles and soften the frown lines between the eyebrows, on the forehead, around the eyes, and other wrinkles. The effects can last from 4 to 6 months and must be repeated to sustain improvement. But not all people respond favorably to Botox and some wrinkles won't disappear in spite of treatment.