Wrinkle Skin Care
Wrinkle skin care includes not only the treatment of the skin after wrinkles have appeared, but also preventative measures aimed at reducing the chances of them developing at all. Wrinkles are a very common part of the aging process and it is a fact that most people will experience them at some time in their lives.
Sun exposure, the environment you live in, genetics and the steps you consistently take to care for your skin all play a factor in determining the degree of wrinkling that develops and how you should approach your wrinkle skin care.
What is a Wrinkle?
A wrinkle in the skin occurs when the two key components of the epidermis (the top layer of skin), collagen and elastin, are broken down and deteriorated. Collagen is responsible for providing strength to the skin and elastic is responsible for its resiliency. When this resiliency is no longer available, the skin is no longer able to "snap back" to its firm state resulting in a wrinkle. With age, the facial muscles also become less tone and begin to sag which also enhances the appearance of wrinkles.
Another major factor in the creation of wrinkles is the repetitive nature of facial movement (often referred to as "mechanical lines"). Things such as "Crows Feet" around the corners of the eyes from squinting and blinking. Smiling and talking creates wrinkles ("laugh lines") around the mouth area and frowning can promote wrinkles across the forehead.
The Sun and Wrinkle Skin Care
Ultraviolet light from the rays of the sun is perhaps the single biggest contributor to skin wrinkles over time. The breakdown of collagen and elastin mentioned above is greatly increased by these rays. Using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged periods of sun exposure from an early age can dramatically improve our chances of reducing wrinkles later in life. An SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 is the absolute minimum (this will block over 90% of UV rays). SPF 30 is preferred.
Anti Wrinkle Treatment
Skin Wrinkle Cream - These anti aging creams, the best of which contain Alpha-hydroxy acids or Retin-A (Tretinoin), can assist in the rejuvenation of collagen and elastin in the skin. Wrinkle creams that contain antioxidants and moisturizers can add additional benefits of hydration and absorption of free radicals.
Chemical Peels - this wrinkle skin care procedure involves treating the skin directly with Alpha or Beta Hydroxy acids or the substance Phenol. Anti-wrinkle treatment with peels actually cause a chemical burn on the upper layers of skin which then blisters and eventually peels off reducing the depth of wrinkles. This wrinkle treatment should be performed by a licensed skin care professional. Use of sunscreen following this procedure is very important.
Laser Skin Treatment - this skin aging treatment is similar to a chemical peel however a laser is used instead. The laser heats up the skin causing a superficial burn which then blisters and peels. A fraxel laser can also be used to treat localized areas of the skin but is more commonly used to treat age spots and hyperpigmentation.
Botox Injections - this wrinkle skin care approach involves the actual injection of botulinum toxin. This has the effect of "freezing" the underlying muscles where wrinkles occur and limiting their ability to affect the skin during repetitive facial movement. This accompanied by wrinkle facial creams can greatly reduce the appearance of wrinkles over type.
Collagen Injections - these injections usually contain human or bovine (cow) collagen and are aimed at restructuring the underlying tissue of the skin. This collagen acts as a "filler" and temporarily supports the areas the skin that are weakened and producing wrinkles.
Natural exfoliants such as lactic and alpha hydroxy acid can provide help in reducing the visible effects of skin wrinkles. These acids can be found in milk, cream and fruit juices. Combing them for a facial cleansing wash once a day can be a valuable part of any skin care regimen.