Aging of the skin is divided into two categories, chronological aging and photoaging. While chronological aging is unavoidable, photoaging is preventable. And, photoaging, which is due to sun exposure, is responsible for the vast majority of aging changes we see and seek to repair. Brown spots, “broken” capillaries, sallow skin, enlarged pores and of course sagging and wrinkles are all greatly accelerated by sun exposure. To prove it, look at the covered areas of your skin in comparison to the sun exposed areas. Chronological aging accounts for the rest of the story. So, to prevent wrinkles, the best thing you can do is to avoid excessive sun exposure, including sun lamps and tanning beds. Ultraviolet exposure is greatest between 10am and 4pm. Use sunscreens in combination with other sun-protective measures. See our SUNSCREEN section for more information on choosing a proper sunscreen.
Quit Smoking. Smoking not only increases perioral wrinkles (wrinkling around the mouth) but also places you at a higher risk for skin cancer.
Lead a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced healthy diet, daily exercise, and stress reduction.
Many commercial and prescription products are available topically for the treatment of wrinkles. Professional treatments for resurfacing or implantation of materials can also be used for wrinkle treatment. These include:
- Dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane Radiesse, Perlane, and Sculpra
- Botox (Botulinum toxin)
- Fraxel
- Chemical peels
- Pearl Laser
- Cosmeceuticals- Vitamins A, C, E, selenium, coenzyme Q10, green tea, growth factors, pepties , alpha and bets hydroxy acids
- Prescription Vitamin A derivatives - Retin A, Renova, Tazorac, Avage
If you wish to consider treatments for wrinkled skin, please call 916 646 3376 to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians, or take advantage of our complimentary consultations with our expert Cosmetic Coordinator, Victoria Crowe.