Wrinkles – they’re like death and taxes. At some point, everyone experiences them. How many each person will get, where they appear, and how deep or intense they are, will depend largely on genetics. If your family is prone to developing pronounced crow’s feet (wrinkles around the eyes) or particularly furrowed-looking brows, you’re likely to get them too. There are, however, steps one can take to prevent, minimize, and get rid of wrinkles.
Preventing wrinkles
Collagen (a protein) and elastin (fibers that create an elastic quality) are both present in large quantities in the skin of younger people. As we age, the skin loses both of these and becomes thinner and less moist; wrinkles are the end result. So, what can we do to stop the clock on what is part of the natural aging process? Here are a few of the most important ones:
- Don’t smoke. Because smoking is a moisture drain on the skin, it can exacerbate the formation of wrinkles.
- Drink plenty of water. This has the opposite effect of smoking and will help to hydrate the skin.
- Use moisturizer, especially in the winter months, when the air tends to be drier.
- Limit the time spent in direct sunlight, as ultraviolet (UV) rays are damaging to the skin and can cause premature wrinkles. When in the sun, always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and higher.
- Don’t spend time in a tanning salon. The machines produce UV rays similar to those of the sun, and their effects can be just as harsh.
Minimizing wrinkles
One obvious choice for minimizing wrinkles is the use of topical cosmetics. A facial concealer does a good job of smoothing out fine lines and deep wrinkles, especially those around the mouth, eyes and even the neck. Botox injections have become more commonplace as the procedure has become more routine, and doctors have determined that side effects are minimal. Botox is a purified form of the same toxin that can cause food poisoning and it is used to paralyze wrinkles – usually those around the eyes, brows and forehead. Similar to other fillers and treatments, the effects of botox are short-lasting, which means that treatments need to be repeated fairly often. This can be a time-consuming and expensive option, which is why, perhaps, it is most often publicized as the movie star’s treatment of choice.
Getting rid of wrinkles
So, can we get rid of wrinkles permanently? The answer is a definitive “no.” Wrinkles are the direct result of aging, with genetics and sunlight playing prominent roles.