Wrinkles: Causes and treatment

Article about how you can slow down the aging process of the skin and some forms of treatments available to reduce wrinkles


In the olden days, wrinkles were thought to signify wisdom. But in today's world, most do everything possible to avoid aging changes and wrinkling of the skin. Many products and procedures are targeted at reducing wrinkles. Some may help and some may not. So it is important to make an informed decision on anti-aging measures to be used.

Skin ages all over the body,but these changes are more pronounced where there is exposure to the sun.Sun-related damage can cause photoaging,dryness,sagging of the skin,certain skin growths like keratoses (liver spots), and wrinkles. Most wrinkles appear on the parts of the body where the exposure is greatest. These include the face, V of the neck, hands, and forearms.

Wrinkles come in two categories - fine surface lines and deep furrows.Wrinkle treatments are in general much more effective for fine lines.Deeper creases may require more invasive techniques such as filler injections or laser treatment.

Factors that increase wrinkling
Smoking and consumption of alcohol
Fairer skin shows increased wrinkling
Heredity Occupational and recreational habits (farming, sailing, golfing) - excessive exposure to sun hastens aging changes of the skin

Preventive measures

The main preventive measures are minimising exposure to sun, regular use of broad spectrum sunscreens, protective hats and clothing, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.

Treatments and procedures

There are several medical (topical medicines and creams) and cosmetic techniques available to reduce wrinkles. They include both medical and surgical methods.

Medical treatments available:

Vitamin A acid creams: This ingredient, available by prescription of a dermatologist only, is effective in treating aging skin and fine lines. These creams must be used on a regular basis and may produce redness and peeling at first, but discomfort can usually be minimised by lowering the cream's concentration or applying it less often until the skin gets used to it.

Alpha-hydroxy acids: These so-called 'fruit acids' include glycolic and lactic acid. Preparations containing these fruit acids are quite safe and cause no more than mild and temporary irritation. They produce subtle improvement.

Antioxidants: These include preparations that contain the vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene. Such creams may provide a certain amount of protection from the sun as well as mild improvement of fine wrinkles.

Anti-aging creams: Anti-aging creams must contain an active ingredient for them to be effective.
Cosmetic procedures available:

Glycolic acid peels: These superficial peels can make a slight difference to the intensity of fine wrinkles.

Microdermabrasion: This is 'sanding the skin' with a machine containing silica or aluminum crystals.
Laser resurfacing: Using instruments such as carbon dioxide and erbium lasers, dermatologists can reduce wrinkling.

Fractional resurfacing: Newer lasers work through a modification of traditional laser resurfacing.Treatments affect only evenly-spaced spots surrounded by undamaged skin. Healing is much faster with less 'downtime' afterwards.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing: Newer lasers attempt to stimulate collagen synthesis under the skin without peeling or damaging the epidermis. Studies and clinical experience suggest that such procedures can improve fine wrinkles. Anyone considering any of the cosmetic procedures should fully inform themselves about the risks and potential benefits before going ahead.