Overview
Wrinkles are small folds in the skin that usually occur in areas controlled by voluntary muscles or joints, providing the needed flexibility for the skin to move properly. Age, environmental factors and other influences can affect the number and prominence of wrinkles. Some people do seem to have more than others. For those bothered by them, several treatments are available to help reduce wrinkles.
Causes
The Mayo Clinic points to several factors that can influence the prominence of wrinkles including age, facial expressions repeated frequently and environmental factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet light or smoking. As you grow older, you lose the elasticity in your skin due to a natural reduction of collagen and elastin. Skin becomes thinner and more fragile, preventing it from maintaining proper tension. The underlying layers of fat that keeps the skin taut may also decrease. Consequently, the skin becomes looser and more likely to form wrinkles. Exposure to excessive ultraviolet light and smoking can speed up the aging process. Repeated facial expressions also “train” the skin to form wrinkles in certain areas, particularly around the mouth and the corners of the eyes.
Symptoms
For most people, wrinkling of the face skin first occurs around the eyes, followed by the mouth, forehead and neck. First appearing as fine lines, sun exposure, repeated facial expressions and other influences cause these fine wrinkles to become deep crevices or creases over the years. In some cases, individuals may actually appear older than their biological age, due to the presence of profoundly wrinkled skin.
Prevention
Nothing available today can prevent wrinkles completely, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of them occurring. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of nutrients, particularly Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and the B vitamins, which are essential to good skin health. Avoid overexposure to sunlight by using sunscreens or protective clothing. If you smoke, consider quitting.
Topical Treatments
A number of over-the-counter (OTC) products are available to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, according to the Mayo Clinic. These contain ingredients that may act as an emollient to soften the skin and make it more flexible. Other ingredients may plump the underlying tissue, reducing the depth of the wrinkles. Still others may exfoliate the skin and promote new cell growth, reducing fine wrinkles over time. Most products are also available in prescription strength.
Medical Procedures
Some medical procedures can help reduce wrinkles. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) indicates that Botox, one type of treatment, actually paralyzes selected muscles in the face. An injection near the nerves in the corner of the eye, the forehead, around the mouth and other areas can prevent the repetitive facial expressions that make wrinkles more prominent. Implantable materials, such as collagen, synthetic polymers and grafted fat, can also be injected under the wrinkles to fill them out and smooth the area. The Mayo Clinic also states that surgical procedures, such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, where the skin is sanded, or laser resurfacing, can all reduce fine lines by removing older damaged skin and allowing new skin to grow in its place.
