While you can’t completely erase wrinkles, the following treatments may help reduce their appearance and prevent them from getting deeper:
Retinoids(Altreno, Atralin, Avage, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, tazarotene, Tazorac, Refissa, tretinoin). Among medical treatments, this is by far the most proven and effective way to improve signs of aging, such as uneven pigmentation, roughness, and wrinkling. Retinoids work by boosting collagen production in the skin and fading age spots. At first, this wrinkle-removing treatment may cause redness and peeling. Although this side effect can be unpleasant, you can see improvement when the peeling stops.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These “fruit acids” include glycolic and lactic acid. AHAs exfoliate the outer layer of your skin, helping shed dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new ones. Preparations with AHAs are safe and cause no more than mild and temporary irritation. But the results they give are relatively subtle.
Antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as carotenoids, shield the skin from environmental damage that speeds up aging. Products that contain antioxidants may provide some sun protection (though you should still wear sunscreen) and mildly improve wrinkles.
Moisturizers. These may temporarily make wrinkles look less noticeable. Ads for moisturizers often say that they “reduce the appearance of fine lines.” But they don’t make those lines go away permanently.
Glycolic acid peels. These superficial peels can make a very slight difference in the intensity of fine wrinkles.
Deeper peels. These peels use ingredients such as phenol and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to reach deeper into the skin. Deeper peels do a better job of smoothing fine lines than superficial ones. But in general, the deeper the peel, the greater the chance of side effects, such as scarring and changes in skin color. Deeper peels can be uncomfortable, so ask ahead of time what to expect.
Dermabrasion. This procedure uses a motorized rotating device to “sand” off the top layer of skin. Choose an experienced professional to do this procedure, which can make a big difference in your skin’s appearance. Possible side effects include scarring and permanent changes in skin color.
Laser resurfacing. This wrinkle treatment uses intense beams of light to remove the outer layer of skin, which boosts collagen production. There are different types of laser resurfacing methods, including carbon dioxide (CO2), erbium, and fractional. Ask your doctor how many treatments you’ll need, how much “down time” your skin will need to heal, and what risks are involved.
Plastic surgery. Facelifts, brow lifts, and other cosmetic surgeries are more invasive treatments. They can produce dramatic results compared to minor procedures, but they also come with more serious risks, such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and nerve damage.
Ultrasound therapy. A technique called Ultherapy uses ultrasound to boost your body’s collagen production. Ultrasound therapy lifts and tightens skin on the face, neck, and chin. It can also be used on wrinkles on the chest area.
Injections. Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin), daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm (Daxxify), and prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs relax the muscles that create “frown lines” on the forehead, fine lines around the eyes, and other wrinkles. Improvement lasts several months, but you must repeat the treatments to keep seeing the benefits.
Wrinkle fillerslike hyaluronic acid (Juvederm, Restylane), poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra), and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) are injected into skin folds, especially around the mouth, to improve the appearance of wrinkles. Injections fill in the hollows in cheeks and temples and lift sagging skin, especially around the mouth and on the neck. Some fillers actually boost collagen production, which improves skin tone and texture.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT). This wrinkle treatment uses a light-sensitizing drug activated by a light source to treat fine lines and other signs of sun damage.
Microdermabrasion. Like dermabrasion, this procedure removes the outermost layer of skin, but it’s less invasive. The dermatologist releases tiny crystals onto your skin or uses a diamond-tipped wand to sand off damaged skin, which promotes the growth of new skin cells and collagen.
If you plan to get a cosmetic procedure, talk to an experienced doctor. Share your goals and ask about the risks, benefits, and costs.
Keep in mind that there is no one best solution for wrinkles. Everyone’s skin is different. It might take some trial and error to find the facial wrinkle remover that works best for you.
While you can’t stop the clock on aging, here are a few things you can do to reduce the effects of time on your skin:
Shield your skin from the sun. Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially in the middle of the day. Wear protective clothing, such as hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses, when you’re outside. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, and reapply at least every two hours and right after swimming or toweling off. When choosing makeup, lotion, or other everyday beauty products, look for those with SPF built in, so you know you’re getting daily protection even when you don’t apply sunscreen.
Moisturize daily. Hydrated skin is plump skin. Dry skin causes your skin cells to shrink and promotes fine lines and creases.
Don’t smoke. If you smoke, find a method to help you quit. Skin tone and texture will improve once you’ve kicked the habit.
Eat healthy food. When you get a good mix of vitamins and minerals, your whole body, including your skin, benefits.
