Causes
There are only a handful of controllable factors that lead to wrinkles, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking are both actions that can cause premature or excessively predominant wrinkles. As a person ages, the skin becomes less elastic as fat in the deeper layers of the dermis diminish. As well, repeated facial expressions such as squinting, smiling, or frowning, can leave their mark as skin becomes less able to return to its plumper youthful state.
Treatment
Treatment for wrinkles is purely aesthetic. Over-the-counter wrinkle creams containing retinoids may help even out the skin’s appearance and eliminate some fine lines. Of notable concern, these ingredients have been linked to skin irritation and unsightly redness. Doctor-assisted procedures for wrinkle removal include laser treatment, chemical peel, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, Botox injections, soft tissue fillers, skin tightening, and facelift. Marla Ahlgrimm cautions, however, that each of these may be prohibitively expensive, require repeat treatment, and are also not without their risks. A facelift, which may last ten years, can take several weeks to heal and is often accompanied by extreme swelling and facial bruising.
Prevention
Wrinkles may not be prevented entirely but Marla Ahlgrimm notes that their unflattering effects may be prolonged by either using an SPF 30 lotion when skin is exposed to the sun, moisturizing daily, eliminating cigarettes and/or alcohol from the diet, and eating a rainbow of healthy fruits and vegetables.
