Wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, but they can negatively impact your self-esteem. If you are looking for a way to get rid of it, start by trying some skin products and home remedies that help combat this blemish. If you're not getting the desired results, consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to find out about treatments that can improve skin texture and make you feel better based on your needs.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Skin Care Products
Step 1. Opt for a retinol or alpha hydroxy acid based wrinkle cream
Choose a cream that contains a beneficial active ingredient, such as retinol, vitamin C or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). More expensive products or products with numerous active ingredients may not necessarily be more effective than those containing only one or two, so don't be influenced by these factors when choosing your wrinkle cream. Try it for 6-8 weeks before evaluating its effectiveness. Here are other active ingredients not to be underestimated:
- Coenzyme Q10;
- Peptides;
- Tea extracts;
- Grape seed extract;
- Niacinamide.
Step 2. Cleanse your face every day with a mild cleanser
Another great way to decrease the appearance of wrinkles is to keep your skin clean and prevent it from becoming irritated while cleaning. Choose a mild cleanser or cleanser for sensitive skin and wash it in the morning, in the evening, and whenever it feels sweaty or dirty.
Choose a cleanser without exfoliating agents. They can irritate the skin
Step 3. Exfoliate your face twice a week manually or chemically
The manual exfoliator contains granules that clean the skin, while the chemical one breaks down dead cells. Both methods eliminate dead skin cells giving it a younger and smoother appearance. The best time to exfoliate is in the morning because during the night the skin repairs by itself the damage suffered during the day.
- If you choose a chemical exfoliator, you can do a small chemical peel at home. You can buy this beauty kit in perfumery.
- If you prefer an exfoliating brush, you can use it every day.
- You could also make an exfoliant using salt, sugar, baking soda, coffee grounds, honey, or lemon juice.
Step 4. Use wrinkle cream twice a day
No product produces miraculous results out of the blue. It will take at least a few weeks of regular use and maybe a couple of months before you notice the difference. You will likely need to apply wrinkle cream in the morning and evening after cleaning your face. Follow the instructions on the package and see if the wrinkles subside within a couple of months.
- Keep in mind that alpha-hydroxy acid or retinol products can irritate the eye area. Therefore, you may want to avoid applying them in this area or use only a small amount.
- The wrinkle cream should be rich enough to replace the moisturizer. If not, apply a moisturizing, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic product after washing your face. Massage it in circular motions, focusing on the wrinkles.
Step 5. Use sunscreen
Sun exposure can accelerate the aging process and promote the appearance of wrinkles. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever you need to go out for more than 15 minutes. You can apply it on your moisturizer or opt for a sunscreen moisturizer.
- Reapply every 2 hours if you continue to be exposed to the sun, go for a swim or sweat excessively.
- Sun exposure can accelerate the onset of the signs of aging and increase the risk of skin cancer, regardless of color and skin type.
- It is preferable to use a sunscreen made with natural ingredients and containing zinc oxide or titanium to protect the face from the sun's rays.
Step 6. Consider the wrinkle serum
There are numerous products of this kind on the market that claim to slow down the appearance of wrinkles and some even manage to produce satisfactory results. Keep in mind that widely distributed cosmetics are not as effective as those prescribed by your doctor, although you may notice a noticeable reduction in wrinkles over time. Opt for a serum that contains antioxidants, such as vitamins C, B3, and E.
Remember that the high prices of some wrinkle products are no guarantee of their effectiveness
Step 7. Take antioxidant supplements
Vitamins and minerals promote skin health by improving its appearance. Carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, D, and E are all great options. Protein and lactobacilli are also equally beneficial. You can get these nutrients through your diet or in the form of supplements.
Consult your doctor before following a dietary supplementation regimen
Method 2 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Try massaging your face
You can smooth out wrinkles by using a device or your fingertips to massage the skin. This method is most effective when combined with an anti-wrinkle treatment consisting of, for example, washing the face and using an anti-wrinkle cream. Buy a facial massager and use it after applying the wrinkle cream, or massage the skin with your fingers when applying the cream.
Keep in mind that it will take 4-8 weeks to see results… and they will not be miraculous
Step 2. Add turmeric to your diet
Topical application of turmeric has not been shown to reduce wrinkles, but consuming this spice helps reduce their appearance. Try adding 1-2 teaspoons into your recipes. You can also take a supplement. In this case, buy the turmeric capsules and follow the instructions on the package.
Consult your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you are on drug therapy
Step 3. Apply the rooibos to the skin
A study analyzed the action of anti-wrinkle creams containing phytotherapeutic agents and the rooibos-based formulation was found to be the most effective in reducing wrinkles. You can buy a wrinkle cream made with this ingredient or make African red tea, wait for it to cool and apply it to the skin with cotton balls.
- Make a cup of tea by placing 1 teaspoon or 1 sachet of rooibos in 240ml of hot water.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes and remove the infuser or sachet.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature, then use cotton balls to apply it to freshly washed skin.
- Leave it on and apply the moisturizer on top.
Method 3 of 3: Follow Medical Wrinkle Treatment
Step 1. Ask your doctor to prescribe a retinoid cream
The first line of wrinkle treatment can be a cream to be applied daily to the skin. Helps slow the appearance of wrinkles and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
- Retinoid creams can itch, irritate or dry out the skin. In addition, they can cause a burning or tingling sensation after application. If these side effects become unbearable, let your doctor know.
- If you use a retinoid cream, protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- This product can come at a price of around 90 € for 30ml.
Step 2. Learn about botox
Botulinum toxin injections are a popular anti-wrinkle treatment for wrinkles, especially crow's feet and forehead wrinkles. You may notice a drastic reduction about 2 weeks after the session. As with any medical treatment, there are some risks, including infections, allergic reactions, and pain.
- If you are unsure about using botox, try treating a small area. For example, you could start with a small injection between the eyebrows, around the eyes or around the lips to appreciate the results.
- Keep in mind that the effect lasts only 3-4 months, so you will have to repeat the infiltration if you want to have smoother facial skin.
Step 3. Try laser resurfacing
Laser treatments help improve the overall appearance of the skin and, at the same time, are aimed at fighting wrinkles and fine signs of aging. There are two types of lasers used to treat wrinkles: ablative and non-ablative. The first removes the upper skin layer freeing the newer one underneath. The second only heats the skin without removing the top layer, but favoring the growth of a new skin layer. Your doctor can offer you more insight into these two methods and can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Laser treatment can be painful, depending on the intensity of the light beam. Sometimes, anesthesia may be necessary depending on the area to be treated and the depth of treatment.
- Generally, the cost of these treatments must always be individualized during a preliminary visit, but the treatment of a large part of the face can cost on average between € 250 and € 300 per session.
Step 4. Get a chemical peel
Chemical peeling is done by applying a special solution to the face that has been left to act for a certain period of time. Over the next few days, the skin peels off revealing the underlying layer. This procedure reduces the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging.
- Chemical peeling can be of different types: superficial or soft, medium and deep. The former produces less visible results than a deep peel, but it may be enough if you want to get rid of a few fine lines. In case of more pronounced signs, medium or deep treatment is more effective.
- Depending on the depth at which the peel is performed, anesthesia may be required and the procedure should be performed by a cosmetic surgeon. Superficial peeling can be done by a beautician or paramedic who specializes in these techniques.
- The cost depends on the professional you are contacting and the structure in which it operates, but also on the type of peeling you want. Generally the average price for a session is between 80 and 180 €.
Step 5. Consider microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a deep exfoliation treatment that removes dead and damaged skin from the upper layer of the dermis to uncover the healthier underlying one. It is a minimally invasive and low-risk procedure. Some people combine it with chemical peels for more noticeable results.
- Microdermabrasion is best suited for light wrinkles, such as crow's feet.
- After the treatment you must avoid exposure to the sun.
- The price of a session can vary from about 100 to 200 €.
Step 6. Learn about dermabrasion
It is a more aggressive exfoliation procedure carried out through the use of a special tool (composed of smoothing micro-brushes or micro-burs) which performs the mechanical removal of the superficial layers of the skin in certain areas, such as very wrinkled ones. Normally, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia and complications and side effects include the risk of infections.
- Dermabrasion is more suitable for smile lines and vertical lines that form on the surface of the lips.
- After surgery, your skin will be sore and sensitive, so it is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding care. You will also need to stay out of the sun until completely healed.
- The cost can vary between 130 and 800 €.
Step 7. Consider soft tissue fillers
Filling in depressions and sagging skin can also decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Soft tissue fillers, also known as wrinkle fillers and injectable fillers, effectively reduce the formation of wrinkles on the face, especially in the mouth and cheek areas. They can also be used to combat this blemish on the back of the hand.
- Ask your dermatologist if you can use this treatment to reduce wrinkles.
- Keep in mind that, while rarely occurring, soft tissue fillers involve swelling and pain that can last for weeks, months, or even years. Side effects also include the risk of infections and allergic reactions after infiltration, so tell your doctor if you experience any unusual pain, swelling, redness, discharge or bruising.
- The cost of the treatment is variable. It ranges from € 150 to € 600 per vial depending on the type of filler and the area to be treated.
Step 8. Evaluate "skin tightening"
The dermatologist could also offer you a procedure that restores tone to the areas of the face that have lost it. It is performed using a device that heats the skin. The results are not visible immediately. To become noticeable, it takes 4-6 months.
- The results of "skin tightening" can last up to 1 year.
- It may take several sessions to achieve the desired effect.
- Costs range from € 300 to € 3500 per session and vary according to the patient's condition and the area to be treated.
Step 9. Consider the facelift
If none of the non-surgical procedures you've tried have been effective, consider getting a facelift. Also known as face rejuvenation surgery, it is an operation that produces noticeable results that last 5 to 10 years.
- Keep in mind that it is expensive. On average, the rates range between € 3000 and € 5500 depending on the doctor and the procedure.
- The facelift carries risks like any other surgery. Talk to your cosmetic surgeon to decide if it's worth it.
Advice
- Although cosmetics are useful, nutrition also plays an important role in skin health. So, eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet. Choose anti-inflammatory foods and avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates that can promote inflammatory processes in the body.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep yourself hydrated. If it's hot or you move around a lot, increase your fluid intake to meet your water needs.
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking accelerates the aging process and accentuates the signs of aging.
- Meditation can help you slow down the aging process and, consequently, prevent wrinkles!
