Facial wrinkles naturally occur as a part of the aging process. As one ages, there is a decrease in the body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin, the two proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. Wrinkles can cause people to look tired, or even depressed. Many people want to continue to look attractive to themselves and others well into their senior years, so they may use or undergo wrinkle reduction treatments to rejuvenate the appearance of their face. Some methods of wrinkle reduction include creams, surgical fillers and implants, and injections like Botox®.
Wrinkle reduction creams are the least invasive kind of wrinkle treatments. Most creams usually have few or no side effects. Visible improvement takes time, however, and not every cream delivers what it promises.
Creams that contain hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells, which are then replaced by healthy cells. Antioxidant creams, such as those that contain alpha lipoic acids and Vitamin A, are the best defense against skin-damaging free radicals. Natural oils such as Vitamin E, when applied to the face, can keep skin supple and generally make wrinkling less likely. Avocado oil seems to increase the amount of collagen in the skin when used on a regular basis.
Invasive wrinkle reduction procedures carried out by a facial surgeon or dermatologist can be very painful. Recovery time can be anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Such procedures are very expensive when compared to the use of creams, and most of the time they are not covered by insurance since they are considered cosmetic. The effects of most invasive wrinkle reduction procedures usually only last several months, so the procedures usually have to be repeated periodically to keep the face looking young and healthy. Injectable collagen fillers and implants, skin peels, laser therapy, and Botox® Cosmetic treatments are all types of invasive wrinkle reduction procedures.
Botulinum toxin type A, most commonly known as Botox® Cosmetic, is probably the most widely used treatment for facial wrinkles. The toxin is injected into the muscles surrounding and under wrinkles. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and the patient can immediately go back to work, or to whatever else they were doing. Possible side effects include swelling, bruising, and redness, all of which typically disappear after a few hours. Some patients lose control of their facial muscles after repeated Botox® treatments, however.
