Wrinkles are a normal part of the aging process. In fact, a few wrinkles can even add character to your appearance. But it’s no secret that many people prefer to keep their wrinkles well-hidden.
Collagen production begins to slow as you get older, causing your skin to lose its elasticity and become thinner and drier. And when your skin doesn’t have the same volume or moisture as it once did, you can guess what happens next: wrinkles.
Of course, aging is only one reason for wrinkles. There are many other factors that can contribute to those unwanted lines on your skin. The skin care experts at The Derm are here to explain why wrinkles form, what treatments can help reduce them, and when to see a dermatologist.
What are wrinkles?
Wrinkles are thin lines or creases that form on your skin, most often on your face, neck, hands, and arms. Some wrinkles become deep and may be especially noticeable around your eyes and mouth.
Everyone’s skin ages over time – that’s why the skin of a young child and an elderly person looks so different. It’s inevitable that wrinkles will show up at some point, but taking good care of your skin can go a long way in keeping it wrinkle-free for as long as possible.
Why do wrinkles form?
Aging
Starting in your 30s, you will lose about 1% of your collagen every year. The layer of fat beneath your skin also thins over time. As your skin becomes less elastic and more fragile, wrinkles will begin to form. Genetics can also play a role in the look and feel of aging skin, especially if your family has skin that tends to wrinkle easily.
Smoking
Tobacco smoke damages collagen and elastin, the fibers that give your skin its elasticity and strength. Nicotine also causes your blood vessels to constrict and reduces blood flow to your skin, depriving it of oxygen, vitamin A, and other nutrients that keep it healthy.
Sun damage
There’s a reason why wrinkles tend to appear on your face, neck, hands, and arms first – these parts of your skin are often exposed to the sun, which accelerates the aging process. Excess sun exposure causes your skin to age prematurely, especially if you sunburn easily.
Facial expressions
You use your facial muscles every time you smile, frown, or squint, leaving tiny grooves beneath the surface of your skin. Over time, these grooves become laugh lines around your mouth, frown lines between your eyebrows, and crow’s feet at the corners of your eyes.
Treatment options for wrinkles
Without professional treatment, it can be challenging to reverse the appearance of wrinkles once you have them. The Derm offers many treatment options to reduce your wrinkles and help you stay younger-looking, including:
Microneedling
Microneedling (or skin needling) is a facial rejuvenation treatment known for improving wrinkles and fine lines. Using a device with several tiny needles, your dermatologist creates a miniature wound in the top layer of your skin. The wound then heals within minutes, prompting new collagen and elastin to form.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion treatment uses a high-speed rotating device to remove the top layers of your skin. The skin that grows back in its place is smoother and firmer, making wrinkles and fine lines less visible. Dermabrasion is also used to treat acne scars, age spots, and other skin blemishes.
Retinoids
Retinoids are chemicals derived from vitamin A that help reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve your skin’s texture. Retinoids are available in many over-the-counter skin care products that you can use at home. After you apply the product directly to your skin, retinoids penetrate deep into your skin’s layers to activate collagen and elastin production.
When to see a dermatologist
Are you already seeing the early signs of wrinkles? The sooner you take care of them, the better. But with thousands of wrinkle creams and anti-aging products on the market, you may have no idea where to start.
Instead of picking a product and hoping for the best, come to The Derm! One of our experienced dermatologists will thoroughly explain your treatment options and create a customized plan just for you.
Schedule an appointment today
The Derm is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care for all, including cosmetic dermatology, general dermatology, and surgical dermatology. We also offer a full line of skin care products to help slow the signs of aging and keep your skin healthy. To get started, schedule an appointment today at one of our state-of-the-art offices in Glenview, Park Ridge, or Wilme
