According to experts, wrinkles are an inevitable aspect of the natural aging process. Dr. Jaimie DeRossa, a facial plastic surgeon certified by two boards, illustrates that as people age, their skin’s healthy elastin and collagen fibers naturally deteriorate. Environmental and lifestyle characteristics such as smoking, pollution, and sun exposure can contribute to this deterioration. Genetics also plays a role in the development and timing of fine lines and wrinkles.
Although serums and in-office treatments may offer temporary relief, there is no guaranteed method to eliminate wrinkles permanently. However, there are countless preventative measures and treatments available that can minimize the appearance of wrinkles. In this article, we will explore seven of the best options for fighting wrinkles. These options vary from time-honored ingredients to injection treatments.
THE EXPERTS
- Dr. Jaimie DeRosa is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon and the lead at DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Beach.
- Dr. Jeremy Brauer, the founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon practicing in New York.
Wear Sunscreen
The popular adage “the best offense is a good defense” applies aptly to the role of sunscreen in preventing wrinkles, according to Dr. DeRossa. Sun exposure, particularly UVA rays, is a leading cause of collagen and elastin breakdown, and these rays can pass through clouds and glass, underscoring the need of employing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day of the year, regardless of the weather. While it cannot erase existing wrinkles, regular sunscreen usage can certainly deter new ones from appearing.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60: This fast-absorbing, water-resistant sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Utilize Vitamin C Products
To enhance the effectiveness of your sunscreen in preventing wrinkles, you may want to apply a vitamin C serum underneath it. This strategy has a dual benefit, as the powerful antioxidant promotes collagen production and mitigates photoaging and UV damage, according to Dr. DeRossa. Additionally, vitamin C has been known to fade hyperpigmentation. While various vitamin C formulations exist in over-the-counter skincare products, l-ascorbic acid is the purest and most potent, and it is the type that Dr. DeRossa suggests seeking in a topical product.
- LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum: This serum contains a blend of 20% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to help brighten and even out skin tone while hydrating the skin.
Related: 10 Proven Ways to Fight Fine Lines and Wrinkles Naturally
Add Retinoids to Your Routine
When it comes to fighting wrinkles, few ingredient classes are as extensively researched or esteemed as retinoids. These compounds are derived from vitamin A and have the ability to boost collagen production while thwarting the activation of collagen-degrading enzymes, as explained by Dr. DeRossa. From retinol serums available over-the-counter to prescription-strength tretinoin, there exists a wide range of retinoid options. However, regardless of the choice, it will take time for the skin to adjust to the potent ingredient, which may cause irritating side effects such as dryness, peeling, and redness. “Although it will require patience to see results, incorporating a topical retinoid into your skincare routine will lead to long-term enhancements in your skin, including the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles,” advises Dr. DeRossa.
- Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment: This serum contains a high concentration of retinol, a form of vitamin A that helps to promote cell turnover and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
Try Formulas With Bakuchiol
While retinoids are effective, they can be harsh and unsuitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That’s where bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative, comes in. Dr. DeRossa explains that bakuchiol works by stimulating the retinoid receptors in the skin, delivering comparable benefits as retinoids, such as reducing wrinkles, but with fewer side effects. A head-to-head study in 2019 comparing bakuchiol and retinol found that the former was equally effective and less irritating.
- Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Serum: This serum contains 4% Bakuchiol, along with polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and tremella mushroom to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Consider Neurotoxin Injections
According to Dr. Brauer, injections of neurotoxins are an effective treatment for dynamic wrinkles that arise from repeated muscle movements. While there are several brands available, such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, they all contain botulinum toxin. This toxin blocks the release of a neurotransmitter that is essential for muscle movement, leading to a temporary weakening or paralysis of the muscle, as explained by Dr. Brauer. In addition to treating dynamic wrinkles, neurotoxin injections can also help smooth out static wrinkles that have become permanent due to repetitive muscle movements. Both experts we spoke with emphasize their efficacy, but the downside is that the results are temporary, usually lasting three to four months on average, requiring regular upkeep to maintain the wrinkle-reducing effects, notes Dr. Brauer.
Try Microneedling
Dr. Brauer explains that microneedling uses fine needles to create microtrauma in the skin, stimulating growth factors that lead to the synthesis of healthy collagen and elastin. This non-invasive procedure can leave skin looking younger, tighter, firmer, and healthier. However, Dr. Brauer emphasizes that multiple sessions are typically needed to achieve optimal results. For those looking to take it a step further, radiofrequency microneedling treatments can be considered. By delivering radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers of the skin, these treatments can further stimulate the production of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, says Dr. DeRossa.
Consider Fraxel Treatments
According to Dr. Brauer, Fraxel was the first laser treatment developed that combines non-ablative and ablative resurfacing. The non-ablative aspect heats the dermis to stimulate collagen production over time, while the ablative component affects the epidermis, triggering a natural healing process that both boosts collagen and reduces pigmentation. This makes it an effective treatment for fine and deep static wrinkles. The results of Fraxel are long-lasting, allowing for the treatment to be done yearly or less frequently based on the individual’s skin condition.
Photo: Pexels/ Yan Krukau
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