Home remedies for wrinkles
Wrinkles are a result of aging skin and volume loss and are completely natural. The skin becomes thinner over time due to lower production of collagen and elastin proteins. This slowdown also causes the skin to become less resistant to damage.
There are some things a person can do at home to minimize the risk of developing wrinkles or help reverse the signs of aging.
Regularly moisturizing the skin can prevent dryness, decreasing the chance of wrinkles forming. It is important to use skin care products that match the skin’s needs and to introduce one product at a time.
Using too many products on the skin, especially more than one anti-aging product can irritate the skin, which can make signs of aging more noticeable. Most products take a few weeks to work.
Sleep
Studies have shown that certain sleep positions can contribute to wrinkles on the face.
There are ways to help minimize the risk of developing wrinkles while sleeping. They include:
- sleeping flat on the back
- using a special pillow that reduces facial deformation during sleep
- using a silk pillowcase, although there is little research to back this trend
Microneedling
Professionals were once the only ones who could do microneedling, but it is now possible to do this at home.
Microneedling uses small needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. These punctures trigger a healing response and renew the skin cells.
Medications
Creams containing retinoids, such as retinol, can help the body make more collagen, preventing wrinkles. Dermatologists often prescribe these as an initial treatment.
Chemical peel
A chemical peel can diminish many signs of aging on the face as well as the hands, neck, and chest. These treatments work by removing layers of the skin.
Laser therapy
Laser resurfacing gives the fastest results out of all the nonsurgical skin tightening methods. After healing, fewer wrinkles will be visible within 2 weeks. However, this does come with a downtime of 5–7 days.
Botox
Botulinum toxin therapy is a noninvasive procedure that helps to diminish signs of aging by relaxing facial muscles.
People can resume most of their everyday activities immediately after the procedure and may begin to see results after 3 days.
Fillers
Fillers help to restore fullness to the face, lips, and hands. Fillers work by plumping up the depressed areas of the skin. They provide immediate results and can often be done during an office visit.
Facelifts
The most dramatic results come from surgical options, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. Learn more about facelifts here.
Prevention
Lifestyle factors can help prevent wrinkles from developing in the first place or slow their arrival.
- Stop smoking
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), smoking speeds up how quickly skin ages.
- Avoid stress
Avoiding stress is key to preventing wrinkles. When a person is stressed, their body releases a hormone called cortisol, which may break down collagen in the skin.
- Limit sugar
The AAD suggest that a diet containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging. They recommend avoiding foods and drinks with these to help protect the skin from wrinkles.
- Do not tan
Getting a tan, whether it is from the sun or a tanning bed, causes exposure to harmful UV rays. These rays from the sun accelerate aging, causing wrinkles, age spots, a blotchy complexion, and even skin cancer.
- Protect skin with sunscreen
People should apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 every day.
They should apply it to all skin that their clothing does not cover, and which they expose to the elements when outdoors.
Summary
Despite being a completely natural part of aging, many people want to get rid of wrinkles.
People can try home remedies and lifestyle changes to treat and prevent wrinkles. If these do not help, a dermatologist can offer medical treatments.
Some products in this article are available for purchase online. Always research products before buying and speak to a doctor about using new treatments.
At Amrita Medical Center, our staff is happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide if the right fit for you. We even offer same day appointments for your convenience. Contact us here!