Wrinkles

As we age we naturally develop wrinkles on our skin. Often they occur in areas that have received the most exposure to the sun such as the face, neck, back of the hands and forearms. Wrinkles can appear as fine lines, creases or deep furrows.

Causes
When you get older, skin loses elasticity, becomes thinner and retains less moisture, so wrinkle lines and creases begin to appear. Several factors influence the development of wrinkles, including:

• Age
• Exposure to sun and UV rays
• Heredity
• Skin coloring (i.e. those with fair skin)
• Smoking

Treatments
From topical creams to moisturizers to cosmetic procedures, treatments for wrinkles may involve:

• Alpha-hydroxy acid treatments to subtly improve the look of wrinkles
• Antioxidant creams that reduce the appearance of wrinkles
• Moisturizers to keep skin looking taut
• Vitamin A acid to alleviate some signs of aging

Cosmetic procedures include:

• Chemical peels to burn the outer layer of skin and encourage re-growth of new cells
• Dermabrasion to remove the surface layer of skin
• Injected chemicals, such as Botox and Restylane, to make skin look smoother
• Laser resurfacing to promote growth of tighter, smoother skin
• Plastic surgery to remove excess skin
• Other skin tightening procedures

Prevention
To improve your appearance and maintain your skin's youthful glow, follow this sound advice:

• Frequently moisturize your skin
• Do not smoke
• Limit time in the sun
• Use skin-care products with an SPF of 30 or greater
• Wear protective clothing and wide brimmed hats while outdoors