As we age, red spots, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation can become sources of concern, especially for those who have reached the age of 30. Wrinkles are a natural consequence of the aging process and can give us an older appearance. They are caused by the loss of elasticity and collagen in the skin, making it less firm and resilient. Over time, other signs of aging, such as fine lines and crow’s feet, may also appear. In addition, hyperpigmentation and redness can occur as a result of sun exposure, hormonal changes or skin irritations. Fortunately, there are several skin care products and treatments available that can help reduce these signs of aging and restore a youthful appearance.
Origination
The formation of wrinkles happens in the second layer of the skin, the dermis, which mainly contains proteins called collagen and elastin. Both of these proteins give the skin its firmness and elasticity. As we age, the cell repair mechanism slows down and the network of elastin and collagen begins to disintegrate. This initially creates fine lines and eventually deep folds.
Different causes of wrinkles
The biological clock, or intrinsic aging process determines the severity and rate of skin aging. A study showed that only 20% of the speed of the aging process is determined by our DNA. Therefore, this means that 80% of the aging process is caused by environmental factors and lifestyle. The external, extrinsic aging process, such as ultraviolet light exposure (sun, tanning bed), smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of sleep and stress can accelerate this process. Conversely, you can slow down the process by taking good care of yourself. Regular exercise, balanced diet and personal care keeps your skin young.
Types of wrinkle lines
One wrinkle line is not the other. Wrinkles can be divided into static and dynamic wrinkles.
- Static wrinkles: these wrinkles are always present even though there is no facial movement of the person. The combination of repetitive movement of the underlying muscle and a decrease in collagen and elastin cause this wrinkle shape. The older the person, the more static wrinkles.
- Dynamic wrinkles: are wrinkles that are only visible with movement of the underlying muscle. Examples include frown lines, forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, smoker’s lines. These wrinkles can occur at a young age.
In general, we find horizontal lines, such as the frown wrinkle more disturbing than vertical lines crow’s feet. Depth and lines around the mouth are also considered cosmetically bothersome.
What are the treatment options?
Because we cannot stop time, preventive skin care such as face creams, sunscreen and lifestyle adjustments is the first step in our defense to slow down the process of wrinkle formation and keep our skin smooth and young.
An important preventive measure is sun protection. Ultraviolet light is an absolute wrinkle booster. To combat this, in spring and summer use a good sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection between SPF 20-30.
SPF 20 and SPF 30 block 95% and 97% of UVB rays, respectively. SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays, only 1% more than SPF 30. In the autumn and winter period, UVB plays a very minor role in the Netherlands. UVA, on the other hand, is present with relatively equal intensity during all hours of daylight throughout the year, and these rays can penetrate clouds and glass. Protect your skin during the period with a UVA filter day cream.
Skin care ingredients
Over the years, people have searched for the secret of eternal youth, but a perfect elixir has not yet been developed. However, technology has made significant progress in skin-improving products. For example, creams containing vitamin A acid or tretinoin can rejuvenate the skin and are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Tretinoin stimulates skin cell renewal by accelerating exfoliation and also stimulates young collagen. The disadvantage is that it irritates the skin at high concentrations of tretinoin, often resulting in redness and burning. An alternative to this is Bakuchiol, a natural ingredient used in Ayurvedic Oriental medicine. On the skin, Bakuchiol has the same effect as vitamin A, but without the vitamin A side effects.
Creams with vitamin C and E combination, stimulates collagen and elastin. Stronger antioxidant action through the synergistic action of vitamins C & E reduces sun damaged skin. Anti-wrinkle creams with coenzyme Q10, green tea extract, alpha lipoic acid also have an anti-aging effect. For maintenance after anti-aging treatment and if you have slight wrinkles and fine folds, anti-aging creams are suitable.
Injectables
For existing wrinkles, injectables such as botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers in combination with anti-aging/sunscreen creams are useful. Botulinum toxin is suitable for mimic dynamic wrinkles such as frown, forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet.
Botulinum toxin is a natural protein and is used to temporarily reduce certain muscle activity. This smooths out wrinkles and creases. The effect of botulinum toxin is visible within a few days after treatment and is optimal after 2 weeks. The duration of action and the result differ per person, but in general botulinum toxin works for 4 to 6 months. The treatment can then be repeated without difficulty. After multiple treatments, the effect may be longer.
Fillers with a natural and degradable hyaluronic acid. Fillers are fillers and are injected into the skin in the form of a clear gel with a fine needle. In addition to softening deep wrinkles and folds, deep acne scars, sagging skin and sun-damaged skin can also be significantly improved. ContaContour improvement such as lips and nose, hyaluron filler is also suitable.our verbetering zoals lippen en neus is hyaluron filler ook geschikt. The results are long-lasting, but not permanent because the hyaluronic acid is slowly broken down by the body. The result of a filler treatment can last 6-12 months. For lips lasts for 3 months.
Peelings and laser
In addition to a cream treatment and injectables, there are other options to combat wrinkles. Other wrinkle treatments are briefly described below:
- Chemical peeling is used to superficially renew the epidermis and the superficial dermis (dermis) with a chemical agent. This is suitable for treating fine wrinkles. Substances used are trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol and glycolic acid (AHA, alpha hydroxy acids). The skin is first degreased and then TCA, AHA or phenol is applied to the skin using a cotton swab or gauze. A disadvantage is the risk of pigment shift in the skin, often this is temporary.
- Mechanical peeling or microdermabrasion is suitable for fine to medium wrinkles. The superficial epidermis is abraded, abrasion. The skin is locally ground under vacuum by means of a continuous stream of micro-crystals (aluminium oxide). The skin is peeled precisely to the desired level and without skin damage.
- The CO2 fraxel laser is the most effective type of laser. Suitable to treat fine and deep wrinkles, but also folds around the mouth. The laser vaporizes very accurately up to the top layer of the dermis. Old connective tissue is replaced by young connective tissue cells and new collagen is produced. Good antibiotic after-treatment and sun protection prevents side effects such as infections and pigment shift.
Natural phenomenon…but still
Even though the aging process is a natural phenomenon, there are many ways to slow or improve it. Prevention with proper sun protection and anti-wrinkle cream is a good start. Should unwanted wrinkles appear, there are plenty of options to counteract them. For questions, please see your dermatologist or skin therapist.
The Anti-Aging cream is formulated with a powerful blend of natural vitamins C and E, coupled with ferulic acid, extracted from plants and with powerful antioxidant properties. This natural trio works effectively to slow down the skin’s aging process while improving hydration. Regular use of this cream protects the skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation and other environmental factors that can damage the skin and give it an older appearance. Suitable for normal or combination skin.
Firming Booster serum is a powerful serum infused with three essential ingredients that work together to embrace and rejuvenate your skin. Bakuchiol, a gentle counterpart to retinol, works harmoniously with cyclopeptide-5 to improve your skin’s firmness, while white tea extract, packed with antioxidants, provides a protective shield against daily stressors. The synergistic effect of these ingredients provides a holistic approach to skin care, where firming, renewal and protection go hand in hand for radiant and healthy skin.
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For treatment of your wrinkles with botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers, you can also visit Shape Aesthetics.
For upper lip wrinkles or smoker lines, CO2 fraxel laser is ideally suited, click here for more information: DavidNjoo skin & laser