Wrinkled skin is a fact of life as we get older, but it's not one you have to surrender to. By learning what causes wrinkles in the first place, you can take steps to protect your skin or restore lost suppleness and hold back the years.
Here are five methods that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, from minor changes in your daily routine to cosmetic treatments that need to be carefully considered.
1. Avoid sun exposure
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is the most common reason for premature wrinkling in Australia, especially in sunny regions like the Gold Coast.
When your skin is exposed to UV rays, free radicals form in the cells. These damage the elastin fibres that give the skin its strength, causing it to sag. UV exposure can also create brown spots or other discolouration on the skin and cause other skin damage, not to mention increasing the risk factor for skin and lip cancer.
The lighter your skin, the less protection you'll have against sunlight's effects. That's why it's so important to cover up, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and stay in the shade when you're out in direct sunlight, or avoid going out altogether when the sun is strongest.
2. Quit smoking
It's not the primary reason you should consider giving up the habit, but smokers also tend to have more fine lines around their mouth and eyes than non-smokers. These often start to show when a smoker reaches their 30s or 40s.
Smokers are also more likely to develop mouth cancer, among many other health risks. If you want advice or to talk to someone about quitting, you can call Quitline on 13 78 48 for free, confidential counselling.
3. Avoid frowning and squinting
Elastin and collagen fibres in the skin damage naturally with age, but their demise can be hastened if the facial muscles are overused.
That doesn't mean you should be an expressionless robot, but trying to avoid excessive facial expressions that strain the muscles – particularly frowning and squinting – could help you avoid forming deeper lines on your forehead and crow's feet around your eyes.
4. Cosmetic creams
If you want to treat wrinkles that are already there, the most common option is concealer creams. These are available from most pharmacies and supermarkets, but their effects don't last long and they can't treat deeper wrinkles.
5. Anti-wrinkle injections
A longer-term option for reducing deep wrinkles and fine lines is professional anti-wrinkle injections. These injections contain compounds that can be dangerous if used improperly, so it's vital that they're only administered by a qualified practitioner, such as a cosmetic surgeon or licensed dentist.
Wrinkle injections target multiple areas of the face to temporarily freeze the muscles beneath that form wrinkles. This can result in a smoother and more youthful appearance until the compound wears off, usually after 6 to 9 months.
Your doctor or dentist will explain what the procedure involves, including possible risks and costs, so you can make an informed decision about whether it's right for you.
Find out more about anti-wrinkle injections on the Gold Coast
Want to know more about wrinkle treatments and other options to help you hold back the years? Call our team at Robina Town Dental on 07 5575 9100 to book your beauty consultation at our Gold Coast clinic.
References
Better Health Channel. Wrinkles [Online] 2018 [Accessed February 2020] Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/wrinkles
Better Health Channel. Cosmetic treatments - injectables [Online] 2018 [Accessed February 2020] Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cosmetic-treatments-injectables