Can You Prevent or Delay Wrinkles?

While wrinkles are something that most of us want to get rid of, they are completely natural. They are a result of volume loss or aging skin and can sometimes make you look and feel older than you actually are. This is why many are willing to try different products and methods just to erase or eliminate them.

The loss of collagen and elastin, which is common in aging, contributes to the formation of lines and wrinkles. The loss of elasticity makes the skin more susceptible to the effects of gravity, resulting in lines, folds, and sags. There is also the effect of prolonged sun exposure, which speeds up aging. 

Other factors that can contribute to wrinkle formation include:

• Repetitive muscle movements like squinting or frowning
• Regular smoking 
• Dehydration
• Excessive alcohol consumption

If you too are worried about existing or future lines and wrinkles, it is good to know that there are things you can do to reduce or slow down their appearance. Here are a few things that can help:

Be serious about sun protection to delay or erase wrinkles

Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure is one primary contributor to lines and wrinkles. It also accelerates aging by causing oxidative stress and inducing DNA damage in skin cells. This only makes it important to take extra measures in protecting your skin from the sun.

• Wear sunscreen daily – To prevent early signs of aging and related skin damage, always wear sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of at least 30, and apply 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget to apply on commonly neglected areas like the skin around the eyes, ears, neck, and chest.
• Wear the right clothes – If you are staying outdoors for long periods of time, consider wearing clothing with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). You can also wear loose fitting and tightly woven clothes for extra protection from the sun.
• Limit sun exposure (and accessorize) – This is especially true at times when UV rays are the strongest between 10am to 4pm. If this can’t be avoided, make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and accessorize with a brimmed hat and UV-protection glasses. 

Include antioxidants in your skin care and diet

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that can damage your skin. This can help prevent oxidative stress that can make the skin look dull and aging. You can incorporate antioxidants both in your skincare routine and in diet. 

Vitamin C is one notable antioxidant that can help lighten dark spots, as well as reduce the appearance of dark spots. The use of vitamin C serum is a good way to reap its benefits. For foods high in vitamin C, good choices include kale, broccoli, bell pepper, citrus fruits, kiwifruit, and tomato. 

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that protects your skin from damage. This vitamin is also added to a number of skin care products like face creams, serums, and lotions. You can also eat vitamin E-rich foods to take advantage of its benefits. These include green vegetables, nuts and seeds, salmon, and vegetable oils.

Take better care of your skin

Apart from slathering on sunscreen and taking advantage of antioxidants, you should also take more time and effort in following a good anti-aging skincare routine. Some of the things that can decelerate or delay the development of wrinkles include:

• Moisturize your skin daily – To slow down the signs of aging, always keep your skin moisturized. It is also a good idea to layer your products by applying a serum after cleansing or toning, and then anti-aging cream or moisturizer. 
• Use a retinol – Made from vitamin A, retinol benefits the skin in a number of ways. These include clearing out skin, helping with acne, and making fine lines and wrinkles visible. You can start with an OTC cream or serum, or consult a skin or aesthetic doctor if you need a prescription strength product.
• Take it easy with squinting – Repetitive facial movements form a groove beneath the surface of the skin. This can turn into a wrinkle later on. You can avoid squinting by wear sunglasses with UV protection.
• Avoid bad habits – There include smoking and not getting enough sleep. Smoking speeds up the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers. Inadequate sleep, meanwhile, causes the body to produce more cortisol, a hormone that boosts collagen breakdown.

Don’t hesitate to consider Botox

If you got prominent lines and wrinkles that you want to treat or improve, Botulinum toxin or Botox is worth considering. This US FDA-approved anti-wrinkle treatment is commonly used to reduce the appearance of forehead lines and frown lines. It can also treat wrinkles in the corner of the eyes and smoker’s lines or upper lip wrinkles. 

This injectable uses a neurotoxin protein, called botulinum toxin, which temporarily blocks the signal from a nerve to muscle. This then softens and relaxes the wrinkles, minimizing their appearance. The whole procedure is quick and involves the use of a numbing cream to improve patient comfort.

You need to wait for about two week to see the full results. The effects can last between three and six months or longer with repeated injections. Be sure to look for a skilled and experienced injector with a conservative approach in administering the treatment. This is to achieve a natural well-rested look and avoid unwanted side effects. 

Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore offers Botox and other nonsurgical anti-aging treatments. Contact our clinic today at +65-6801-4000 to schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.