“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.”
-Mark Twain
As wonderful as this idea is, fine lines and wrinkles probably don’t make you feel like smiling too often. They may have funny names like crow’s feet (wrinkles on the outside corners of your eyes) or bunny lines (wrinkles on the bridge of your nose). But for many people, wrinkles are no laughing matter – and that’s where The Derm comes in.
If you don’t like how wrinkles affect your appearance, or want to delay them for as long as possible, the skin care experts at The Derm offer a wide range of anti-aging treatment options to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Whether you want surgical or non-surgical treatment, we can create a customized plan just for you.
How do wrinkles form?
Wrinkles are a natural part of your body’s aging process. As you age, your skin loses elasticity – by your 30s, you begin to lose about 1% of your collagen each year. Your skin also becomes thinner and drier. Add the loss of fat that occurs as you get older, and wrinkles become even more pronounced.
Repetitive facial movements that crease or fold your skin (such as squinting, smiling, or frowning) also form wrinkles over time.
Ward off wrinkles with these preventative measures
Despite what some products or other dermatologists may promise, there’s no way to eliminate all wrinkles entirely. However, there are preventative measures you can take to help lessen them:
- Limit sun exposure – The sun’s rays are notorious for accelerating the signs of aging. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to any skin that isn’t covered by clothing.
- No indoor tanning – Indoor tanning beds also expose you to harmful UV rays that can accelerate the aging process.
- Avoid smoking and heavy drinking – Smoking slows down your production of collagen, while heavy drinking dehydrates your skin more.
- Moisturize regularly – Frequent moisturizing helps water stay in your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Use the right anti-aging products – Using the wrong combination of anti-aging products (or too many products) on your skin can do more harm than good. Ask your dermatologist which anti-aging products are best for you.
Surgical anti-aging treatment options
The Derm offers many surgical options to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, including:
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are injected into your skin to smooth lines and creases, leaving you with fewer wrinkles. For instance, Restylane® Silk targets fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth, while Sculptra replaces lost collagen in your skin to correct deep facial wrinkles and folds.
BOTOX®
Known for its effectiveness in fighting fine lines and wrinkles, BOTOX® is the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States and the world. When small amounts of BOTOX are injected into a muscle, it ceases to contract, preventing the formation of wrinkles. BOTOX can also help soften existing wrinkles.
Facelift and neck lift
A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts your skin to tighten the underlying muscles and tissues. (A neck lift is often done at the same time as a facelift.) The goal is to refresh the look of your jawline, neck, and lower face while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
Non-surgical anti-aging treatment options
For those who prefer to avoid surgery or needles, The Derm offers many non-surgical options as well:
Prescription serums and creams
Your dermatologist may prescribe an anti-wrinkle serum or cream with prescription-strength retinoids to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids (which are derived from vitamin A) penetrate deep into your skin’s layers, activating both elastin and collagen.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels help dissolve skin imperfections by using small amounts of a chemical solution to remove the top layers of your skin, making room for new, healthier skin to grow back in its place. Chemical peels are a popular option for treating wrinkles, scars, skin discoloration, and more.
Laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a general term for facial rejuvenation procedures that use laser energy to improve the appearance of your skin. As the laser penetrates through the top layer of skin, it delivers high-intensity beams of light to the targeted area. Laser resurfacing heats the underlying layer, stimulating collagen growth and leading to smoother, tighter skin.
When to see a dermatologist
When at-home remedies don’t do the trick, consider visiting one of our board-certified dermatologists to learn more about anti-aging treatments. In addition to minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, these treatments can also do wonders for your self-confidence.
Schedule an appointment today
Ready to put your wrinkle worries to rest? The Derm has three convenient locations in Glenview, Park Ridge, and Wilmette to serve you. Schedule an appointment with us today!
