When it comes to our appearance, a smooth, wrinkle-free complexion is top of most people's wish list, but with so many products and procedures available, each promising miracle results, it can be hard to decide which wrinkle treatments are right for you. Whether it's prevention or treatment you're looking for, take a look at our overview to ensure you get what you need.
Skincare
Serums
Serums deliver concentrated, fast absorbing treatments to the skin. When choosing a serum, it's important to look for products that are validated by clinical studies which test their effectiveness on wrinkles.
When it comes to ingredients, look for serums that contain peptides which will aid natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production. Also look for antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E, essential fatty and amino acids, and vitamins B1, B2 and B12. Serums prescribed in clinics following a n individual assessment and consultation are likely to be more potent than those bought over the counter in department stores.
Moisturisers
Making sure your skin stays well hydrated is a great way to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Using a good moisturiser ensures that skin stays plump and resilient, so finding one that suits your skin type is essential.
While the above mentioned ingredients are handy in a moisturiser, it's more important to choose one based on your skin type. Those with oily or combination skin should look for a light moisturiser that doesn't feel greasy, whilst those with dry skin should choose a moisturiser packed with antioxidant-rich plant oils.
SPF
Up to 90% of visible ageing is caused by sun exposure. UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin damaging collagen and elastin, the building blocks of its structure. Wearing sun block year round is the single most important thing you can do to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It is best to use an SPF of 30 or above all year round and select one designed to be used on the face as a sunscreen. Moisturisers and make-up that also contain SPF rarely are high enough to provide the necessary protection.
Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Botulinum toxin injections work by blocking chemical messages between nerves and muscles, preventing them from contracting, reducing the appearance of frown and worry lines, crow's feet and lip lines.
Once you've received wrinkle relaxing injections, you should start to see an improvement within 2 or 3 days but the full extent of the results achieved are best judged at 2-3 weeks, and the results usually last 3-4 months. For more information on botulinum toxin injections read our wrinkle relaxing factsheet.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injected into the face to improve the appearance of wrinkles. The majority are made of hyaluronic acid (a molecule that attracts and binds water in the skin) which works with the body's own collagen and elastin to keep tissue firm and skin elastic. Dermal fillers are one of the most popular wrinkle treatments available, as they are extremely safe when administered by a qualified professional, and very effective. Dermal fillers can last anywhere between 6 and 18 months.
For further information on dermal fillers, including risks and side effects, take a look at our treatment information page.
Medical Needling
Medical needling is a procedure which involves the use of a device to deliver tiny needle pricks to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process. It can reduce wrinkles in all skin types with minimal recovery time. The slight injury caused by the needle pricks stimulates the growth of collagen so that skin becomes firmer and smoother, making it an effective wrinkle treatment.
Medical needling works best on fine wrinkles, such as those around the eyes and upper lip. During the procedure there may be light bleeding, and after the therapy a patient’s face may look pink, but usually this will settle within a few hours and the skin will recover completely within a few days.
For more information on medical needling be sure to read the Save Face factsheet.
Save Face
Remember, non-surgical procedures can be administered by untrained practitioners, and receiving treatment from these individuals can leave you open to unnecessary risk. Use Save Face to connect with qualified, trained and certified medical professionals to ensure that you remain in the safest hands possible.[/wraptext]