Health & Beauty

Wrinkles: Causes and How to Get Rid of It

No one is safe from wrinkles. The main problem is, wrinkles are a naturally occurring process with ageing. Some may get them sooner, and some may get it worse. But no matter the degree of wrinkling in your skin, it’s going to happen anyway.

The good news is, there are multiple ways to reduce the appearance or get rid of wrinkles altogether. It is essential to understand what works, what doesn’t. Skin is the largest organ of your body, and so we shouldn’t take any risks on it. Before we can make any action against wrinkles, let’s try to understand it better.

How do wrinkles start?

Skin collagen is a type of protein that keeps skin firm, supple and healthy. Elastin is also another component of skin. It is responsible for keeping skin tight, elastic and firm. Glycosaminoglycans are the components in the skin that keep it hydrated. These components are all naturally produced by your body.

When people age, these skin firming components will begin to produce less naturally. It usually starts in your twenties. By mid-age, wrinkles will become far more noticeable. Poor diet, lifestyle habits, external environment, and genetics are all factors of wrinkles and can accelerate its development.

What are the different types of wrinkles?

1. Dynamic expression lines

When you make a facial expression, your face forms wrinkles. These are called static wrinkles as they will disappear when your face is at rest. Dynamic wrinkles happen when static wrinkles become permanent due to ageing. Overexposure and poor lifestyle habits such as sleeping late and smoking will accelerate this process.

2. Elastic creases

Elastic creases are the result of years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays, air pollution, cigarette smoke and other environmental factors that can be sources of oxidative stress. Elastic creases found on cheeks, neck and upper lip.

3. Compression or sleep wrinkles

Compression or sleep wrinkles happen when your face is compressed or heavily pressed onto a surface. For example, when sleeping and resting your face on a pillow. These wrinkles will fade during the day but in the long term may form permanent wrinkles if it happens very often.

4. Gravitational folds

Gravitational folds are wrinkles that caused by the natural ageing process. It is when natural collagen produced by the body declines and skin is no longer able to withhold firm shape and texture.

5. Atrophic wrinkles

Atrophic wrinkles are the deeply furrowed wrinkles that run parallel between the eyes. These wrinkles also are the result of the body’s decline to produce skin collagen.

Are there ways to get rid of wrinkles?

Although you can never restore your skin to the perfect condition like when you were younger, there are many approaches, remedies, and treatments to get rid of wrinkles.

1. Hydration

Drinking enough water replenishes the skin from the toil of the sun and external environment to keep it supple and elastic. Water can help to fade away wrinkles and keep skin nourished, flexible and healthy. The recommended daily intake is eight glasses. Water-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and watermelon to be specific can also help with rehydration.

2. Anti-wrinkle creams

A cheaper and easier alternative to Botox is anti-wrinkle cream. However, you need to make sure you are buying the correct type as not all wrinkle creams work or are compatible with your skin. The best examples of wrinkle cream are the ones that contain retinol, Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Hyaluronic Acid. You can go to the doctor and get prescribed anti-wrinkle creams.

3. Quit smoking

By quitting smoking or staying as far away as possible with second-hand smoke can help lessen the appearance of ageing. Smoke narrows blood vessels and creates difficulty for oxygen to flow to the skin. It will leave skin feeling dehydrated and cause wrinkles to develop at a faster rate.

4. Sleeping

Taking more rest, having a better sleep will produce more collagen and elastin to the skin. It means skin will wrinkle at a slower rate. It will also keep skin feeling hydrated, nourished and well rested. By having better quality and longer rest time, you’ll notice your skin will be more healthy and youthful in the long-term.

5. Lemon Juice

The vitamin C content in lemon juice will help to soothe skin. Regular use of it will help to decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Try squeezing some lemon juice and apply on the forehead and other affected areas. Leave it on for a while before rinsing off with warm water and drying. Don’t forget to use a moisturizer after as the acidity from lemon juice may dry out your skin.

What is Botox?

Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin. It is obtained through the bacteria of botulinum toxin; one of the deadliest substances to humankind. However, when a very tiny amount of Botox is taken from it, it is one of the best cosmetic treatments in the world because it can remove wrinkles and has been used for decades.

More than 70 percent of women in the 40-65 age group in the UAE opt for regular Botox treatments. According to Dr Marwan Al Zarouni from Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Botox is entirely safe, provided that the Botox and equipment are of good quality and use by a professionally qualified plastic surgeon.

Botox is the simplest method of effectively erasing all forms of wrinkles. The process of Botox works by injecting the specific muscle to block its nerve signals. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected area will become temporarily paralyzed and unable to function. Because of the lack of muscle movement, the wrinkles associated with that area may become softened, reduced, or in the best case, completely gone.

Do keep in mind that the body does not naturally produce botox and in some cases, may be rejected and form a reaction. Before considering using botox, consult with a doctor if it is appropriate for your condition or not.

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