By Bridget Sullivan, PA-C, Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology, PCB
The first signs of aging are wrinkles and loss of volume in our face. How do we get wrinkles and what can we do to prevent and treat them? This article will give you a better understanding of why we get wrinkles and different options for treatment and prevention.
Wrinkles and volume loss are caused by the loss of collagen and elastin in our skin. There are many causes for the loss of collagen and elastin; however, a major factor is sun damage. Another contributing factor is repeated facial movements over an extended period. When we make facial movements throughout the day, the muscles in our faces are moving resulting in the skin on top of the muscles moving perpendicularly. Over time, this will eventually form a wrinkle.
What can we do to prevent and treat wrinkles in order to have a more youthful appearance? One option is to get a treatment of a neuromodulator, like Botox which is used in the prevention and treatment of wrinkles. Botox relaxes the muscles in our face, making our facial movements less animated, and therefore, reduces the movement of the skin on top of the muscles. Botox is used by women and men alike. If you are interested in having this procedure done, it is important that you discuss this with your medical provider to make sure you are a good candidate and to go over the procedure in more depth and detail.
If you prefer another option, I would recommend a retinol or tretinoin cream. This cream is applied at nighttime and helps boost collagen and elastin and therefore over time will help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Please speak to your medical provider about this cream to make sure you are a good candidate and to go over specific instructions.
Lastly, getting in the habit of applying sunscreen every day will decrease sun damage and the loss of collagen and elastin which will be a major factor in preventing fine lines and wrinkles in the future.
Healthy skin will lead to beautiful skin so make skin care and your anti-aging routine a part of your daily regimen. Reach out to your dermatology provider for guidance if you need help with your treatment plan.
Contact Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology at (850) 500-3376.
