Can over-the-counter creams reduce fine lines and wrinkles? Though women over 40 will reach for retinoids anytime, you must know that our search for anti aging solutions that will reduce fine lines and wrinkles now goes beyond your usual jar of anti aging creams.
Though my fine lines and wrinkles represent wisdom and experience, to be frank, I would rather not have them. I started splurging on anti aging creams way before I need them. Unfortunately, I didn’t know what to buy then so I end up with innumerable products that look promising but are essentially disappointments.
Unfortunately for us, women over 40, we need to weed through hundreds of procedures and products so we can really get into the good stuff. Many youth-enhancing solutions are unfortunately blown way out of proportion and are even sometimes entirely nonexistent. No matter how disheartening this seems, I know you can appreciate the fact that there are effective anti aging techniques that can reduce -- and even banish -- fine lines and wrinkles.
So what treatments are available for fine lines and wrinkles? We, women over 40, have two options: Cosmetic and medical techniques. Below is a description of time-tested methods and potential outcomes.
Medical Treatments
Retinoid. Primarily sold as an acne medication, retinoid (Renova, tretinoin, Retin-A) hit the market in the 1980s as the very first retinoid developed for this kind of topical application. After months of dominating the market, doctors noticed an unexpected effect among women who tried it: Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Since then, retinoid -- a chemically related compound of vitamin A -- has successfully dominated the market for proven effective medical treatments for fine lines and wrinkles. What is great about retinoids is that it also covers other signs of aging like wrinkling, roughness, and pigmentation. Unfortunately, retinoids produce peeling and redness, making this topical one of the most challenging treatments to stick with.
Wrinkle fillers. One of the most advanced treatments for fine lines and wrinkles are literally within your reach. Think of skin and wrinkle fillers that work instantly -- at least until you wash them off. One of the most inexpensive fillers you can find today is Olay Regenerist Filling + Sealing Wrinkle Treatment ($17 at Amazon.com).
Retinol. A fat-soluble vitamin derived from provitamin carotenoids and preformed retinoids, retinol has been proven to be more effected and more potent than prescription retinoids. Compared to other anti aging solutions for fine lines and wrinkles, retinol is less irritating and is geared towards long-term smoothing because of a more stable formula providing a slow time-release function. What skin experts have in their bags: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream and L'Oréal Paris Advanced Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Clinical Action.
Moisturizers. We all know what a good moisturizing can do for the skin. But do you know that applying a good moisturizer -- one specifically made for your skin type -- can make your wrinkle less prominent? Well, at least temporarily. So when a moisturizing ad says that it can “reduce fine lines,” well at least you can count on the fact that there is some truth in it.
Cosmetic Procedures
Forget about going under the knife. When it comes to anti aging solutions for fine lines and wrinkles, women over 40 can count on non-surgical procedures that have no downtime and an almost instantaneous effect.
Botox. Best for forehead creases, frown lines, crow’s feet, and the like, Botox is one of the foremost non-surgical anti aging solutions sign up for these days. Formulated from a purified solution of botulism bacteria, Dysport and of course the more popular Botox is injected into the skin in tiny doses, relaxing clenched facial muscles. The procedure causes minimal discomfort and only takes few minutes to get done. Improvements in the skin may vary, though most cases last for several months.
Basic chemical peels. Containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, or trichloro acetic acid (TCA), basic chemical peels essentially utilizes a specific formulation of any or a combination of these acid solutions to reveal smoother, newer, and younger looking skin. Though the application takes as little as 15 minutes, the formula works slowly, revealing improvements in the skin at least four days after it has been applied to the skin. To reduce the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines, a series of treatments may be required.
Microdermabrasion. A less painful and more gentle skin-freshening technique than dermabrasion, microdermabrasion utilizes tiny crystals to blast away dead skin cells, revealing afterwards a tighter, pinkish skin. Irritation usually subsides 24 hours after the procedure. Though subtle improvements in texture and tone can be observed immediately after the procedure, it may take up to 10 sessions before significant difference in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are clearly visible.
Thermage. Perfect to tighten crepe-like, saggy skin, Thermage uses radio frequency to stimulate collagen production all over the face. Though the treatment can be painful, most women over 40 reports significant difference in how their skin looks, particularly the skin around the eye area. Thermage is essentially the only non-invasive procedure that can contour and tighten the skin in a single treatment. Result usually appears four months after the procedure, but the difference in how the skin looks and feels is dramatic.
Nonablative laser. Also known as photorejuvenation and subsurface resurfacing, nonablative laser and other light treatments, such as Fraxel, essentially improves fine and moderately deep skin wrinkles, skin roughness, and dyspigmentation. Unlike full-laser resurfacing that removes the entire epidermis, nonablative laser and light treatments only penetrates the skin without damaging the surface. Though the procedure can be painful (topical anesthetic must be applied), there is little if any downtime.
If you are already decided on signing up with any of these cosmetic procedures, make sure that you consult with board-certified and experienced doctors who specialize in at least two of these procedures. You should not only be aware of the potential benefits of the procedure but of the risks as well.
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