If you live long enough, aging is inevitable. There are many outward signs of aging, from hyperpigmentation to sagging skin, and from enlarged pores to increased roughness. However, wrinkles tend to be what people mention first when they think about the aging process. While you cannot completely keep the wrinkles away, or remove them forever, you certainly should not feel stuck watching your face get older and older in the mirror. There are a number of things you can do to minimize the early signs of againg by reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
An ounce of prevention . . .
Minimizing new wrinkles, or at least reducing the speed at which they develop, can often be more helpful than trying to come up with a successful way to erase them after they appear. One of the best ways to help prevent wrinkles from forming is to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
Ultraviolet light from the sun is one of the leading causes of external aging. That means that even if you do not have a family history of early wrinkles, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, you’re much more likely to develope fine lines and age spots sooner. To protect yourself, commit to wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, if not 30, every day. You will need sun protection no matter what; even on days when it is cloudy or overcast.
Adjust your habits . . .
Like the sun, certain habits increase your chances of wrinkles and other unwanted signs of aging. One of most avoidable wrinkle-inducing habits is smoking. Next to sun exposure, it’s one of the leading external causes of aging skin. Smoking also comes with a number of other serious health risks, such as an increased incidence of lung cancer and heart disease. Quitting cigarettes is well worth the effort, for a variety of reasons.
Some seemingly more benign habits can also make you more likely to develop wrinkles. For example, eating a lot of sugar can speed up the aging process. Sugar forms advanced glycation end-products in your body. These, in turn, can make collagen (the protein that makes your skin firm and smooth) scant and weak. Instead of snacking on sugary treats, refocus your diet so that it contains lean protein, “good” fats, such as those found in avocados and nuts, and plenty of vegetables or fruit.
Try an injectible . . .
Even the best of habits, and the strictest avoidance of sun exposure, isn’t necessarily enough to keep wrinkles away. Fortunately, you have several options for temporarily smoothing lines and creases on your face, without undergoing surgery or a painful deep peel.
Injectables can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. The main ingredient in an injectible will dictate how it works to reduce wrinkles. Usually, injectables are divided into two main categories: those addressing dynamic wrinkles, such as Botox Cosmetic, and those treating static changes, like Restylane and Juvederm.
Botox Cosmetic was created to treat wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements (dynamic wrinkles). Botox is FDA approved for use on the frown lines, the two vertical lines that form between your eyebrows, and for use on the Crow’s Feet, the lines that develop at the corners of your eyes. It can also be injected into the neck to minimize neck bands, another common, early sign of aging.
The main ingredient in Botox Cosmetic, Botulinum Toxin, stops nerves from signaling specific muscles. While the injection is working, you will not be able to make the very subtle movements that contribute to the formation of specific lines. The results from Botox injections are not immediate. After about a week, the facial lines in the target area will slowly fade. These will remain smooth until the injection wears off in about three months. At this time, a repeat Botox Cosmetic treatment will help to maintin the results.
For the treatment of static wrinkles, or those formed as a result of gravity and a loss of volume, injectible dermal fillers can help. Fine lines created by a loss of volume can be filled in with injectables containing hyaluronic acid. There are many hyaluronic acid fillers available, and each is somewhat different from the other. For example, Restylane restores a healthy fullness to the facial features and skin by binding itself to water molecules within the body. Juvederm, on the other hand, tends to be thicker than other injectibles, making it a good pick for deeper lines and creases. Benefits from dermal fillers are immediate and can last six months or longer.
Contact Mirror Mirror and book a consultation today . . .
Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique offers Botox Cosmetic, a variety of dermal fillers, and exceptional noninvasive procedures. Every treatment at Mirror Mirror is monitored by Dr. Paul Vitenas. The founder of Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Vitenas has practiced in the Houston area since 1990. Over the years, he has been named as one of Houston’s Top Doctors, America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, a Top Doctor for Women, and awarded the title of Houston’s Most Compassionate Doctor.
To find out which injectable or treatment is most appropriate for you, or to schedule your complimentary consultation, please contact a patient coordinator at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 281-810-9083. If you don’t live locally, we can schedule an online consultation.