The 6 Best Skin Therapies to Reduce Wrinkles

Wrinkles have always been the enemy of aging adults. Centuries ago, a war began to be waged against frown lines, laugh lines, crow’s feet, and crepe skin. This war has seen the introduction of hundreds of weapons. Yet one after another, they fail to truly get rid of those pesky wrinkles. If you are in a battle of your own, we can equip you with the best weapons to finally overcome the enemy.

1) Botox

Many people are afraid to try Botox as the horror stories surrounding this method seem to never end. However, most of these stories are created due to the misuse of Botox. When administered properly, Botox may actually be one of the most effective treatments used to reduce wrinkles. Botox temporarily paralyzes the injected muscle. The surrounding tissue relaxes completely and can no longer contract, an action that causes wrinkles. While Botox is effective, it is also temporary. Over time, the wrinkles will reappear. When that happens, it is time for another round of treatment.

2) Dermal Fillers

Dermal filler injections are thought to be better and safer than botox, as botox injections contain botulin, a toxin. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, contain hyaluronic acid, a natural compound that is already found in the body. When injected, the substance literally “fills” the area, plumping the tissue and pushing the skin outward. This smooths out the wrinkles, creating a youthful look. Dermal fillers are also a popular choice because the effects can last anywhere between 6 months to 2 years.

3) Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy (known commercially as Ultherapy) is one of the latest weapons in the wrinkle war. This procedure uses ultrasound waves to deliver energy, deep below the top layers of the skin. The energy heats the tissue, essentially scarring it. This triggers the body’s natural healing reaction to produce collagen. Collagen is what gives our skin that plump and youthful appearance. As collagen is made, the tissue regenerates with tighter tissue and smoother skin.

4) Laser Resurfacing

This is another technology-driven option. Like ultrasound therapy, it also uses the body’s natural healing process to create wrinkle-free skin. Instead of using ultrasound energy to penetrate deep into the tissue, laser resurfacing uses a laser to work on the top layer of the skin. A concentrated beam of pulsating light energy is passed over the skin to slightly injure the area. The body immediately goes into healing mode and begins to flood the scarred tissue with collagen-rich cells. These cells create a new layer of skin that is smoother and tighter, eliminating wrinkles.

5) & 6) Retinoids and Chemical Peels

These two options are not as effective as the aforementioned therapies, but they still are viable options as they provide positive results. Retinoids are medicated creams (and in some cases, oral pills) that are often prescribed by a doctor. They work to tighten the skin and smooth out wrinkles. Chemical peels are a bit more severe in that once applied to the face, the acid in the cream burns the skin just enough to promote healing and regeneration. Both of these methods often do what they set out to do, however, they are known to have serious side effects like permanent scarring, burning and even skin discoloration. If you opt for retinoids or peels, be sure to use them with caution.

All of these techniques can be explored safely with our experts at The Dermatology Group. If you are in Cincinnati, Ohio or a surrounding city, give us a call and schedule a consultation today.