Wrinkles Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Wrinkles are one of the normal aging processes that occur in everyone. Wrinkles can occur anywhere on the skin on the body. However, wrinkles are more obvious on sun-exposed parts of the body such as the face, neck, hands and forearms.
Wrinkles often occur earlier, which is referred to as premature aging. Not a few people who want to get rid of this aging line. There are many procedure options that can reduce wrinkles.
Reason
Wrinkles include the structure and texture of the skin and are a natural process that has been determined by genetic factors. However, many factors also affect the appearance of wrinkles such as:
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Age
Skin naturally loses its elasticity and becomes more fragile with age. Natural oil production is also reduced so that the skin is drier and looks wrinkled. Fat in the inner skin is also reduced so that the skin becomes loose and saggy so that lines and gaps are more prominent.
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UV rays of the sun (especially in fair-skinned people)
Radiation from UV rays can speed up the aging process. Exposure to UV rays breaks down the skin’s connective tissue, namely collagen and elastin fibers. This tissue is located in the deeper layers of the skin (dermis). As a result, the skin loses strength and flexibility so that the skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.
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Cigarette
Smoking can also speed up the natural aging process that occurs in the skin and causes wrinkles. This is caused by changes in the blood supply to the skin
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Pollution
Pollution also accelerates the occurrence of wrinkles.
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Repeated facial expressions
Facial movements and expressions, such as squinting or smiling, cause fine lines and wrinkles. Every time you use your facial muscles, grooves form beneath the skin’s surface. And as skin ages, it loses flexibility and is no longer able to bounce back. These grooves then become permanent on your face.
Diagnosis
Wrinkles can be seen immediately with a physical examination. If you want to consult, you should come to a specialist or to a skin and genital specialist to get a thorough examination of your skin.
Treatment
If wrinkles are bothering you, you can consult a doctor to make them smoother and less noticeable. Several procedures can be performed depending on the characteristics of the wrinkles, such as:
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Drugs
Medications such as retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) can reduce fine wrinkles, blotches, and rough skin. This medication may cause redness, dryness, itching, burning, and tingling. This medicine requires a doctor’s supervision. Over-the-counter anti-wrinkle creams also contain lots of antioxidants that can improve wrinkles.
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Laser and radiofrequency treatment
The laser injures the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the inner skin (dermis). Thus stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers. Eventually, the wound heals and the skin becomes smoother and firmer. However, it can take up to months for the skin to completely heal. Risks from lasers include scarring and lighter or darker skin.
Other laser techniques, namely those that are non-ablative (do not injure) can reduce healing time and reduce risk. There are also devices that use radio frequency instead of light, resulting in firmer skin.
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Chemical peels
Peeling or skin exfoliation is done with chemicals such as acids. The chemical will burn the outer skin thereby removing wrinkles, freckles and dark spots. Side effects can include redness for up to several weeks.
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Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a technique of removing the outer layer of skin with a rotating brush. So that it can lift the outer skin surface and stimulate the growth of new skin layers. Side effects can include redness and swelling for weeks to months.
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Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is similar to dermabrasion, except that it only removes a thin, delicate layer of skin. The results of therapy are usually only seen after several series of treatments. Side effects include slight redness or a tingling or stinging sensation.
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Botox
Botox or botulinum toxin type A is a toxin from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. If this poison is injected into certain muscles, it will cause these muscles to remain contracted so that the skin becomes tighter and wrinkles are reduced. Botox is often used for wrinkles or creases on the forehead, between the eyebrows and crow’s feet under the outer corners of the eyes. Botox results usually last up to 3–4 months.
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Fillers
Filler is injecting a substance into the wrinkled area such as fatty acids, collagen and hyaluronic acid. So that the substance fills in wrinkles and grooves so that wrinkles become disguised. Side effects include temporary swelling, redness and bruising in the treated area. The procedure may need to be repeated every few months.
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Skin tightening
Some tools use heat to tighten the skin. This non-invasive treatment produces mild to modest results, which usually develop gradually over four to six months.
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Face-lift
The surgical face-lift procedure removes excess skin and fat on the face and neck and tightens the underlying muscles and connective tissue. The results last a long time up to 5-10 years. Side effects include bruising and swelling which can last for several weeks after surgery. Healing time is also quite long.
Prevention
Preventing wrinkles is impossible. However, you can prevent wrinkles due to premature aging in ways such as:
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Protect the skin from the sun
When you are going to spend time in an area exposed to the sun, you should wear long shirts, trousers, hats and glasses. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and repeat every 2 hours.
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Use moisturizer
Dry skin is more prone to form fine lines and early wrinkles. Moisturizer can temporarily cover small lines and creases.
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Avoid smoking
Quitting smoking can improve skin health and prevent new wrinkles.
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Eat a healthy diet
Taking vitamins can protect the skin. So eat more fruits and vegetables.