Wrinkles

Introduction

Although wrinkles can be signs of experience and wisdom, most people would rather not have them.

People's desire to retain and regain youth is strong and universal. The eternal wish for a "fountain of youth" can be seen in the innumerable products and procedures advertised in books, magazines, and other media that promise "younger-looking skin." Many claims for such youth-enhancing methods are unfortunately overblown or entirely nonexistent. Let the buyer beware! Still, effective techniques for softening and even removing wrinkles do exist.

Skin ages all over the body, but much more so where there has been sun exposure. Changes brought on by sun damage (photoaging) include "dryness" (really roughness), sagginess, skin growths like keratoses ("liver spots"), and wrinkles.

Wrinkles in turn can be divided into two categories; fine, surface lines and deep furrows. Wrinkle treatments are in general much more effective for fine lines. Deeper creases may require more aggressive techniques, such as plastic surgery.

Wrinkles are found primarily on the parts of the body where sun exposure is greatest. These areas especially include the face, neck, the backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms.

What factors promote wrinkles?

Factors that promote wrinkling include:

• Smoking
• Skin type (people with light-colored skin and blue eyes are more susceptible to sun damage)
• Heredity (some families wrinkle more)
• Hairstyle (depending on how much skin is covered by hair and protected from the sun)
• Dress (again, by determining which skin is exposed)
• Occupational and recreational sun exposure over the course of many years

Some of these factors are beyond our control. The main preventative measures we can take are to minimize sun exposure and not smoke.

SPF numbers on sunscreen labels refer to protection against UVB radiation (short-wave ultraviolet light, or the"sunburn rays"). Most sunscreens allow UVA (long-wave ultraviolet light) to penetrate the skin. These are the same rays used in suntan parlors. Although UVB is more energetic in producing wrinkles, there are about 10 times as many UVA rays in the atmosphere as there are UVB rays. It is therefore likely that using tanning parlors and spending lots of time outdoors--even with "maximum protection"--will contribute to the development of wrinkles. Some sunscreens contain ingredients (like Parsol 1789) that provide UVA protection, but these are only partially effective. For more, please read the articles, Sunburn and Sun Sensitizing Drugs and Sun Protection and Sunscreens.

What treatments are available for wrinkles?

So, what can be done to treat wrinkles? There are several medical (topical medicines and creams) and cosmetic techniques available for improving (minimizing) the appearance of wrinkles and even removing them. Below is a description of these methods and their potential outcomes and side effects.