One of the most common queries that we very often receive from our clients at Kosmoderma is about anti-ageing and specifically on how to combat/reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Ageing is imminent and all we can do is delay the onset and ensure we age gracefully.
In one of the recent conferences that I attended, we found ourselves again discussing how a lot of people are increasingly concerned about looking older and very often end up using injectables to treat signs of ageing. Now, while Botox and Fillers do restrict the overall ageing process and make you look younger, yet as a cosmetic dermatologist, I have always maintained that it is our moral and ethical obligation to ask patients to opt for more sustainable ways to maintain one’s youth.
So, while Botox and Fillers still remain amongst the most commonly followed treatments to get rid of fine lines, in this blog we will talk about several other options that one can use. These methods are more of a pro-active nature and hence can significantly delay the onset of fine lines or wrinkles
Over the Counter Solutions
Retinoids such as tretinoin, Altreno, Retin-A and Renova are amongst the most effective ways for delaying the onset as well as treating the early fine lines and in many cases even pigmentation and wrinkles too. A very common progression of retinoid application is slight redness and skin peel off. This is completely natural and usually signals that your skin is on the path of healing. If however, you do not feel so comfortable, please feel free to get in touch with your dermatologist.
Anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, C and E as well as beta-carotene work indirectly by providing you protection from the sun damage as well as the pollutants. Thus, the protection helps boost the skin’s immunity which in turn fights the signs of ageing.
Topical Applications
Alpha Hydroxy Acid creams (Also known as fruit acids), AHAs include the likes of glycolic and lactic acid. These creams are best used in conjunction with ongoing treatments. Considering that they are applied on the face or in other words massaged into the skin, the effect is usually limited. However, from a maintenance angle, these creams can work wonders.
Moisturizers: Probably the most commonly used “treatment” of all. Moisturisers help in keeping the skin supple but when it comes to the curative nature, there isn’t much that they have to offer.
In-Clinic Treatments
Chemical Peels.
Superficial peels such as glycolic acid peels can be really effective when it comes to fine lines which have just started appearing. If the lines are hardened though or wrinkles have started showing, the results are negligible.
Next, come deeper peels which include ingredients such as phenol or salicylic acids and do a great job at smoothening the skin and reducing the scarring in general. For the treatment of wrinkles that have become deeper or prominent fine lines, deeper peels can be of great essence. These peels have downtime and result in significant skin peeling so make sure that you do not get the treatment done around an important event. Also, it is very important that you have the deep peels administered by trained therapists or else any careless or unsupervised application may damage your skin.
Dermabrasion.
As the name suggests, this is about creating abrasions on the skin to boost the healing process. It can be done through derma rollers or other abrasives. The side effects could include scarring but owing to the boost to skin collagen generation that happens, the skin heals quickly. In addition to the removal of fine lines, Dermabrasion helps in improving the skin texture and colour as well
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Serves the same purpose as dermabrasion, Laser skin resurfacing helps boost the collagen production through the use of lasers focussed on the target areas to be treated. The process is very safe if you go for US-FDA approved treatments and clinics, opting for a random salon to have the treatment done could be a bit harmful.
Ultherapy/HiFi
Not directly used for fine line reduction but these ultrasound-based techniques can combat signs of ageing by lifting and tightening sagging/loose skin. These treatments are especially effective for treating the face, neck and chin areas.
Finally, because we cannot mention them enough! Botox and Fillers have been amongst the best and instantly effective treatments for fine line and wrinkle reduction. Be it the fine lines on the forehead, crows feet near your eyes or wrinkles anywhere on your face in general, Botox and Fillers have known to work wonders.
All that being said, the ideal way to go for fine line or wrinkle or any kind of ageing onset reduction/removal is to have a detailed discussion with your trusted dermatologist and devise a detailed plan. Fine line or wrinkle removal treatments take time and hence you need to be patient too. So, trust your doctor with what they say. If the plan has been drawn out carefully taking all your needs into account, the results will not just be sure-shot but also long-lasting.