Many aging people often have a common problem: sooner or later they get wrinkles. Even if the formation of fine lines and wrinkles is something completely normal, we are used to our young skin of the 20s and 30s and would like to keep it forever.
The good thing is that there are some tips, tricks, and home remedies you can use to minimize wrinkles. We have selected and compared the best for you. We would like to introduce them to you in the following article so that nothing stands in the way of your wrinkle-free skin even in old age!
the essentials in brief
- The skin ages on the one hand in a completely natural way, on the other hand due to external influences. These include poor diet, alcohol, cigarettes, poor sleep, stress and, above all, exposure to the sun or solarium.
- Which beauty treatment should be chosen depends on the respective skin type. It is therefore essential to seek good professional advice beforehand.
- There are home remedies for wrinkles as well as medical treatments.
Definition: what are wrinkles and what is wrinkle treatment?
Wrinkles are furrows and lines on the surface of the skin. They come in different depths. They are due to a folding of the epidermis and dermis. The formation of wrinkles is influenced by the natural aging process on the one hand and external influences on the other.
Even at a young age, slight wrinkles such as the frown line between the eyes can appear. Home remedies or massages can often help. (Image source: Freestocks /unsplash)
Wrinkle treatments serve to reduce or completely eliminate wrinkles. On the one hand, home remedies can be used for this and, on the other hand, medical treatments can be used.
Background: What you need to know about wrinkle treatment
In this section we would like to answer all relevant questions about wrinkles and wrinkle treatments.
Why do you get wrinkles?
All of our organs age and so does the skin. However, what fundamentally differentiates skin from the rest of our body for us is that its aging process is visible to everyone.
The aging process can be divided into
- age
- environmental aging
The Age
The skin type that everyone has is genetically determined. We can't change anything about him. However, skin care plays a role in how vital and fresh our skin looks. Gender also influences the aging process here.
Women's skin is often more sensitive and thinner than that of men and is also affected by hormonal influences. This makes women's skin more prone to wrinkles. But even more important than gender are the hereditary factors with regard to wrinkles. Some people still have wrinkle-free skin in their 60s, while some in their 40s are already beginning to see lines on their faces. People with combination skin or oily skin are often the lucky ones, as their skin ages very slowly. (1)
The environmental aging
External influences also affect our skin and its aging process. Such influences include, for example, air pollution, sunbathing, poor nutrition, insufficient sleep or mental imbalance.
External influences trigger the formation of so-called free radicals. Free radicals are partly formed by our body itself, or supplied by external influences. They destroy cell structures in the body and also have other adverse effects on the body.
If you like to lie in the sun, you should put on a lot of sunscreen. Because UV radiation not only ages the skin but also increases the risk of cancer. (Image source: Maciej Serafinowicz / unsplash)
The ultraviolet rays of sunlight in particular have a huge impact on the skin and its aging. They cause damage to the skin that often looks similar to if the skin had aged naturally.
How do I know if my skin is aging naturally or due to external influences?
The characteristics of naturally aged skin differ from skin aged by environmental influences. In the following table, the most important differences should be clearly presented so that you can see which case you or your fellow human beings are dealing with. (1)
| Type | characteristics |
|---|---|
| age | thin, dry, not very elastic, finely wrinkled, pale, pigmented, shallow wrinkle depth, natural skin appendages (1) |
| environmental aging | very dry, dull, scaly, sagging, deep wrinkles, wrinkled, pigment spots, blackheads, skin changes caused by light(1) |
One should pay particular attention to the last feature of the environmental skin changes, the light-related skin changes. Light-induced skin changes, also known as actinic keratoses, can lead to cancer. (1)
What home remedies are there for wrinkles?
Medical treatment of wrinkles is not always necessary. Many people would also prefer to take the more natural route and use home remedies to help a little against wrinkles.
Wrinkles can be partially treated with the help of home remedies.
There are many remedies that you have at home or can buy quickly in the supermarket that treat wrinkles. The following table describes them in more detail for you.
| home remedies | Effect |
|---|---|
| coconut oil | It provides antioxidants that fight free radicals. It also offers protection and moisture due to the high fat content. |
| aloe vera | It improves the elasticity of the skin and fights free radicals with many plant substances. |
| Ginger | Ginger also contains many antioxidants that fight free radicals. |
| Water | Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated. |
Of course, in addition to these examples, there are a few more home remedies that contain antioxidants or support the skin's moisture content. When it comes to nutrition, for example, care should be taken to eat a lot of vitamin C. Excessive exposure to the sun, smoking and stress should also be avoided. (2)
What types of medical wrinkle treatments are there?
Botox treatment against wrinkles
Botulinum toxin A or Botox is a popular remedy for wrinkles, which almost everyone knows at least by hearing. Normally, acetylcholine is released from the presynaptic nerve endings. Botulinum toxin A inhibits this release, which blocks neuromuscular conduction into the striated muscles. This loosens wrinkles because the muscles are paralyzed for a short time.
The results of the treatment can be seen after up to ten days. Muscle activity regenerates after about 3-9 months. The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of Botox treatments for wrinkles:
Advantages- effective anti-wrinkle treatments
- pain free
- short treatment time
Botox injections as a treatment method against wrinkles has been cast in a bad light by journalism in recent years. While an overdose certainly carries the risk of facial expression restrictions and numbness, it can be very helpful in small amounts. (4)
Injection of autologous fat against wrinkles
Autologous fat is a popular form of anti-wrinkle injection with many benefits. The first advantage is obvious: no synthetic substances have to be used.
The fat for the injections, which are usually carried out on the face, is usually obtained from the abdominal region. In most cases, the fat obtained through liposuction is then filtered and processed. The fat can then be injected in small quantities. 1-4ml per region of the face is usually sufficient.
The results of the autologous fat treatment can be admired the very next day. A natural looking result can be expected. The long-term results vary depending on the region of the face. The results with the nasolabial folds and the folds of the corners of the mouth are more long-term than with the lips, for example.
The older the person who performs the autologous fat injection, the more often it has to be re-injected. This is because facial fat volumes decrease with age.
For long-term results, only a few follow-up injections at intervals of 3-4 months are usually necessary. In general, treatment with autologous fat has only a few disadvantages. If swelling or sensory disturbances occur, these usually only last for a few hours or days. Serious complications such as fat embolism have so far only been seen in 5 people who had undergone this treatment.
However, the advantage that should be clearly emphasized is that the autologous fat treatment is carried out purely with your own body fat and the risk of an allergic reaction, for example, can be ruled out. (3)
Wrinkle injections with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring gel found in all living organisms. However, the older you get, the less hyaluronic acid is still naturally available. Synthetic hyaluronic acid can replace natural hyaluronic acid in plastic surgery.
On the one hand, hyaluronic acid loosens the cell structure of the skin and, on the other hand, creates new space for cell formation. Due to the high water-binding capacity, hyaluronic acid also creates a finer and smoother complexion.
Areas of application are both superficial and deeper wrinkles. After the first treatment, about one to two follow-up treatments are recommended for optimal results. The hyaluronic acid remains in the tissue for up to a year. Redness, swelling or pain at the injection sites can only be observed in rare cases. (4)
Wrinkle treatment with the ultra-pulsed Co2 laser
Wrinkle treatment with an ultra-pulsed Co2 laser is another effective method to reduce wrinkles. The laser gently removes the upper layers of the skin.
Compared to other lasers, the ultra-pulsed Co2 laser has a short laser pulse duration, which is below the thermal relaxation time of the skin. This prevents thermal damage to the surrounding tissue.
Advantages- fast and precise removal of the skin layers and thus the wrinkles
- also helps against scars and acne
A single session is usually sufficient for this type of treatment. Superficial wounds develop during the treatment, which heal after 7-10 days. (5.6)
How much does wrinkle treatment cost?
If you want beautiful skin, you also have to pay for it if you don't want to rely on home remedies. The different offers vary in price. Of course, it also depends on the respective specialist and his experience how much the treatment costs. The following table is intended to provide you with a rough price overview.
| Treatment | price range |
|---|---|
| Botox treatment | 190-390€ |
| autologous fat | ~1500€ |
| hyaluronic acid | 300-400€ |
| Ultra-pulsed Co2 laser | 250-350€ |
Of course, there are also surgeons who ask for a little more or a little less. There are also luxury surgeons for the superstars, which are accordingly very expensive. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're better.
Autologous fat injection is by far the most expensive treatment, but it should not be forgotten that it is the most natural injection for this.
Where can I have wrinkle treatments done?
If you want to consider medical wrinkle treatments, you should look for a specialist with a lot of knowledge and, above all, experience. The face has many muscles and nerves that should be taken care of.
In general, you have various options for your treatment. For example, you can go to a doctor or cosmetic surgeon who specializes in a specific treatment method. The advantage here is that they are very familiar with this treatment method and usually have a lot of experience.
On the other hand, you can also go to general cosmetic surgeons and get advice from them again on what the best treatment method is for your skin type. It is best to find out beforehand whether they would also offer your desired treatment. In addition to individual independent specialists, you can also go to a clinic for beauty treatments.
Wrinkle treatment: The best tips & tricks for wrinkle-free skin
Now that you have all the necessary information about wrinkle treatment, we would like to summarize the most important tips for you.
Watch your lifestyle to prevent wrinkles
If you want to avoid wrinkles, you should start paying attention to your lifestyle early on. Of course it is not forbidden to lie in the sun or to drink alcohol. In general, however, you should ensure a healthy diet with as few toxins as possible.
It is also very important that you apply sunscreen very well before sunbathing in the natural sun. You should avoid the solarium completely. Because too much UV radiation not only accelerates the skin aging process but also increases the risk of cancer.
A healthy diet with lots of antioxidants and plenty of water means prevention against wrinkles. (Image source: Jamie Street /unsplash)
Use home remedies before considering medical treatments
People tend to want to take pills early because of illness, even when a healthier diet or general mindfulness in life would make a big difference. When it comes to wrinkles, you shouldn’t immediately think of medical treatments either. Try first whether natural means are sufficient.
When it comes to wrinkles, you shouldn't immediately think of injections or laser treatments if you've never tried home remedies.
Various oils and fats such as olive oil, linseed oil or coconut oil as well as nuts can bring enormous benefits to your skin. Thanks to their antioxidants and high fat content, they help to prevent wrinkles. Aloe vera is also recommended.
Medical treatments can change a lot
If it is too late for preventive care and even home remedies are no longer of any use, there are two ways: either you accept yourself as you are, or you consider professional medical help.
If you want to undergo an injection or laser treatment, you should seek thorough advice beforehand. When it comes to medical interventions, there are always advantages and disadvantages to be weighed up.
Conclusion
If you don't have many wrinkles yet, you can take good precautions with a healthy diet, exercise and plenty of water. However, one must never forget that our entire body ages naturally. This is why the skin ages naturally and it is inevitable that wrinkles will appear. For some people, genetically or due to external influences, it is a little earlier, for some a little later.
In general, we should learn to accept ourselves as we are. With some home remedies and medical treatments, however, we can help a little to get in the skin that we feel inside. So it is now possible for the 60-year-old to look as young as she feels.
References
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Vennemann, Dr. medical Ferdinant (1998): Jordan, Anette: Active against wrinkles. Ways to beautiful, firm skin. Humboldt VerlagSource
Natural bitter substances against skin aging. close up dermatology 32, 73 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15012-016-2250-4 source
W. Schmeller, I. Meier-Vollrath: Current Dermatology 2003; 29(7): 271-276
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41299 Source
Brüner, S., Deb, R. & Germann, G. Conservative treatment of wrinkles by the plastic surgeon. Surgeon 74, 815-820 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00104-003-0732-5 source
Raulin, C., Petzoldt, D. & Hellwig, S. Removal of wrinkles and acne scars with the ultra-pulsed CO2 laser. Dermatologist 47, 443-446 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001050050448 Source
Borelli, C. Laser Wrinkle Treatment. Dermatologist 58, 210-215 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00105-007-1291-3 Source
