Wrinkles
Medical Author: Alan Rockoff, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, MD, FACP, FACR
Introduction
Although wrinkles can signify wisdom, most people nowadays would rather not
have them.
Many products and procedures promise to reduce wrinkles. Some do
little or nothing (like the products that claim they reduce "the appearance of
fine lines," which means that they don't reduce the lines themselves). Others
can achieve a fair amount of success.
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.
Most wrinkles appear on the parts of the body
where sun exposure is greatest. These especially include the face, neck, the
backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms. Wrinkles come in 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 injection of fillers or plastic surgery.
What factors promote wrinkles?
Factors that promote wrinkling include:
- Smoking
- Light skin type (people with blue eyes and easily burned skin are more
prone to sun damage)
- Heredity (some families wrinkle more)
- Hairstyle (some styles provide cover and protection against sun damage)
- Dress (hats, long sleeves, etc.)
- Occupational and recreational habits (farming, sailing, golfing, using
tanning booths, and so forth)
Some of these factors are beyond our control. The main preventive measures we
can take are to minimize sun exposure and not smoke.
SPF numbers on sunscreen
labels refer to protection against UVB radiation (shortwave ultraviolet light,
the "sunburn rays"). More and more sunscreens offer protection against UVA
radiation (longer-wave ultraviolet light) as well. UVA rays are the ones you get
in tanning salons; they may not cause immediate sunburn but do promote sun
damage and skin cancer risk over time. (Sorry, but there is no such thing as a
"safe tan.") Sunscreens that block UVA indicate this on the label and include
such ingredients as Parsol 1789. The FDA has recently approved Mexoryl, another
UVA-blocking ingredient, which has been available in Europe for some time. For
more, please read the articles, Sunburn and Sun Sensitizing Drugs and
Sun Protection and Sunscreens.
Next: What medical treatments and cosmetic procedures are available for wrinkles? »
- tretinoin, Retin A, Atralin, Renova, Avita, Altinac - Learn about tretinoin (Retin-A, Atralin, Renova, Avita, Altinac) a drug used to treat moderate acne, wrinkles, and sun damaged skin.
- Photodynamic Therapy - Read about photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT uses a photosensitizing agent and light source to treat cancers (skin, lung, esophageal, Barrett's esophagus), acne and rosacea.
- Skin Cancer - Learn the types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma), their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques. Get the facts about sun exposure and sunscreen.
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