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Cosmetic
Dermatology Conditions -
Wrinkles / Lines
The main
causes of aging skin are due to
two primary sources: the
natural decreasing elasticity
of the skin with increasing
age, and sun exposure.
In regards to the natural
decreasing elasticity of the
skin with increasing age,
collagen formation and elastic
tissue formation is decreased
as a person age. This may be
primary due to the decreased
ability of collagen / elastin
producing cells to reproduce as
they themselves age. The result
is less viable collagen and
elastin production leading to
saggy, thin skin tissue
clinically seen as wrinkles.
Sun exposure dramatically
decreases the time needed to
age skin and lead to wrinkles.
The harmful ultraviolet
radiation in sun exposure
destroys normal elastic tissue
and renders it useless. The
result is sagging skin
clinically seen as wrinkles.
Also, the skin tends to thicken
and become somewhat "leathery"
with greater degrees of
exposure as a method of
protection.
The baseline treatment for
prevention of aging / wrinkles
/ photodamage is the use of
sun-protective clothing,
sunscreen, and retinoid
products. A suitable sunscreen
should be applied in generous
amounts several times a day to
the face and exposed body. An
SPF of 15 or higher should be
used on the face and 30 or more
to the body. Persons should
avoid the sun during the times
of 10am - 3pm (peak intensity).
In addition, the use of a
retinoid has been
scientifically shown to prevent
or reverse aging. The best
retinoids are obtained with a
prescription from a
dermatologist knowledgeable
about treatment regimens and
side effects, although suitable
retinoids may be found in many
over-the-counter products (e.g.
ROC). Other topical products
that may be used include those
containing Vitamin C or Vitamin
E antioxidants.
Laser treatments may also
lessen the effects of aging and
reduce fine lines / wrinkles.
The non-ablative lasers (do not
peel off the skin) have
variable results while the
ablative lasers (peel off the
top layer of skin) are the gold
standard for all types of
wrinkles, but have significant
downtime. Newer laser
treatments include the use of
fractional resurfacing laser
technology (Fraxel®, Starlux®)
which combine excellent
efficacy with minimal downtime.
Chemical peels and dermabrasion
have also been used to treat
wrinkles and photoaging with
great success. In regards to
treating wrinkles specifically,
BOTOX® and Restylane®,
Juvederm® (and similar collagen
treatments) are very widely
used in both treatment and
prevention of wrinkles in a
variety of locations.
Over-the-counter BOTOX®
alternative creams exist that
are thought to enhance collagen
production and promote thicker,
fuller, and healthier skin.
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