Wrinkle
Wrinkles appear when the collagen
and elastin in the connective tissues
of the skin become weakened or decline in number. This causes
the skin to:
- Become thinner
- Lose fat content
- Lose elasticity and smoothness
- Become sagging
Symptoms of Wrinkles
The symptoms of wrinkles are:
- Lines and at times deep creases in the skin
- Sagging skin
- Usually more pronounced on areas near the eye and lips, as
well as the neck.
These lines and creases may be temporary, and become deeper and
more permanent as the person ages.
Causes of Wrinkles
Wrinkles are part of normal aging. However, the following activities
can cause premature wrinkles or worsen the appearance of wrinkles:
- Sun damage and suntanning
- Smoking
- Drug use
- Stress
The extent of wrinkles are often genetically determined.
Treatment for Wrinkle
There are many over-the-counter anti-wrinkle creams. Most have
alpha-hydroxy acids, which cause peeling or shedding
of the outermost layer of the skin to reveal a more firm layer
underneath.
Medical and prescribed cosmetic treatment for wrinkles include:
- Prescription creams
Tritenoin and retinoic acid creams have been shown to reduce
fine lines and thicken the skin. These creams should be used
carefully, as they may also cause peeling, redness, and sensitivity
to sunlight and ultraviolet lights.
- Collagen injection
Here, collagen is used to "fill out" deep wrinkle
lines and creases.
- Botox injection
Botox is a toxin that paralyses the muscle. When injected in
small amounts on the sites of the wrinkle, it can create a temporary
appearance of smoother skin.
- Dermabrasion and laser resufacing