As we age, our bodies undergo many changes, especially our skin. Skin cells begin to divide more slowly, and the dermis, or the skin’s inner layer, begins to thin and lose elasticity. In addition, skin loses its ability to hold moisture or produce oil, making it slower to heal. All of this combined leads to wrinkles.
Wrinkles occur most commonly on the parts of the body that receive the most sun exposure, like the face, neck and hands. Factors that will make your skin wrinkle sooner or more severely include sun exposure (especially for those with light skin), smoking and heredity.
There are two categories of wrinkles: fine surface lines and deep furrows. Deep furrows are typically exaggerated by facial muscle contractions, such as when you smile, frown and squint.
There are a variety of treatments available to decrease the appearance of wrinkles. These include:
- Topical treatments, such as retinoid creams.
- Chemical peels.
- Laser resurfacing.
- Botox injections to reduce muscle contractions.
- Injectable fillers.
If you’re interested in learning more about our dermatology services, or are ready to schedule a consultation, request an appointment online or give us a call at (713) 328-0826.