Facial wrinkles are always a hot topic in the world of skin care and plastic surgery. There are constantly new treatments, products or tips claiming to help reduce or prevent lines and creases developing in the face. A few weeks ago, we here at Dr. Dayan’s office & True Skin Care Center busted skin care myths by providing you with the facts about maintaining beautiful and healthy skin.
This week, we’re focusing on busting six common wrinkle myths, giving you insight into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to preventing and erasing these age-revealing lines. Continue reading to get the true facts about wrinkles.
MYTH: If your parents have bad wrinkles, you will too
This age-old, common myth isn’t necessarily true. Though genes do play a part in wrinkle development, they play a much smaller role than most think. The biggest cause of wrinkles is actually environmental factors, such as sun exposure and smoking, in addition to your age and repeated facial expressions (e.g., smiling, squinting). Of all causes, smoking and sun exposure play the largest part with sun exposure responsible for more than 90 percent of visible changes attributed to skin aging, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
To reduce the amount of wrinkles you develop, avoid sun tanning, smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Also, try to apply sunscreen that shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays every day before you go outside. If you take better care of your skin than your parents did, you are sure to develop fewer wrinkles than they have.
MYTH: Moisturizing your face every day will erase wrinkles
Though moisturizing is good for your skin because it hydrates and plumps fine lines, it cannot get rid of wrinkles by itself. Cosmetic treatments such as Botox or laser therapy must still be used to attain smooth, wrinkle-free skin. The use of moisturizers supports and extends the results of these treatments. Quality daily moisturizers, such as Vivite Daily Antioxidant Facial Serum, contain antioxidant protection, growth factors and collagen to help sustain wrinkle-reduced skin after cosmetic treatments.
MYTH: You should only wear sunscreen on sunny days
Many people assume that when clouds are blocking the sun, there is less of a need for sunscreen. Yet, up to 80 percent of UV rays pass through clouds, according to the EPA, which means you can still receive extreme sun damage on cloudy days. It’s important to apply sunscreen every time you are outside, no matter what the weather is like. The sun’s UV rays are not only a major cause of premature aging, but they also are responsible for an estimated 90 percent of melanoma skin cancers, according to the EPA.
MYTH: Pulling or rubbing your skin will lead to wrinkles
Touching your skin every now and again will not cause any permanent lines or wrinkling. Rather, it is the pull of gravity and the repetitive movements of facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Over time, repetitive movements such as smiling and frowning break down collagen in your skin and create lines. Fortunately, you don’t pull at or rub your skin regularly enough to cause any permanent change in your appearance.
MYTH: Injectables are the only type of cosmetic treatment used to eliminate wrinkles
If you have needle-phobia you, don’t fret. Although injectable treatments such as Botox are the most widely known for reversing the effects of aging, there are other treatments available. Laser treatments for wrinkles come in a variety of different options depending on the type of lines you are looking to eliminate. These effective treatments can create dramatic or subtle results depending on the type of laser used, are long lasting and require very little downtime.
Venus Freeze is another non-invasive way to treat wrinkles without the use of injections or surgery, and with very little downtime.
MYTH: Expensive anti-aging products will prevent or eliminate wrinkles
If you walk into any skin care section of a store, you are bound to see a plethora of products that claim to reverse aging and erase wrinkles. However, retinoid products are the only FDA-approved topical treatment for wrinkles. Many others only temporarily plump fine lines. Retinoids work their way into the skin to treat deep wrinkles and increase cell turnover. Still, the most effective, efficient and proven way to eliminate wrinkles is with cosmetic treatments, such as fillers, Botox, Venus Freeze, Xeomin and Laser Therapy.
We hope these facts help you to better treat your wrinkles, or work to prevent them if they haven’t yet developed. To learn more about non-surgical ways to reduce your wrinkles, visit our non-surgical procedures page. If you have a question for Gigi Greene, please email myclinicalteam@drdayan.com with the subject “Question for Gigi”
