Does everyone hate the word “wrinkles” as much as I do? I mean the word alone sounds bad. Is it because we automatically cringe when we hear the word, oftentimes identifying it with our own skin or because it reminds us we’re getting older? I can’t remember for sure, but I don’t think I ever gave the word itself a second thought before I started getting wrinkles which makes me think the word only irritates me because I’m attaching it to who I am.

Having said that, I would never want to look plastic or like a girl in her twenties or thirties because I think a woman who ages gracefully is absolutely gorgeous. It’s just that I want to always take great care of myself so I look as young as I feel. And I feel really young! Well except for backaches and night sweats!

Let’s look at the word itself and what it means. Wrinkling (general term we use for creases, furrows and lines on our face) occurs naturally when we age. That’s all there is to it; however, most often it is accelerated by the way we live. But remember we can absolutely slow it down by implementing 3 simple things into our lives.

1. Never smoke. If you do, quit.
2. Use sunscreen. Period.
3. Follow a good skincare regimen.

As far as treating wrinkles and fine lines that have already occurred there are a multitude of solutions.

1. Follow the three steps for prevention above and start as early as possible. If you didn’t start taking good care of your skin when you were young, don’t worry about it. Just start now. Today’s skin care products are effective. Science has now been incorporated into cosmetic skincare formulations that effectively change the texture and tone of the skin. No more snake oil promises, many actually work.
2. Keep your skin hydrated. Drink water and use moisturizer!
3. Explore and educate yourself on ingredients and products (depending of course on your skin type and your doctor or skin therapist’s recommendations). The ingredients below have shown great promise in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Prescription Retin A or over the counter retinol creams and products.
• Glycolic acid

Retinol and glycolics are great for fine lines and blemishes, removing dead skin cells and for stimulating collagen production. I refer to these ingredients as “tried and true” anti-aging skincare.

• Idebenone
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
• Copper Peptides

Idebenone, lipoic acids and copper peptides are integrated into many skincare products and are the basis for why the creams and serums seem to work so well in many brands. They work over time to reduce the signs of aging and again show great promise.

• DMAE
• Pentapeptides

The last two (DMAE and pentapeptides) work by affecting the lower lying tissue and muscles under the skin to give an appearance of better tone. In other words, the substance stimulates nerve function and stimulates the muscles to contract and tighten under the skin. Thus giving a more relaxed and less lined look to the face.

Watch for Part Two and Part Three of Wrinkles 101. Part Two will focus on the most effective products containing these ingredients and Part Three will explore other avenues in wrinkle reduction such as Botox, Injectible fillers, and chemical peels.