Topical Products & Treatments

What are they?

Wrinkles are caused by a loss of collagen and elastin -- the tissues in the skin that make it firm and elastic -- as we age. The degree of wrinkling depends on your genetic makeup, but smoking, dry skin and sun exposure (especially sunburns) make it worse. Dynamic motion -- making facial expressions -- also causes permanent creases over time.

Treatment

Tretinoin (Re tin-A), other retinoids.
Laser resurfacing. This process burns away the outer layer of skin, bringing a less wrinkled layer to the surface.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These slough off dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production, making cells look plumper.
Collagen injections.
Chemical peels.
Botox injections.
Fat transfer. Fat is taken out of the buttocks and injected into the creases in the face.

Identifying Crow's Feet

What are crow's feet? Crow’s feet are fine lines and wrinkles radiating from the eyes. For the most part they're caused by sun exposure, but smoking can make them worse. Years and years of smiling and squinting can also play a part in how they're formed.

Treatment

Sunscreen. Wear one every day and try to avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Moisturizer. Applying lotion every day won't cure crow's feet, but it will make your skin look more supple and decrease the appearance of wrinkles.
Tretinoin (Retin-A), other retinoids. When applied to the skin these drugs help increase collagen production, strengthening the structure of the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Collagen injections. These will temporarily plump up the wrinkles.

Sagging Skin

Why does skin sag?
As you age, elastin fibers stretch and the skin droops.
Your genes and the level of sun exposure you've had during your lifetime determine how much you sag. Smoking contributes to skin sagging, too.

Treatment

Facelift
Laser resurfacing
Tretinoin (Retin-A), other retinoids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Thinning Skin

What causes thinning skin? As you age, cells flatten and lose their plumpness, making skin thinner.

It's especially noticeable on your face and the back of your hands, where skin is most exposed to the sun.

Treatment

Tretinoin (Retin-A), other retinoids
Moisturizer. Lotions make skin feel more supple, but they won't affect the underlying cells -- only the surface layer.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These make the top layer of skin tighter and seal in moisture.
Chemical peeling
Dermabrasion
Laser resurfacing