Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of ageing. But, they can be pretty annoying and can even negatively affect your self-esteem. Wrinkles and fine lines aren't harmful but if you do want to minimise their appearance there are plenty of ways to treat wrinkles.

In this article, we're diving into some of the ways you can say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles and all the preventative measures you can take to slow down the skin's ageing process and prevent deep wrinkles from environmental effects such as harmful sun damage.

What are wrinkles?

Wrinkles are lines and creases that form on your skin [1]. Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process and we will all get them at some point in our lives. Wrinkles appear as ridges, creases, and folds, most commonly appearing on the face, neck, and arms [2].

What causes wrinkles?

Wrinkles are caused by a variety of factors — some internal and some external.

During the ageing process, a lack of collagen production (a protein within your body that gives your skin structure and elasticity) causes wrinkles to form [2]. As you age, the cells in the body lose their ability to produce proteins which makes it harder for your skin to bounce back to its original shape, therefore, causing wrinkles.

Ageing

Skin ageing is a normal process but it also means the number of elastin and collagen fibres, which give the skin strength, are reduced, which in turn, creates wrinkles [3].

Beneath the surface of the skin, there is a layer of fat that gives your skin structure and form which begins to thin out as you age, causing sagging skin.

Sun exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure without sun protection can cause premature ageing of the skin and contributes to early wrinkling [1].

Exposure to UV rays breaks down the skin's connective tissue (elastin and collagen fibres). As a result, wrinkles develop because each time your skin has to rebuild and heal, the process becomes less efficient over time [2].

Smoking

Like sun exposure, smoking can accelerate the ageing process. Smoking decreases the production of collagen, which in turn results in facial wrinkles.

Research also shows that people who have never smoked have far fewer wrinkles in comparison to smokers [3].

Facial expressions

Facial expressions including squinting and smiling lead to fine lines and deep wrinkles, especially forehead lines [1]. Each time you use a facial muscle, a groove forms underneath the skin's surface, and as you age the skin loses its flexibility causing those grooves to become permanent.

Can your wrinkles go away?

Now onto the part, you've probably been waiting for. Can wrinkles go away? The short answer is yes, but, you probably won't be able to eliminate them forever.

There are, however, a bunch of wrinkle remedies and treatments on the market that can help reduce wrinkles, smooth them out and make them less noticeable.

How to get rid of wrinkles

There are so many wrinkle treatments you can consider, from cosmetic procedures to skin care products that contain specialised anti-ageing ingredients that target all types of wrinkles and improves uneven skin tone.

Let's run you through your options so you can find the right treatment for your needs.

Botox

Botox uses botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyse and relax muscle activity in the face, which is used to smooth wrinkles and create a more youthful appearance [4]. The effects of botox can last approximately 3-6 months and botulinum toxin is generally used to make dynamic wrinkles, especially frown lines, less noticeable [5].

Prescription retinoids

Prescription retinoids are often used by a board-certified dermatologist or GP to treat a variety of health concerns including fine lines and wrinkles. Prescription retinoids offer diverse benefits to treat wrinkles including:

• Stimulating the growth of new skin cells: to treat wrinkles, retinoids increase cell production and turnover which helps to improve fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin texture.
• Increasing collagen production: collagen is the protein in the body that contributes to skin elasticity. When we age, the production of collagen is reduced which causes lines and wrinkles. Retinoids can promote plump skin and healthy skin.

Software's prescription anti-ageing treatment uses medical-grade, specialised active ingredients developed by dermatologists. In this treatment, you'll be receiving customised skincare formulas that are designed to target your personal needs.

If you've started to notice fine lines and want to speak to a dermatologist for professional advice, we make it easier than ever to get medical-grade anti-ageing treatments delivered to your door.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are a type of nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that uses injections to plump wrinkles, smooth fine lines and wrinkles and create a fuller appearance on the face, cheeks, chin, lips and the back of the hands [6][7].

There are four types of dermal fillers used, including:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA): A naturally occurring acid in the skin which creates volume and keeps the skin hydrated. Results typically last for 6-12 months.

• Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA): This type of dermal filler is used to treat deep wrinkles and folds. Results typically last for 3 years to treat wrinkles.
• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLSA): This acid helps your body produce its own collagen which is typically injected to smooth out deep wrinkles. Results typically last 2 years.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): This type of filler consists of collagen and tiny beads that stay under the skin after being injected which helps keep your skin firm. Results typically last for up to 5 years.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove its outer layer so that the skin can grow back smoother.

Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles by applying solutions including glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid which encourage the production of new, soft skin cells [8].

Microneedling

Microneedling (a.k.a collagen induction therapy or skin needling) uses a fine needle roller that creates minuscule holes in the top layers of the skin which is followed by the application of creams and serums [9].

This process opens up your skin and as the wound heals increases new collagen production, which helps to even out the skin tone and fill in wrinkles.

Vitamin C

Clinical studies have shown the benefits of vitamin C in improving wrinkles. One study demonstrated that 3-month use of vitamin C improved fine wrinkles and pronounced wrinkles plus improved general skin tone [10].

Another clinical study showed that vitamin C in combination with a broad spectrum sunscreen can be used as a sun protection factor, protecting the skin from harmful UV rays [11].

Software's Advanced Ageing Set contains the Vitamin C + Ferulic Serum which contains a 15% dose of brightening vitamin C — one of the most potent on the market. Other highly specialised ingredients included in the set target wrinkles in the deeper layers of the skin, fine lines and under-eye wrinkles and can be used to prevent wrinkles caused by UV rays.

Can wrinkles be prevented?

Although getting wrinkles at some point in our lives is completely natural, there are ways to prevent premature ageing and slow the skin's ageing process down. Plus, all of these are really easy habits you can start making today.

Wear sunscreen

Sun damage is one of the most common causes of wrinkles and premature ageing. Make sure you're wearing an SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day, like Software's Daily Sun Defence SPF50+, to promote skin health. If you're down at the beach or even working from home, wear your sunscreen to prevent sun damage.

It's an added bonus if you wear protective clothing during the summer months when you're in direct sunlight.

Wear moisturiser every day and gently cleanse your skin

If you're scrubbing or exfoliating your skin, it can cause irritation, which speeds up ageing in the skin [12]. Make sure you're gently cleansing your skin and try to stick to fragrance-free skincare products.

Plus, it's a good idea to use a gentle moisturiser twice a day to prevent dry skin — which can make lines and wrinkles more noticeable.

Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet

A nutritious, healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits containing antioxidants can prevent damage that speeds up ageing. Try to avoid foods with high sugar content as research suggests sugar breaks down collagen, thus, the skin loses elasticity [13].

Make sure you're getting enough sleep.

Research has shown that people who are sleep-deprived experience more fine lines and wrinkles, under-eye circles and droopy corners of the mouth [14]. Your skin is also more likely to be drier when you're not getting enough sleep which makes wrinkles appear more visible.

Make sure you're getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night and set up a good sleep schedule for yourself.

And that's a wrap. When it comes to treating wrinkles, it's important to remember that prevention is better than cure. By investing in a good SPF, eating a balanced diet and avoiding too much time in the sun, you can lower your chances of developing wrinkles early in life.

If you are already navigating fine lines and wrinkles, working with a dermatologist and using prescription-grade ingredients can help you reduce their appearance and unlock smooth, healthy skin for years to come.

Photo credit: Getty Images