How to reduce wrinkles: 8 effective methods for smooth skin
During the twenties, radiant, smooth skin is still taken for granted by most people. But by the early thirties we must realize that we don't sleep enough and that we are too stressed. Small expression lines and wrinkles suddenly become the our greatest enemy. Thus begins the great search for the best advice and best anti-wrinkle creams.
However, there are effective methods to eliminate wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new ones that can be integrated into our daily beauty routine.
Beauty check: when do wrinkles start to appear?
Most people think that wrinkles start as early as the age of thirty. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. At this age, the first signs of skin aging occur, but, in reality, our skin becomes thinner than about one per cent per year from the age of 25. The thinner it becomes, the more its elasticity decreases and the harder it is to store hydration.
Young skin is still thick and firm. The epidermis is still well structured together with the dermis. The reason for this is the flexibility of the collagen and elastin fibers. They ensure that the dermis is so elastic and smooth and also store moisture.
As we age, the fibers relax and begin to break down. Although our body compensates for the damage, the older we get, the longer it takes for new fibers to form. Our skin becomes thinner, drier and wrinkles.
However, while UV rays, an unhealthy diet and smoking accelerate its formation, there are also active ingredients and methods that stimulate the cell renewal process and fight wrinkles.
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1. Goodbye wrinkles with hyaluronic creams
With the right face care and the right anti-wrinkle creams, it is possible to counteract the breakdown of collagen. An important point that many underestimate: you should moisturize your skin sufficiently.
The powerful active ingredient of hyaluronic acid provides a real dose of hydration: the hyaluronic acid molecules can bind 10,000 times their volume with water for a long period of time. The active ingredient is stored in our connective tissue and can therefore improve the condition of the skin in the long term.
The effect: the skin is flooded with moisture and is hydrated from the inside.
Tip: Florence's Vitamin C Face Serum contains highly concentrated hyaluronic acid based on aloe vera and jojoba oil and is able to smooth and plump the skin. It is available on Amazon in the 60ml format for just € 16.
2. Hyaluronic acid filler
Hyaluronic acid can also be injected into the skin by a professional using a syringe. This method is particularly useful against single and pronounced wrinkles. Only downside: the treatments are quite expensive (from 250 euros upwards) and must be repeated every six months.
3. Retinol against wrinkles
The second effective active ingredient with which wrinkles can be eliminated is called retinol. Retinol is a substitute that has the same effect on our skin as pure vitamin A.
Doctors accidentally discovered that vitamin A is a real ally against wrinkles. Vitamin A preparations have long been used in acne patients. In older patients with this problem, vitamin A has also been found to smooth fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Since vitamin A acid is a prescription drug, cosmetic manufacturers use the replacement retinol.
On the one hand, creams, serums and masks containing retinol stimulate the connective tissue cells of our skin. On the other hand, the active ingredient inhibits the evil free radicals that break down the collagen in our skin.
The effect: the skin appears firmer and more elastic again, wrinkles are reduced.
Tip: complement your skincare routine with a retinol-based serum. Applied before the face cream, it unfolds its full anti-aging effect and tightens the skin. The face looks smoother and younger.
Elbbub's vegan retinol serum was rated particularly well. This is because it visibly reduces wrinkles and protects the skin from free radicals; relieves pigmented spots; stimulates cell renewal in the upper layers of the skin and increases the production of collagen in the lower ones. It is available on Amazon for only 12 €.
4. The innovative anti-wrinkle: CBD oil
Cannabidiol, also called CBD, is currently taking the cosmetic industry by storm and is already being marketed as a new miracle cure for wrinkles.
The active ingredient cannabidiol is extracted from the cannabis plant, but unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effect. On the contrary: CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, it stimulates cell renewal and therefore counteracts premature skin aging.
5. Treatment of microdermabrasion
In microdermabrasion, the upper layer of the skin is removed with special equipment with aluminum hydroxide microgranules or with corundum crystals. This means that the skin is massaged and exfoliated vigorously, the residues of which are removed without chemicals. We could define it very similar to a mechanical peel. In the process, the aluminum oxide, ultrafine salt or crystals are first blown onto the skin and then sucked out of the skin.
After the microdermabrasion treatment, the skin is particularly receptive to moisturizing creams or masks. Very greasy creams and UV rays should be avoided afterwards.
The effect of microdermabrasion: the appearance of the skin is visibly improved, the pores become thinner and the depth of wrinkles is reduced. Flat scars and pigmentation disorders also disappear superficially. Only disadvantage: the treatment must be repeated to obtain a visible result. There are usually about six to ten sessions. The costs for this wrinkle path method amount to around 1000 euros for 10 treatments.
6. Ultrasound treatment against wrinkles
Another method of reducing wrinkles is ultrasound treatment. Ultrasonic waves penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, gently heating them and thus stimulating cell regeneration and purification.
The effect: wrinkles are reduced and the skin appears firmer and younger. However, the final result should only be visible 6 months after the treatment.
At the beautician, ultrasound treatments cost between 500 and 1200 euros, depending on the area of the face. Those who find it too expensive can also buy an ultrasound device for home use. A high-quality device is available for around 250 euros. Used twice a week, the ultrasound treatment should make the skin visibly younger.
The Ultramed ultrasound device, a high quality product, is available on Amazon. Suitable for all skin types, it has 8 levels of intensity.
7. Reduction of wrinkles thanks to the laser
In this wrinkle treatment, the doctor uses a Fraxel laser to penetrate the skin at specific points and heat it deeply. This thermal effect stimulates the natural production of collagen.
Unlike CO2 laser therapy, for example, where the entire skin of the face is removed under general anesthesia, during this treatment the doctor anesthetizes the skin with a cream. The session usually lasts 20 to 45 minutes. Costs per session are around € 200. After about three to seven days, the skin is healed and the final result is visible only after about three months.
The effect: The overall elasticity of the skin is improved and even deep wrinkles can be literally erased by the laser - which, depending on your lifestyle, can last up to five years. However, laser treatment should not be underestimated.
Your skin will certainly be affected by the treatment and will therefore be more susceptible to inflammation and irritation in the first period. It is also necessary to avoid the sun, lamps and smoking for up to twelve weeks before and after the treatment.
8. Frotox treatment
"Frotox" is a combination of the terms "freeze" and "Botox". As the name suggests, this treatment literally freezes expression lines, such as the frown line on the forehead, which is caused by frequent frowning. Since 2014, the popular Frotox from the USA has also been approved in Europe.
The Frotox treatment involves the application of very thin needles to the areas of the face to be treated and the injection of liquid nitrogen directly under the skin. In this way, the surrounding nerves will be affected. The nitrogen cools them down to about -70 degrees. Depending on the surgeon and the technique, the treatment lasts from 6 to 30 minutes.
Unlike a normal Botox treatment, Frotox has the advantage that, on the one hand, no nerve toxins are used and the injection is therefore more gentle for our body. On the other hand, the face then appears less rigid and masked. , as often happens after a Botox treatment.
The effect: with the Frotox you can immediately eliminate forehead wrinkles. Immobilized muscles prevent new tissue from forming and the forehead remains smooth and wrinkle-free for up to six months. The only drawback is that minor side effects such as headache and slight swelling at the injection sites should be expected immediately after treatment. The costs per session are around 400 euros.
