I remember the first time I looked in the mirror and saw wrinkles staring back at me. Immediately, I did what any logical woman would do: I panicked. I went out and bought an anti-wrinkle cream. And I analyzed the faces of every woman I knew… comparing lines while attempting to convince myself this was a very normal progression of life.

It seems that everywhere I turn I am being offered a solution for my wrinkles. From simple creams and microdermabrasion to injection therapy and chemical peels to laser resurfacing and plastic surgery, the options for pausing or reversing the aging process are seemingly endless. From the simplest to the most invasive, here is what I discovered:

Anti-Wrinkle Creams
Putting on a daily or nightly cream is about as laidback as skin care can be. Over time, collagen and elastic break down and thin out in our bodies, resulting in fine lines and crows feet. Since Vitamin C (a.k.a. ascorbic acid) and Vitamin E are necessary for the growth of collagen and elastin, vitamin-rich creams are typically most effective in rejuvenating our skin.

Popular brands such as Olay Regenerist, Neutrogena and L’Oréal offer effective low-cost alternatives, while solutions such as Rejuvinol and AlphaDerma CE are higher in price yet listed among the most effective wrinkle creams by both researchers and consumers.

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion helps minimize fine lines and can easily be incorporated into a day at the spa or performed at home through a simple do-it-yourself kit available from popular skin care brands.

Small crystals are rubbed into the skin then neutralized with a simple serum. This removes a thin layer of surface skin, increases elasticity and promotes collagen production, resulting in a youthful appearance.

A series of five to twelve weekly treatments is necessary for optimal results, and the process should be repeated every two to six months.

Injection Therapy
Injectable fillers are effective in treating fine lines, wrinkles and deep folds. In recent years, hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Perlane have mostly replaced animal-based collagens, eliminating the need for allergy tests prior to treatment.

During the ten- to thirty-minute procedure, a doctor applies local anesthetic then uses a small needle to inject filler beneath wrinkled areas, adding volume and smoothing out the skin.

Though there may be slight swelling or redness at the injection site, side effects are minimal and patients can instantly return to their normal routine. Results are immediate and typically last six to twelve months.

Botox Injections
Botox is especially effective in treating crow’s feet and wrinkles caused by frowning and squinting.

In a thirty-minute procedure, the doctor applies a local anesthetic then injects a small amount of solution into the facial muscles, blocking nerve impulses and creating temporary paralysis.

Though most people experience a rapid recovery, side effects can include headache, flu and nausea. Results are visible within twenty-four hours and usually last between three and six months.

Photo Rejuvenation
Photo rejuvenation is effective in treating wrinkles, Rosacea, age spots, uneven skin color, sun damage and skin texture.
Doctors recommend a series of three to five thirty-minute treatments, given three weeks apart, for optimal results. No anesthesia is required as an intense light releases a series of gentle pulses over the face, penetrating the skin and evening out skin tone and texture.

Though severe side effects are rare, there tends be redness or bruising, and an application of sunscreen is recommended. Following each treatment, patients can instantly return to their routine with visible results, which will last up to a year.

Chemical Peels
Chemical peels improve the skin’s appearance by peeling off old and damaged layers with a chemical mixture then neutralizing the effect with an iced solution.

Micro peels remove fine lines through a simple fifteen- to thirty-minute procedure requiring no recovery period. Results are immediate, but the peel should be repeated once a month to maintain the look. 

Medium peels diminish fine wrinkles and age spots. The procedure lasts fifteen to sixty minutes and requires up to seven days for a recovery period that requires pain medication and ointment. Results slowly diminish over the process of six to twelve months.

Deep (Phenol) peels dramatically reduce deep wrinkles. The two-hour process requires general anesthesia as well as a painful two-week recovery period requiring medication and ointment. A deep peel produces unnatural skin pallor and permanent sensitivity to the sun, making it a viable option only for those with fair freckle-free skin. Results can last for up to twenty years.

Laser Resurfacing
Laser treatment is highly effective in removing fine lines and diminishing deep wrinkles.  As a high-energy light source passes over the skin, it vaporizes damaged skin cells and promotes collagen growth.

Procedures last between fifteen and ninety minutes, requiring either local or general anesthesia. Recovery time can take up to two weeks with swelling, itching and oozing skin; redness may persist anywhere from six weeks to six months; and skin will become permanently sensitive to the sun.

Laser resurfacing can make a person look ten years younger, and results often last up to ten years.

Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is aimed at deep lines, age spots and scarring and requires a dermatology evaluation prior to treatment.
The two-hour procedure is completed with either local or general anesthesia as the surgeon uses a rotating brush to scrub the skin with small crystals and remove the top layers of skin. The area is then covered with ointment to aid the healing process.

Recovery time is one to two weeks, with pain medication generally needed for the first few days. Side effects can include permanent skin color change, fever blisters and redness similar to sunburn. Patients are also required to avoid sunlight for three to six months.

Scarring results are long lasting, though wrinkles are likely to reappear within one to five years.

Plastic Surgery
A face-lift can boost sagging cheeks and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. However, it will not alter the upper portion of the face and would likely need to be combined with eyelid surgery and a forehead lift for facial continuity.

Surgery takes place under general anesthesia and can last up to four hours. The surgeon cuts around the face, removes skin and fat, then replaces the remaining skin and sews up the incisions.

Recovery time is two to three weeks and typically requires an overnight stay as well as bandaging for the first couple days. Sunlight exposure should also be avoided for several months. Risks include bleeding under the skin, hair loss, tissue loss, scarring, infection and temporary facial spasms or paralysis.
A face-lift can eliminate ten years and results last up to ten years.

The Simple Life
See what I mean? So many ways to stop the clock. Perhaps the simplest of all is living well. Experts recommend a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, eight glasses of water a day and minimal alcohol consumption to promote healthy skin hydration. And it never hurts to eliminate stress, take leisurely walks, and occasionally enjoy the sun—while wearing sunscreen.

This morning I looked into the mirror, recalling that fateful day when forehead creases first appeared and tried to take down my self-esteem. This time, though, I stood strong, took charge and challenged my wrinkles to a stare-down. But, for some reason, I didn’t see age staring back at me.

I saw me. My life. My character. I saw the memories of a life well lived—the smiles, the tears, the joys, the frustrations, the memorable vacations in the sun. And all my thoughts of wrinkle solutions magically vanished.

For me, a simple cream and healthy lifestyle is enough. For you—well, that’s up to you to decide. But, for starters, I highly recommend the stare-down.

By Tammy Wood - Copyright RxNorth.com 2006