Wrinkles or wrinkles are a normal part of aging, but they can affect self-confidence. If there are wrinkles that you want to get rid of, start by trying over-the-counter skin care products and home remedies that can strengthen the anti-wrinkle effect. If you don't get the results you expected, see a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon for treatments that can help you look your best.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Over-the-counter Skin Care Products
Step 1. Look for an anti-wrinkle cream that contains retinol or AHAs
Choose over-the-counter creams that contain beneficial active ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Products that are more expensive or contain more active ingredients may not be more effective than products that contain only 1 or 2 active ingredients. So, don't make these two things a factor that makes you choose one cream. Try the cream for 6-8 weeks before evaluating its effectiveness. Some of the useful active ingredients that you should look for include:
- Coenzyme Q10
- Peptide
- tea extract
- Grape seed extract
- Niacinamide
Step 2. Clean the skin daily with a gentle cleanser
Keeping it clean while avoiding skin irritation during cleaning is a great way to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Choose a facial cleanser labeled gentle or specifically for sensitive skin, and use it to clean your face in the morning, evening, and whenever your skin feels sweaty or dirty.
Choose a cleanser that doesn't contain exfoliating ingredients, as this will irritate the skin more easily
Step 3. Exfoliate the skin twice a week either manually or chemically
Manual exfoliants contain granules that will polish the skin, while chemical exfoliants will dissolve dead skin cells. This ingredient will remove dead skin cells and reveal a younger, smoother layer underneath. The best time to exfoliate is in the morning after the skin has healed overnight.
- If you choose to use a chemical exfoliant, you can also do a simple chemical peel at home. You can buy the kit at most beauty stores.
- If you choose to use an exfoliating brush, you can use it every day.
- You can also make your own exfoliating scrub from ingredients like salt, sugar, baking soda, coffee grounds, honey, and lemon juice.
Step 4. Use anti-wrinkle cream twice a day
No product will give you dramatic results overnight. You have to use it for at least a few weeks and even a few months regularly until you start to feel the results. You may have to use an anti-wrinkle cream in the morning and evening after cleansing your face. Follow the directions for use on the packaging of the cream and see if the wrinkles on your skin diminish after 1 or 2 months.
- Keep in mind that products containing alpha hydroxy acid or retinol can cause irritation to the skin around the eyes. It's a good idea to use this cream only a little around the eyes, or not at all.
- These anti-wrinkle creams may be thick enough to replace moisturizer. Otherwise, apply a non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic thick moisturizer to the skin's surface after cleansing. Apply moisturizer in a circular motion until it absorbs into the skin's surface, especially in the area of wrinkles.
Step 5. Use sunscreen
Sun exposure can accelerate aging and accentuate the appearance of wrinkles. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more to your skin whenever you spend more than 15 minutes outdoors. You can apply sunscreen after moisturizer or look for a moisturizer that also contains sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen every 2 hours as long as you are exposed to the sun or if you are wet or sweat a lot.
- Whatever your skin tone, sun exposure can accelerate the appearance of signs of aging and increase your risk of skin cancer.
- We recommend using a sunscreen made of natural ingredients and containing zinc or titanium oxide which can provide protection from the sun.
Step 6. Look for an anti-wrinkle serum
There are many anti-wrinkle serums on the market that claim to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and some of them may be right for you. Note that the results of over-the-counter treatments may not be noticeable, but over time you may notice that the wrinkles on your skin are much reduced. Look for serums that contain antioxidants such as vitamins C, B3, and E.
Keep in mind that spending a lot of money on any anti-wrinkle product doesn't mean it guarantees results. Even in the US, these products are not regulated by the FDA
Step 7. Take a skin supplement that contains antioxidants
Vitamins and minerals can help support the health and appearance of the skin. Carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, C, D, and E, are all good choices. In addition, protein and lactobacillus can also support skin health. You can get these nutrients through food or supplements.
Consult a doctor before taking supplements
Method 2 of 3: Using Home Treatments
Step 1. Try a facial massage
Massaging the skin with an instrument or fingertips may help reduce wrinkles. Skin massage results will be better when combined with anti-wrinkle products such as cleansers and anti-wrinkle creams. Buy a facial massager and use it after you've applied the anti-wrinkle cream, or use your fingers to massage the skin while applying the cream.
Remember, the time it takes for the results of this treatment to begin to be felt is 4-8 weeks, and the results are not too noticeable
Step 2. Include turmeric in your diet
The use of turmeric topically is not known to have an effect on wrinkles. However, increasing your consumption of this spice may reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Try adding 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric to your cooking. In addition, you can also take it in the form of supplements. Look for turmeric capsules and follow the manufacturer's recommended directions for use.
Be sure to consult with your doctor first before using any supplements, especially if you are taking prescription medications
Step 3. Apply rooibos tea to the surface of the skin
In one study that measured the efficacy of an anti-wrinkle cream containing herbal ingredients, a formulation containing rooibos tea was found to be the most effective at reducing wrinkles. You can look for an anti-wrinkle cream that contains rooibos or brew this tea and then rub the cooled tea over your skin with a cotton ball.
- To make a cup of tea, steep 1 teaspoon or 1 tea bag of rooibos in about 250 ml of hot water.
- Brew the tea for 5 minutes then discard the bag or pulp.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature then use a cotton ball to rub it over freshly cleansed skin.
- Let the tea sit on your skin then apply moisturizer on top of it.
Method 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Treatment for Wrinkles
Step 1. Get a prescription for a retinoid cream from your doctor
The first step to dealing with wrinkles is the daily use of a topical cream. This cream can reduce wrinkles while improving the overall appearance of the skin.
- Retinoid creams may make your skin feel itchy, irritated, and dry. Your skin may also feel sore or hot after applying the cream. Tell your doctor if these side effects bother you.
- Protect your skin from the sun while using retinoid creams such as applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, and wearing a wide hat and sunglasses.
- Insurance may not cover the cost of this cream. One tube of this product may be sold for around Rp. 1,000,000.
Step 2. Ask about botox
Botox injections are a well-known treatment option for treating wrinkles, especially the wrinkles on the outer side of the eye crease and the forehead between the eyebrows. You may feel dramatic results about 2 weeks after treatment. Just like any other medical procedure, botox injection also has several risks, including infection, allergic reactions, and pain.
- If you are hesitant about choosing this treatment, try it on a small area first. For example, take a low-dose Botox injection between the eyebrows, near the outer corner of the eye crease, or around the lips so you can see if you like the results.
- Remember that the results of this action only last for 3-4 months so you have to undergo the same procedure again to deal with wrinkles.
Step 3. Find information about laser resurfacing
Laser treatments can help improve the overall appearance of the skin while eliminating fine lines and wrinkles. There are two types of lasers used to treat wrinkles, namely ablative and non-ablative lasers. The ablative laser will exfoliate the outermost layer of skin and reveal a new layer underneath. While nonablative lasers will only heat the skin without exfoliating the outer layer, but stimulate the growth of new skin. You can discuss these options with your doctor to determine which one best suits your condition.
- Laser treatment may be painful, depending on the intensity. Anesthesia may or may not be required, depending on the location and depth of treatment.
- The average cost of nonablative laser treatment is around IDR 1,000,000, while the average cost of ablative laser treatment is around IDR 2,300,000.
Step 4. Get a chemical peel treatment
Chemical peeling is done with a special solution that is applied to the surface of the facial skin and then left for a certain time. Over the course of a few days after that, your skin will begin to peel off, exposing a new layer of skin underneath. As a result, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin will be reduced.
- Chemical peels have different levels, such as light, medium, and deep. A light peel may not give you overly dramatic results, but you may only need this peel if you want to remove just a few fine lines. Meanwhile, medium and deep peels may be suitable for wrinkles.
- Depending on the depth of the peel, an anesthetic may be required, and you will have to undergo this treatment with the help of a cosmetic surgeon. Meanwhile, light peeling treatments can be done by a beautician or specially trained nurse.
- The average cost of a chemical peel is around IDR 6,500,000.
Step 5. Consider microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a deep exfoliating treatment that removes dead and damaged skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin and exposes the healthier layer underneath. This procedure is non-invasive and low-risk. Some people even combine this treatment with chemical peels for more dramatic results.
- This treatment is suitable for fine lines and wrinkles on the outer side of the eye crease.
- You should avoid sun exposure after having this treatment.
- The average cost of a microdermabrasion treatment is around Rp. 1,500,000.
Step 6. Ask the medical surgeon for dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a more aggressive exfoliation procedure. In this procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will use an exfoliating tool or scalpel to remove the outermost layer of skin from the desired area, such as an area with a lot of wrinkles. In this treatment required sedative drugs, and also the risk of causing infection afterward.
- This treatment is suitable for treating wrinkles in the laugh line and vertical lip lines.
- Your skin will feel sore and sore after this treatment. So, you must follow the treatment instructions given by the doctor. You may also want to stay out of the sun until your skin improves.
- The average cost of a dermabrasion treatment is around Rp. 12,000,000.
Step 7. Consider soft tissue filler injections
Filling the skin with implants can also remove the appearance of wrinkles. Soft tissue fillers, also called wrinkle fillers and injectable implants, are suitable for reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the face, especially in the mouth and cheek area. Soft tissue fillers can also be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the backs of the hands.
- Ask a dermatologist about the possibility of using soft tissue fillers to treat your wrinkles.
- Keep in mind that soft tissue fillers carry the risk of causing swelling and pain that may last for weeks, months or even years in rare cases. You are also at risk of infection and allergic reactions if you undergo this procedure. So let your doctor know if you experience any unusual pain, swelling, redness, bruising, or pus.
- The cost of skin fillers ranges from IDR 6,000,000 to IDR 20,000,000 depending on the type and area being treated.
Step 8. Find information about skin tightening measures
A dermatologist may also offer procedures that can tighten the skin. This action is done with a device that will heat the skin. The results of this action may not be seen overnight, but will be felt after about 4-6 months.
- The results of the skin tightening procedure can last up to 1 year.
- You may have to undergo several procedures to get the desired result.
- The cost of this treatment ranges from IDR 4,500,000 to IDR 20,000,000, depending on how many sessions are needed and the area being treated.
Step 9. Consider facelift surgery
If none of the non-surgical options provide the results you want, you may want to consider a facelift. This action will give dramatic results and last for 5-10 years.
- Keep in mind that the cost of this operation is quite expensive. Prepare a fee between IDR 35,000,000 to IDR 200,000,000 depending on the doctor and his actions.
- Just like any other surgery, facelift surgery is also risky. Discuss these risks with a cosmetic surgeon to help you decide whether the potential benefits are worth the risks.
Tips
- While skin care products can often help, your diet can also have a huge impact on how your skin looks. Make sure to eat nutritious foods and have a healthy diet. Choose foods that have anti-inflammatory properties and stay away from foods such as sugars and simple carbohydrates that can cause inflammation in the body.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. If the weather is hot and you are very active, drink more water to make sure your fluid needs are met.
- Quit smoking if you smoke. Smoking can speed up the aging process and accentuate the appearance of wrinkles.
- Meditation can help slow down the aging process thereby helping prevent wrinkles!
