Wrinkle Relaxers: There’s More Than Just Botox
Botox is the best/fastest option to reduce wrinkles. Toxins work on the muscles to lessen the movement and therefore decrease wrinkles. Takes 2 weeks to kick in and lasts about 3 months.
But if you’re not ready for Botox, or you already do Botox and want to further improve your wrinkles, there are some other options to help your age more gracefully. So if we are not relaxing the muscles under our skin to treat the wrinkles, then the next step is to treat/take care of the skin itself! I’m going to break this down into two groups- home care and clinic care.
“For youthful, radiant skin, effective treatments to smooth wrinkles and fine lines extend beyond Botox.” – Jaclyn Palmieri, Director of Esthetics at Hand & Stone
At home
Skincare duh. Not just any skincare but medical great skincare with highly researched and effective ingredients. With a special emphasis on protection and collagen building. Protection in the form of spf IS A MUST. Collagen building – retinol and growth factors- AKA TNSA+
“Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher moisturizer is the single most important step to prevent wrinkles. Sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, the fibers that keep skin plump and youthful. Consistent SPF use helps maintain the skin’s integrity and minimizes future wrinkle formation.” – Dr. Anju Methil, MBBS, DVD, Cosmetology, MD – Dermatology, Specializing in Cosmetic Medicine
As we age our collagen production starts to decrease. Collagen is a protein that is found in our skin that gives our skin its bounce and allows us to have more expression when we’re younger without the lines getting stuck on our face!
In Clinic
Focus is also about building collagen and helping reverse some of the damage that’s been done by things like the sun and pollution in the air (hence why spf is so important). Procedures that can be done to increase collagen production:
Microneedling
Microneedling – causes tiny injuries to the skin that stimulate your body to repair itself by creating collagen.
“This minimally invasive treatment uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production. Microneedling can be particularly effective for fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. Multiple sessions are typically recommended for optimal results.” – Dr. Anju Methil, MBBS, DVD, Cosmetology, MD – Dermatology, Specializing in Cosmetic Medicine
PRP/PRF
Using PRP – enhances these effects by using your own growth factors to promote the healing of your skin.
“PRP therapy utilizes your own blood. Platelets are rich in growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration. Injected into the skin, PRP can improve skin texture, tone, and reduce wrinkles. This treatment offers a natural approach to rejuvenation.” – Dr. Anju Methil, MBBS, DVD, Cosmetology, MD – Dermatology, Specializing in Cosmetic Medicine
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels– are basically a chemical exfoliation for your skin. The degree of exfoliation depends on the strength of the peel and its specific ingredients. However chemical peels will also stimulate the new cell growth and collagen production to help soften wrinkles!
“Lactic acid gently exfoliates, improves skin tone, and boosts collagen. Glycolic acid provides deeper exfoliation, stimulates collagen, and refines texture.” – Jaclyn Palmieri, Director of Esthetics at Hand & Stone
Hydrafacials
Hydrafacials – these are wonderful for overall skin health and softening wrinkles. Specifically the Deluxe Hydrafacial. There are specific boosters with targeted ingredients for relaxing wrinkles including one with growth factors to stimulate collagen production.
“While not specifically targeted at wrinkles, hydrafacials offer a gentle and refreshing treatment. They combine cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration, leaving your skin feeling plump and glowing. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and provide a temporary improvement in overall skin texture. However, for deeper wrinkles, other treatments might be more effective.” – Dr. Anju Methil, MBBS, DVD, Cosmetology, MD – Dermatology, Specializing in Cosmetic Medicine
