Fine lines and wrinkles are an inevitable consequence of aging. As endearing as a laugh line may be, we’re all looking for a quick fix to a smooth, youthful complexion. The problem with wrinkles is that they can take many forms, and each form warrants a different treatment. So what kind of wrinkles do you have, and how can you reduce their appearance? Keep reading to find out!

Elastotic Wrinkles

This type of wrinkle is predominantly attributed to sun exposure, which causes skin to lose its elastic structure. These creases usually show up on the upper lip, cheeks and neck, and progressively worsen (especially with sun exposure and smoking). 

The best way to prevent the formation of Elastotic Wrinkles is SPF. An easy way to incorporate sunscreen into your skincare routine is using a daytime moisturizer that contains a broad-spectrum SPF. SLMD Dual Defender SPF 30 is formulated with vitamin E to nourish skin in addition to antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea extract to prevent signs of aging due to environmental stressors. 

Gravitational Folds

These wrinkles are created by gravity, which causes tissue above wrinkles to deflate. As your skin loses elasticity and collagen, it begins to fold and sag. These folds often appear on thicker skin, commonly forming nasolabial folds (or smile lines). 

The most effective treatment for Gravitational Folds is surgical facelifts, which uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production. There are less invasive options, including moisturizing products. Hyaluronic Acid is the holy grail of skin hydration. Able to hold 1,000 times its weight it water, it can give skin the moisture it needs to fight the formation of wrinkles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles after they have formed. If you’re looking for skin-plumping without injections, you’re in luck! SLMD’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum is formulated with dehydrated spheres of Hyaluronic Acid molecules suspended in Squalane, another natural, oil-based moisturizing ingredient.

Dynamic Expression Lines

Expression Wrinkles form from routine expressions. The way we laugh, smile and frown will make an impression on our skin over time. Even pursing our lips or drinking from a straw can cause our skin to furrow or crease. As time passes, facial muscles begin to break down, and your skin becomes less elastic. This often manifests in crow’s feet and frown lines. Considering we can’t stop frowning or laughing, preventing the formation of expression wrinkles is nearly impossible, however; there are treatments that can decrease their appearance.

Expression Wrinkles can be treated with neuromodulators, which don’t fill wrinkles but rather inhibit musical movement to smoothe creasing. Botox and Dysport are popular neuromodulators. Both are injected directly into facial muscles, affecting lines created from muscle contractions. Your dermatologist can recommend a treatment plan based on the depth of your wrinkles, but most recommend treatment once every three months for optimal results.

Atrophic Wrinkles

Atrophic Wrinkles are fine lines that run parallel to each other. These can show up all over the face and body and shift when you change your body posture. A common form of Atrophic Wrinkles are forehead creases from furrowed brows. Similarly to Elastotic Wrinkles, they are caused by a loss of collagen in the skin. 

In addition to using SPF regularly, Atrophic Wrinkles also respond to a hydrating skincare regimen. Using a moisturizer twice a day, every day can help the skin maintain its elasticity, preventing the formation of fine lines. SLMD’s Facial Moisturizer is a lightweight but potent moisturizer, formulated with acne-prone skin in mind to avoid breakouts. It also contains Vitamin C, which can boost collagen production, and Amino Acids, which help sustain skin’s texture and smoothness. Products that contain Retinol will also encourage the production of collagen while exfoliating the skin to turnover old cells, reducing the appearances of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dark spots. You can find Retinol in SLMD’s Retinol Serum, which also contains Vitamin C, Allantoin, and Provitamin B5 to strengthen, hydrate and protect the skin!

Your skin is going to age with you, but regardless of what type(s) of wrinkles you have, maintaining a skincare routine is your best bet at keeping your skin healthy and happy. So wear SPF, limit sun exposure, and give your skin everything it needs to stay hydrated, strong and protected!