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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffHere are ways to make the most of your skin's appearance:
- Protect your skin from the sun. Protect your skin — and prevent future wrinkles — by limiting the time you spend in the sun and always wearing protective clothing and hats. Also, use sunscreen when outdoors, even during winter.
- Choose products with built-in sunscreen. When selecting skin care products, choose those with a built-in sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Also, be sure to select products that are broad spectrum — meaning they block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use moisturizers. Dry skin shrivels plump skin cells, which can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles. Though moisturizers can't prevent wrinkles, they may temporarily mask tiny lines and creases.
- Don't smoke. Even if you've smoked for years or smoked heavily, you can still improve your skin tone and texture and prevent future wrinkles by quitting smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet. There is some evidence that certain vitamins in your diet help protect your skin, particularly vitamins A, C, B-3 and E. More study is needed on the role of nutrition.
References
- Photoaging. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mkgr/mmg/sec15/ch122/ch122c.jsp. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
- Puizina-Ivic N, et al. Modern approach to topical treatment of aging skin. Collegium Antropologicum. 2010;34:1145.
- Zerbos ZJ, et al. Update on botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. Current Opinion in Opthalmology. 2010;21:387.
- Facial skin rejuvenation. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/cosmetic_facial.html. Accessed Nov. 5, 2010.
- Aging hair/skin problems: Wrinkles. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/agingskinnet/wrinkles.html. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
- Basavaraj KH, et. al. Diet in dermatology: Present perspectives. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2010;55:205.
- Zussman J, et al. Vitamins and photoaging: Do scientific data support their use? Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;63:507.
- Tierney EP, et al. Recent advances in combination treatments for photoaging: Review of the literature. Dermatologic Surgery. 2010;36:829.
- Paes EC, et al. Perioral wrinkles: Histologic differences between men and women. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2009;29:467.
- Baumann L. Cosmetics and skin care in dermatology. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3007166&searchStr=xerosis. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
- 10 tips: Getting the best results from age-fighting topicals. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/agingskinnet/age_fighting_results.html. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
- Cosmeceutical facts and your skin. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/general_cosmeceutical.html. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
- Technology report: Fractional photothermolysis. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/_NewsPage.aspx?id=1078&terms=fraxel#. Accessed Nov. 19, 2010.
- Technology report: Monopolar radiofrequency. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/_NewsPage.aspx?id=1378&terms=radiofrequency#. Accessed Nov. 19, 2010.
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