Wrinkles: nobody wants ‘em, but everyone gets ’em. Fortunately, there are dozens of new products and procedures on the market that will help keep fine lines at bay. To learn more about the science behind crow’s feet and laugh lines, (and more importantly, what to do about them), ELLECanada.com checked in with Dr. Romy Saibil and Dr. Francine Gerstein – co-owners of True MediSpa in Toronto – and two of the city’s most sought after cosmetic doctors.

All about wrinkles

Skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue (a fatty layer of tissue housing our blood vessels and nerves). As we age, these layers of skin start to thin. Production of collagen (the connective tissue that keeps skin looking tight and toned) decreases and elasticity begins to deteriorate. The result is often a loss of moisture and an inevitable
wrinkling and sagging of the skin. What’s more, things we do everyday can speed up this aging process.

“Everything from drinking and smoking to sitting in the sun can dry skin out prematurely,” says Saibil. “If skin isn’t properly cared for… wrinkles can start cropping up as early as a person’s late-20s.”

Overcoming fine lines

Early on, fine lines, which usually crop up around the eyes and lips, can be treated with any number of creams and lotions.

Retinol

“Look for products that contain retinol, a type of vitamin A that’s extremely rich in antioxidants,” says Gerstein. It’s been shown to promote the production of skin-building compounds in the epidermis.

Exfoliate

“A person should also
exfoliate at least once a week, if not twice,” adds Saibil. The pair suggests looking for products that contain skin-safe acids – like alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, salicylic or glycolic – to slough away dead skin cells and improve the skin’s texture and moisture. These acids also help speed up cell renewal.

Injectables

“Another option is to start treating fine lines with injectable fillers like Restylane, Juvederm or Perlane,” says Gerstein. “They provide a long-lasting lift using hyaluronic acid, a substance the body produces naturally. It helps our skin retain water, so it looks plump.”

We’ve picked the best products to help keep fine lines at bay … check them out here.

How to prevent wrinkles from getting deeper on the next page …

When wrinkles deepen

As fine lines worsen, a more intense action plan is needed to combat them.

“For
wrinkles we recommend seeing a doctor or dermatologist to discuss a regular treatment plan using Botox,” says Saibil. Both doctors admit to using the natural substance themselves. (Though, in person, you’d never know it; their
skin glows and looks nothing like the immovable forehead that is common of many Hollywood stars.)

“We always say less is more with Botox,” adds Saibil. “You can add more, but you can’t take it away. So speak with your doctor to ensure you’re in the right hands to get that natural look.”

It’s also important, the pair say, to keep up a regular regime of
chemical peels, facials and microdermabrasion. All three help sand off the top layer of skin to improve texture, decrease the appearance of lines and re-invigorate the epidermis with much-needed moisture.

Some of the most popular treatments include: photo facials – where a special light is used to target problem skin areas;
oxygen facials – a procedure, used by Madonna, that cleanses the skin of bacteria and impurities; and the MesoPeel – a skin renewal peel meant to stimulate production of collagen and elastin fibres.

“The function of a skin peel is to create an evenly controlled shedding of several layers of damaged cells,” says Saibil. “This exposes a fresh layer of skin with a more even colour and a smoother texture. In addition, the peel stimulates new cells to grow, thereby tightening the skin, which decreases wrinkling.”

Learn how to prevent wrinkles and lines on the next page …

Prevention is key

“Eat well.
Wear sunscreen. And drink lots of water,” says Gerstein. “It’s better to prevent wrinkles than it is to treat them.” She also says it’s important to have a well-rounded skin-care regime. That includes washing away makeup and dirt with a good cleanser and using toner to tighten pores. From there, it comes down to moisturizing (both morning and night) and exfoliating with an at-home scrub at least once a week.

“It’s also important to apply an
anti-ager,” adds Saibil. “Products like vitamin C and retinol help refresh the skin’s top layer. Your skin is a living organ made up of millions of cells. A little work can go a long way to improving its appearance.”

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