Dear Michelle,

What can I do about my frown lines and wrinkles, I am not a fan of surgery and not too keen on botox?

There a few things one can do to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

(1) Avoid the sun. It’s the number one cause of wrinkles, with dozens of studies documenting the impact.

(2) Wear sunscreen. If you must go out in the sun, it will protect you from skin cancer and help prevent wrinkles at the same time.

(3) Don’t smoke. Some of the research is still controversial, but more and more studies are confirming that cigarette smoke ages skin — mostly by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, important components of the skin.

(4) Get adequate sleep.When you don’t get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Get enough rest,and you’ll produce more HGH (human growth hormone) which helps skin remain thick, more “elastic,” and less likely to wrinkle.

(5) Sleep on your back. Sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to “sleep lines — wrinkles that become etched into the surface of the skin and don’t disappear once you’re up. Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin, while sleeping face-down gives you a furrowed brow. To reduce wrinkle formation, sleep on your back.

(6) Don’t squint — get reading glasses! any repetitive facial movement — like squinting — overworks facial muscles forming a groove beneath the skin’s surface. This groove eventually becomes a wrinkle. Also important: Wear sunglasses. It will protect skin around the eyes from sun damage — and further keep you from squinting.

(7) Eat more fish — particularly salmon. Not only is salmon (along with other cold-water fish) a great source of protein — one of the building blocks of great skin — it’s also an awesome source of an essential fatty acids known as omega-3. Essential fatty acids help nourish skin and keep it plump and youthful, helping to reduce wrinkles.

(8) Trade coffee for cocoa. Research has found cocoa containing high levels of two dietary flavanols (epicatchin and catechin) protected skin from sun damage, improved circulation to skin cells, affected hydration, and made the skin look and feel smoother.

(9) Eat more fruits and vegetables The key, are their antioxidant compounds. These compounds fight damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells), which in turn helps skin look younger and more radiant, and protects against some effects of photoaging.

(10) Use moisturiser. Do not underestimate the power of a simple moisturiser. Skin that is moist simply looks better, so lines and creases are far less noticeable.

(11) Don’t over-wash your face. Tap water strips skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. Wash them off too often, and you wash away protection. Moreover, unless your soap contains moisturisers, you should use a cleanser instead.

Topical treatments that reduce wrinkles

Studies show the following ingredients can reduce wrinkles. Most are found in a variety of skin-care treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter.

(1) Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These natural fruit acids lift away the top layer of dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes. New evidence shows that in higher concentrations, AHAs may help stimulate collagen production.

(2) Retinoids (including Retin A). The only FDA-approved topical treatment for wrinkles is tretinion, known commercially as Retin A. This cream reduces fine lines and large wrinkles and repairs sun damage. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A found in many over-the-counter products. Studies show that in a stabilised formula, in high concentrations, it may be as effective as Retin A, without the side effects, such as skin burning and sensitivity.

(3) Topical vitamin C. It can increase collagen production, protect against damage from UVA and UVB rays, correct pigmentation problems, and improve inflammatory skin conditions.

(4) Growth factors. Part of the body’s natural wound-healing response, these compounds, when applied topically, may reduce sun damage and decrease lines and wrinkles, while rejuvenating collagen production.

BODY STUDIO TREATMENTS THAT REDUCE WRINKLES

(1) Wrinkle fillers. A variety of substances, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other synthetic compounds are applied topically

(2) Radio frequency resurfacing. Heat waves from a light source contracts the top layer of skin, causing a slight but unnoticeable skin ‘wounding’. This kicks the skin’s natural collagen-production system into high gear, resulting in smoother, more wrinkle-free skin.

(3) Chemical Peels: In this treatment, one of a variety of different chemicals is used to “burn” away the top layer of skin, creating damage that causes the body to respond by making more collagen. You end up with younger-looking, smoother skin.

(4) Dermabrasion. A vacuum suction device used in tandem with a mild chemical crystal, dermabrasion helps remove the top layer of skin cells and bring new, more evenly textured skin to the surface. In the process, fine lines and wrinkles seem to disappear.

(5) LED light therapy… red led light therapy has been proven to stimulate collagen and penetrate deep into the dermis to create thermal energy that eventually diminish fine lines and wrinkle… LED light therapy comes in various colours that has different but significant benefits to towards the skin

(6) Microcurrent. This uses energy levels to contract the muscles to a more lifted and tone appearance, which creates a fuller effect thus eliminating fine lines and wrinkles.. It has been called the “Non Surgical Face lift” of Hollywood

(7) Microneedling. Is a minimally non-invasive process that uses tiny needle devices to create a controlled wound by puncturing the skin to stimulate collagen. This is a great way to increase product absorption of anti-ageing topicals

Michelle Vernon is a licensed Esthetician and proprietor of Body Studio Skincare

23 Central Plaza,Kingston 10

Tel: 9080438

Whatsapp :2779800

Email: bodystudioskincare@gmail.com

IG: @bodystudioskincare

Web: www.bodystudioskincare.com