Wrinkles are a fact of life and a natural side effect of aging, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with wanting to turn back the clock on your skin. While fine lines can develop due to a loss of collagen, sun damage, and even the diet you follow, there are a variety of products on the market which claim to eliminate wrinkles and allow you to look instantly younger. That led us to wonder: can you actually reverse the appearance of wrinkles on your skin? We checked in with board-certified dermatologist’s Dr. Patrick M. Zito, DO, PharmD, and Dr. Anna Chacon to determine if your anti-aging skincare routine is all for show–and their answers may relieve you.
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Among dermatologists, the answer as to whether wrinkles could actually be erased was a resounding yes. However, it all comes down to the details when determining the path of action in smoothing your skin and working towards an ageless complexion. “It depends on how long the wrinkles have been there, the type of skin, and if the line is fibrotic versus not,” notes Zito. “Depending on the individual, good skin hydration can improve lines. Lines form due to volume loss, hypermobility, and fibrotic changes.”
Hydration can not only reduce the appearance of dry patches and flaky skin, but a well moisturized complexion will naturally maintain a certain glow that provides you with a more youthful appearance. “Some basics to start out with for fine lines include topical retinoids such as over-the-counter retinol, as well as prescription-based retinoid such as tretinoin or tazarotene,” suggests Chacon.
Retinol and retinoids are often credited as the most effective anti-aging skincare ingredients, and while they don’t work for all skin types, they’re certainly effective and promote enhanced collagen production in the body and improve elasticity in the skin. Even beginning the use of a retinol serum once your skin has begun to develop fine lines and wrinkles can help to gradually reduce their appearance, fading them and smoothing your skin.
However, at-home skincare products can only go so far, and both derms suggest turning to Botox or another topical treatment if you’re serious about eliminating natural wrinkles from your complexion. “Botox or neurotoxins for dynamic wrinkles also helps. These wrinkles form as a result of movement,” explains Chacon. “Over time, they become more embedded within our skin. Dermal fillers help with the correction of volume loss that occurs over time as well.” Zito also adds that certain forehead wrinkles may be more difficult to fade than other fine lines, so in this case he would recommend hyaluronic acid filler.
Overall, your skin will be best served from preventative measures such as a well-rounded skincare routine, drinking plenty of water, and using ample sun protection in order to maintain a smooth complexion which continues to produce collagen as you age. Even if your skin has begun to show your true age, it’s never too late to start caring for your skin and working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A retinol serum is a great first step towards reversing wrinkles, and even it’s gentler counterpart, bakuchiol, may do the trick for a brighter, hydrated complexion at any age.
