Q: What is the best way to treat already-formed, deep wrinkles? Can topical products really help?
Licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy of MyChelle Dermaceuticals responds:
Wrinkles are an inevitable part of the aging processes. As we get older, fine lines and wrinkles start to form on the skin, and the battle for a youthful appearance begins. As Mark Twain once said, “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” This is true; but we all get wrinkles, and they appear on the skin for a whole host of reasons.
The skin can be broken down into two layers: a surface layer being the epidermis and a subsurface layer called the dermis. The epidermis is responsible for protecting the body from external elements and is mostly made of dead, hardened skin cells. The dermis contains proteins called collagen as well as fibers called elastin, responsible for the skin’s elasticity.
As we age, the epidermis starts to lose its ability to retain crucial moisture and hydration, ultimately leading to fine lines on the skin’s surface. At the skin’s subsurface dermal layer, collagen and elastin start to break down, which weakens the skin’s structural integrity. Between what happens on both the surface and subsurface, you can start to notice deep-set wrinkles and frown lines.
There are many contributing factors to consider when it comes to the aging process and wrinkles. Genetics, amongst other natural things, can determine what our journey to wrinkles will look like. No matter what your DNA contains, we can always take preventative measures to help our skin move through the aging process with ease.
Did you know the sun is the single leading factor in skin wrinkles, taking credit for up to 90 percent of the damage to your skin? It’s true; the sun wreaks havoc on skin because over time, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damage elastin fibers within the skin. When the elastin starts to break down, the skin will shows signs of sagging and eventually it will lose its ability to bounce back into place.
Get your daily dose of moisture and essential sun protection with the MyChelle Daily Defense SPF 17. Nourishing ingredients like beta-glucan and astaxanthin combine with zinc oxide to hydrate and protect in one step. Additionally, take precautionary steps by avoiding peak hours of sun (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and wear protective clothing like a hat to shield the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Another big contributor to the wrinkles is glycation, which is the bonding of sugar molecules to a protein or lipid within the body. The excess sugar molecules that we eat end up attaching themselves to the collagen and elastin fibers in our skin. Over time, this causes collagen and elastin fibers to become weakened and damaged, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Even more reasons now to avoid highly processed, sugary foods that contain high-fructose corn syrup! Try and load your diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy whole grains. Your waistline and your skin will appreciate it!
Topically, try using the MyChelle Notoxâ„¢ Anti-Wrinkle Serum which contains powerful antioxidants and a unique multi-peptide blend to improve skin texture while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Matrixyl ® synthe’6â„¢ reduces wrinkle volume by 21 percent and wrinkle depth by 19 percent in eight weeks. Thymulen ® 4 stimulates epidermis regeneration reflecting a youthful appearance. Syn ®-Tacks Peptide stimulates collagen formation and minimizes wrinkle depth. This nutrient dense serum will help prevent glycation within the skin as well as repair and rebuild the skins structural integrity.
Smoking is the next biggest contributor to wrinkles. Smoking causes damage to the skin’s collagen and can increase inflammation. Your skin will also start to develop lines and wrinkles around the mouth due to the habitual use of cigarettes. Quitting this bad habit is the best thing you can do. Visit free online resources like smokefree.gov to find out how you can stop smoking.
External aggressors such as air pollution, smog and toxins can also be a disaster for the skin because they generate free radicals, harmful compounds that form in the body and break down the collagen and elastin essential for a youthful, healthy appearance. The very best way to fight free radicals is by ingesting antioxidants as well as applying them topically. Foods like wild blueberries, cranberries, artichokes and pecans are loaded with antioxidants and wonderful for fighting wrinkles.
Consider using the MyChelle Perfect C Serum for topical free radical protection. Our advanced formula contains a potent 17 percent dose of clinically proven L-ascorbic acid, a water soluble vitamin C antioxidant that strengthens collagen, assists in brightening, provides anti-wrinkle effects, soothes skin texture and heals wounds. Humans do not produce vitamin C so it needs to be incorporated into everyone’s diet and skincare regimen.
Here is an easy-to-follow MyChelle Age Defense routine that will leave your skin looking young and feeling great:
Step 1: Cleanse morning and evening with the Apple Brightening Cleanser, a gentle sulfate-free cleanser that softens texture and diminishes discoloration.
Step 2: Use the Fruit Fiesta Peel, a potent alpha hydroxy-acid (AHA) blend to smooth the look of wrinkles, leaving skin refreshed and invigorated. Use this treatment two to three times per week.
Step 3: Use the Perfect C Serum to fight free radical damage during the day and at night use the NoToxâ„¢ Anti-Wrinkle serum to diminish and repair existing wrinkles.
Step 4: Apply the Apple Brightening Mist to topically hydrate, brighten and diminish the look of uneven skin while strengthening the skin.
Step 5: Use the Daily Defense SPF 17 in the morning to hydrate and protect in one easy step. At night, use the Supreme Polypeptide Cream, a nutrient-rich recontouring cream that lifts and retexturizes skin for a more refined, youthful appearance. You might also want to try the Fabulous Eye Cream to help repair those pesky fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
Through a good reliable regimen and consistent use of sunscreen, you really can prevent as well as repair wrinkles. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” We couldn’t agree more. The MyChelle line infuses rich, intensive treatments with exotic extracts and our proven bioactive peptides. These formulas flood your skin with collagen-repairing nutrients, ultimately revealing visibly younger looking skin. Our comprehensive approach actually supports and enhances the weakened infrastructure of your skin so you don’t just see a difference, but feel one too.