We all know that aging is inevitable, but when we find our first fine line, our basic instinct is to panic. No need to freak out though! We turned to New York dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, MD, to find out what we can do to keep these small lines from becoming full-fledged wrinkles.
Use a Good Moisturizer
While it can’t get rid of fine lines altogether, a good moisturizer can keep skin hydrated and certainly minimize their appearance. You can go a step further and use one with sunscreen protection so sun damage doesn’t make things worse. “I tell all of my patients that the most important anti-aging ingredient is sunscreen,” says Dr. Goldenberg. “Sun damage can certainly cause more wrinkles and lines at an earlier age.” Try a cream, like First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 ($30), which packs a high level of UVA and UVB protection, as well as oils and butters that keep skin soothed and moisturized.
Explore In-Office Treatments
If you’re looking for more of a permanent fix, getting an injectable like Botox is your best bet. “Botox and related agents can help prevent wrinkles in the first place by decreasing or stopping movement of muscles of facial expression,” Dr. Goldenberg explains. Even if you haven’t seen your first wrinkle, getting this in-office procedure can also be used as a preventive measure. “I’ve had patients as young as their early 20s come for this treatment with the specific goal of preventing wrinkles and lines.” Chemical peels and Clear + Brilliant laser treatments can also help.
When fine lines and wrinkles really make the mark later on, there are solutions for that, too. Resurfacing lasers like Fraxel DUAL can help smooth those etched-in lines for younger-looking skin.
