Spoiler alert: It’s really not possible to completely get rid of wrinkles because you can’t stop the breaks on the aging process — but that doesn’t mean you can’t take your foot off the gas pedal a bit. Statistics show that people all over the world continue to seek out the proverbial fountain of youth. The anti-aging market is estimated to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% between 2018 and 2024. Unfortunately, the driving force is more than just standard self-esteem. It’s society and the social pressure associated with physical appearance as seen on television, in magazines, and on the silver screen.

Interestingly enough, studies show women worry more about aging skin and wrinkles on the face than other issues such as losing eyesight, teeth, memory, bone density, or sex drive. There’s nothing wrong with adopting a results-driven anti-aging routine (in fact, it’s vital) or considering dermatological procedures to soften the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles. However, have realistic expectations and remember that one of the most important staples of a beauty routine is self-acceptance and self-love. In other words, being comfortable with the skin you’re in.

While it’s your responsibility to nurture your mental health, we can help you establish an effective skincare and dermatological treatment program to help you keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.

What Causes Wrinkles?

The most significant cause of wrinkles is what’s known as intrinsic aging, a genetically determined process that we cannot manipulate. Contributing factors include oxidative stress, glycation, your DNA, and fluctuating hormones, all of which contribute to the loss of collagen and elastin, roughness, uneven and dull skin, and (of course) wrinkles. On the other hand, extrinsic aging is caused by circumstances we can change, such as smoking, poor sleep habits, the environment (think pollution), an unhealthy diet, drinking too much alcohol, and sun exposure — the number one cause of wrinkles.

We recommend a collagen support supplement. Our top pick is  Carrot & Stick Collagen Bounce.

What Are the Different Types of Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are classified as visible creases or folds in the skin. Wrinkles less than one millimeter in width and depth are defined as fine wrinkles. Those that are one millimeter or more in width and depth are defined as coarse. Here are the six main types of wrinkles:

• Expression Wrinkles: As the name implies, these wrinkles are caused by repeated facial expressions, such as wrinkles on the forehead, smile lines, wrinkles under the eyes, mid-cheek lines, or vertical smoker’s lines around the mouth from making a repetitive puckering movement.
• Atrophic Crinkling Rhytids (Crinkle Lines): Crinkle lines are one of the first signs of aging. These fine lines aren’t too deep yet and disappear when the skin is pulled taut. Lifestyle habits, such as an overabundance of sun exposure, can significantly influence how early on in life atrophic crinkling rhytids start to appear.
• Permanent Elastotic Creases: Individuals with a fair complexion who have spent a lot of time out in the sun (likely, without adequate protection) are susceptible to getting this type of wrinkle. They develop where the skin naturally creases (lips, cheeks, the bottom of the neck), and unlike crinkle lines, these are deep wrinkles.
• Atrophic Wrinkles: Deep parallel lines that appear between the eyebrows (known as the 11s) are furrowed.
• Compression Wrinkles: Creases that appear on your face, neck, and chest from poor sleep habits like sleeping on your stomach.
• Gravitational Folds: The skin loses 1% of its collagen each year as we age (somewhere around 25 years.) With continued loss of elasticity, the skin eventually begins to sag and create folds known as jowls around the neck and chin areas.

Wrinkle Myths

As mentioned, wrinkles are an inevitable part of the aging process. Since consumers are continually pontificating about “how to get rid of wrinkles on the forehead” or “what’s the best wrinkle treatment,” there’s an overwhelming amount of information swirling around about what you should or should not do. It’s time to debunk a few myths about wrinkles.

• All of Your Wrinkles Are Predetermined by Your Mid-20s
  While it’s true you start to lose collagen at a rate of one percent per year starting in your 20s, you’re not creating an imprint for wrinkles that will magically pop up later in life. Over the years, it’s a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that are responsible for your wrinkles. However, keep in mind that you’ll accelerate the aging process when younger if you’re not protecting your skin from harmful UVA rays (hint: wear SPF every day, even when it’s cloudy.)
• Everyone Needs the Same Anti-Wrinkle Skincare Routine
  Some of the key wrinkle-fighting ingredients are vitamins A (retinoids) and C, alpha hydroxy acids, niacinamide, flavonoids, and resveratrol because they correct the signs of age, protect against harmful UV rays, neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, and brighten and tone. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all skincare routine. The combination of products and ingredients that work for someone else may not be effective for you and vice versa. Skin type and tone, the climate where you live, and whether or not you have an underlying skin condition (thing eczema, rosacea, etc.) are a few factors that should shape your skincare routine.Also, patience is a virtue. On average, most anti-aging products take approximately six weeks to start producing a result — longer in some cases — so don’t expect an overnight miracle. Also, you want to avoid using too many aggressive products at once. Start with one, and when your skin becomes adapted, you can slowly introduce additional products. A dermatologist or esthetician can help you craft the safest and most effective routine for your skin.
• A Moisturizer Prevents Wrinkles
  While a moisturizer is a crucial component to any skincare routine, slathering it on every day isn’t going to prevent wrinkles. However, what a hydrator will do is keep your skin’s lipid barrier intact and prevent crucial moisture loss, both of which make wrinkles less prominent. A vitamin C serum helps neutralizes harmful free radicals that cause premature aging. We recommend Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum. It’s is packed with three vitamin C derivatives which work together to helps fight free radical damage.
• Downward Facial Motions Equate to Wrinkles
  This myth could be considered controversial, but the reality is, due to the elasticity of the skin, rest assured it’s going to bounce right back into place regardless of upward or downward hand motions. You can’t rub a wrinkle into the skin because collagen and elastin fibers don’t differentiate between up and down friction on the skin when a product is applied. Elasticity and “bounce” do deteriorate with age, but that has to do with the natural aging process — not how you apply your skin cream.
• You Need to Invest a Lot of Money Into Your Skincare Routine
  The skincare products market is a multi-billion industry, and despite how much money people are investing in it, that doesn’t mean you have to pay an arm and a leg for an effective routine. Go for quality of quantity. Invest in a few core products (such as an ingredient-packed serum and a retinol formulation) and keep the rest of your regime more elementary and cost-effective.

Best Treatments for Wrinkes

Carrot & Stick Repair Serum contains seven plant-based neuropeptides enhance the skin’s structural integrity from the inside out, promoting smoother, more resilient skin. A blend of synthesized growth factors promotes elasticity, cell turnover and nutrient absorption to support revitalization. Rounding out the power-house ingredients list is chamomile, licorice root and green tea to help brighten the skin. We recommend using Carrot & Stick’s Day and Night Routine, which is a full anti aging skincare routine.

For optimal results, we recommend combining with a collagen support supplement. Our top pick is  Carrot & Stick Collagen Bounce.