How to Prevent or Delay Deep Wrinkles 

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but not always a welcome one. So, you may be wondering how to keep them at bay. While they inevitably mark the passage of time, you can take steps to prevent or delay their appearance and maintain your youthful, vibrant look for longer. 

Dr. Rick J. Smith, MD, a trusted name in cosmetic treatments in East Lansing, Michigan, offers expert insights into the causes of wrinkles, types, and steps you can take to maintain smooth, healthy skin.

Why does skin wrinkle as it ages?

Wrinkles form as your skin becomes less resilient over time. As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen and elastin — the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and elastic. Combined with other factors like UV exposure and lifestyle habits, your skin begins to thin and lose its ability to bounce back after stretching or compression.

Starting in your 20s, collagen begins to break down, and the process speeds up in your 30s. Sun exposure and smoking can make this happen even faster, causing wrinkles to appear earlier and more clearly. That’s why many people see fine lines developing sometimes before they even reach middle age.

The difference between static and dynamic wrinkles

To create the right approach for managing wrinkles, it’s important to understand the two main types:

Dynamic wrinkles

Repetitive facial movements cause dynamic wrinkles. Think of smile lines around your mouth, crow’s feet near your eyes, or frown lines on your forehead. These wrinkles typically appear when you're making an expression and go away when your face is at rest.

Static wrinkles

Static wrinkles are visible even when your face is resting. They develop over time as your body produces less collagen and elastin, and are also influenced by the effects of gravity. As the years pass, dynamic wrinkles can evolve into static ones, becoming more pronounced and lasting longer.

How to prevent or delay wrinkled skin

The good news is that while wrinkles are inevitable, you can prevent or delay their appearance with a combination of healthy habits and proactive care:

Take sun protection seriously

Exposure to UV rays causes premature aging. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. 

Keep skin hydrated

Dry skin tends to show wrinkles more prominently. Use a high-quality moisturizer to maintain your skin’s barrier function and retain hydration. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides for added benefits.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Taking care of your skin is more than just applying creams. It’s also about embracing a holistic approach that includes your lifestyle and habits. 

• Avoid smoking because it breaks down collagen and reduces blood flow to your skin
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily
• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E

Making minor tweaks to your daily routine can lead to meaningful improvements. 

Incorporate a quality skincare routine

Exfoliate gently and include retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) in your routine to support healthy cell renewal. Try antioxidant serums to protect your skin from free radicals. We offer trusted brands like ZO Skin Health,  SkinCeuticals and SkinMedica that can help improve your skin’s health and glow.

Consider preventive treatments

Starting nonsurgical cosmetic treatments early can help prevent wrinkles from forming. Treatments like Botox®, which temporarily limit muscle activity, are great for dynamic wrinkles.

Effective treatments for aging, wrinkled skin

If wrinkles have already formed, we have advanced treatments designed to rejuvenate your skin and improve its appearance. Dr. Smith offers a variety of safe and effective options, including the following:

Botox

Botox works by blocking nerve signals that cause muscle contractions, helping to smooth dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. It’s quick to administer, requires no recovery time, and results typically last about three months.

Injectable dermal fillers

Injectables like Juvéderm® restore volume to areas affected by static wrinkles or sagging. These fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a natural component in your body, to provide immediate plumping effects. They’re especially effective for lines around the mouth, thinning lips, or contouring the jawline.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP injections use your own blood to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. It’s great for reducing fine lines, rejuvenating under-eye areas, and improving skin elasticity.

Advanced skincare treatments

We offer several innovative skincare techniques for treating wrinkles, including:

Chemical peels exfoliate and remove damaged outer skin layers, unveiling fresher, smoother skin.

Microneedling encourages collagen production by creating micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, often combined with PRP for enhanced results.

BBL® HEROic treats uneven texture, discoloration, and dull skin, leaving a radiant complexion.

If you’re looking to maintain glowing skin, a combination of these treatments plus an at-home regimen can provide exceptional results tailored to your needs. Call Rick J. Smith, MD, or request an appointment online.