Skin ages much more faster where there has been sun exposure, leading to wrinkles. These especially include the face, neck, the backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms.

Wrinkles are usually of two types - fine surface lines and deep furrows.

What causes wrinkles?

Over time, the dermis in our skin loses both collagen (protein) and elastin (fibres that provide elasticity to skin), so the skin gets thinner and has trouble getting enough moisture to the epidermis. The fat in the subcutaneous layer that gives skin a fleshy appearance also begins to disappear, the epidermis starts to sag, and wrinkles form.

Factors that promote formation of wrinkles include:
1) Smoking and alcoholism

2) Light skinned people, as they are more prone to sun damage.

3) Heredity

4) Clothing - the lesser the sun exposure, the lesser probability of wrinkling. (caps, long sleeves etc.)

5) Occupation - outdoor profession leads to early wrinkles

Wrinkle treatment -

The good news is that early prevention and treatment can keep wrinkles at bay. Anti-ageing skin care has become a multi-million dollar industry. A new hybrid word "cosmeceutical" has entered our vocabulary (cosmetic + pharmaceutical).

Choice of treatment depends on factors such as age, location of wrinkle and individual tolerance of side-effects.

1. The easiest way to avoid wrinkles is to limit exposure to sun. Apply a sunscreen with 15 SPF (sun protection factor) or higher, while going out to block harmful UV rays from damaging your skin.

2. Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated. Moisturize dry skin, especially during months when the air is drier.

3. Easy availability of over the counter anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing creams, moisturizers, cellulite creams. Where on one hand, their cosmetic properties are used for beautifying; the medicinal properties include curing, treating and prevention.

4. Cosmetic surgery has made an inroad into wrinkle treatment. A word of caution here - any type of cosmetic surgery whether its botox injections or chemical peels must be performed only by a professional.

5. Low energy plasma skin regeneration treatment. The energy stimulates new skin growth in the targeted area and can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or superficial skin lesions.

Our skin undergoes continuous erosion with age, so it would be highly unrealistic to expect permanent wrinkle treatment. These treatments are not tailor made as per individual needs, but the right therapy should be arrived at, only after consultation with a professional surgeon. Many people require repeated treatments or at times combination of treatments.

Do anti-wrinkle creams actually work?

Most anti-wrinkle creams are enriched with potent anti-oxidant and a variety of vitamins in order to induce skin cell reproduction and supply the reduced collagen.

We have many anti-ageing creams from Loreal, Garnier etc. easily available in the market. Regular massaging with these creams gradually tightens the skin tissue by increasing blood circulation. However, it is important to have realistic expectations from any sort of treatment.

Cosmetic surgery and wrinkles -

The year 2002 onwards started the Botox craze, but Protox wrinkle treatment is the buzzword today (yet to get approval in India). Its ad punch line is "no needles, no surgery, no acid peels, just a great product to reduce wrinkles at a reasonable cost".

Botox, which is called lunchtime treatment in U.S., has got regulatory approval and is promoted widely in India. Not an OTC drug, it features in the top 5 minimal invasive procedures to remove wrinkles. Cost of treatment varies between Rs. 5000 to Rs. 8000 depending on the area being treated.

Collagen injections, although in use for the last 2 decades, have a temporary effect of 3-4 months. Bovine collagen is injected to fill the wrinkles and reduce their visibility. Facial creases around forehead, chin and cheek react well to this treatment.

Other surgical procedures include microdermabrasion, glycolic acid peels, surgical facelifts, laser resurfacing. Studies show that results for these cosmetic treatments are not long lasting and do not carry much risk.

Home Remedies for Wrinkles

1) Apply a mashed ripe banana on your face regularly to tighten your skin.

2) Regular facial is quite effective in controlling wrinkles. This is so because massage increases blood circulation and tightens the muscles and tissues.

3) Puncture 3 capsules of vitamin E. Add to it 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon honey and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Apply to face. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes and rinse

4) Age spots can become fainter by applying lemon juice a few times a day.

5) Apply a paste of turmeric powder with sugarcane juice to remove wrinkles and to prevent skin ageing

6) To prevent wrinkles, apply pure and odourless castor oil.

If you are looking for a complete Cinderella transformation, you probably will not find it in any cream or treatment. There can only be improvements but not total cure. So the one and only treatment is, combine a healthy lifestyle with healthy diet from the start for achieving a younger looking face