Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. These are defined as folds or lines in the skin that become more prominent as we age. These lines usually appear on areas of the skin that are more exposed to the sun, like the face, neck, and hands. Here’s what causes them, and how you can slow down their appearance.

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What causes wrinkles?

1. Aging. Definitely inevitable, as this is a part of life! As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin—two vital proteins that provide structure, firmness, and elasticity. This loss causes the skin to sag and wrinkle. The production of these proteins decreases over time, resulting in thinner skin that is less resistant to the formation of lines.
2. Sun Exposure. Remember when we mentioned how important it was to apply sunscreen? Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages the skin, leading to premature aging, a process called photoaging. UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating the formation of wrinkles, especially around the eyes and on the forehead.
3. Environmental factors. Smoking, pollution, and other environmental pollutants can damage the skin and contribute to wrinkles. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients, which can make it appear more aged. Pollution leads to the buildup of free radicals, which break down skin cells and accelerate aging.
4. Facial expressions. Showing emotions is natural – we do it everyday! Repeated facial movements like smiling, frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows can lead to the development of dynamic wrinkles. Over time, these small movements cause the skin to crease and form lines that eventually become permanent.
5. Dehydration and lack of moisture. Dry skin can make wrinkles more noticeable. When the skin lacks moisture, it can become more fragile and prone to cracking and creasing. Hydrated skin maintains a smooth appearance, helping to minimize wrinkles.

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How do I prevent wrinkles?

The reality? You can’t. However, we can slow it down! There are several proactive steps you can take to prevent their early formation or minimize their appearance. Here they are: 

1. Protecting your skin from the sun. Dr. Belo always capitalised the importance of using sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen daily with a high SPF, even on cloudy days, can protect the skin from UV damage. Hats and protective clothing can also shield the skin from harmful rays.
2. Keeping your skin hydrated. While Dr. Belo doesn’t recommend moisturiser, using hydrating products helps prevents dryness as this is what makes wrinkles more visible. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, too!
3. Adopt a healthy diet. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can help nourish the skin from within. Vitamins A, C, and E promote skin repair and protection against free radical damage. 
4. Establish a skincare routine. Using the right products suited to your skin and needs will help improve your skin health overall. By consulting with your doctor, s/he will be able to recommend products accordingly!

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What are treatments that prevent wrinkles?

Here in Belo, we have various treatments designed to treat and prevent wrinkles. Here are some of the most effective treatments:

Botox. By temporarily relaxing the underlying muscles, Botox smooths out wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), and between the eyebrows. The treatment provides immediate results with minimal downtime.

Fillers. Our JUVÉDERM® fillers can restore volume to areas that have lost fullness, such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and under the eyes. These fillers plump up the skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles while restoring a more youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient, helps keep the skin hydrated and elastic.

ASCE+ Exosomes. A favourite of many, ASCE+ Exosomes reaps several benefits thanks to its skin-saving messenger cells. These also help with inflammation and overall skin quality, a perfect add-on to RF microneedling treatments such as Thermage FLX, Virtue RF and Swift Lift.

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Jalupro®. Best for thin areas of the skin such as the eyelids and eyebags, Jalupro® are amino acids applied to the area to increase collagen and elastin, preventing wrinkles

New Cellular Treatment Factor (NCTF®). Similar to Jalupro®, NCTF® is best applied to thin areas of the skin. The main difference between them? NCTF® is a biorevitaliser that contains vitamins and minerals, combined with glutathione to improve skin overall.

Laser Treatments that help treat wrinkles

Fractional CO2 Laser. By resurfacing the skin, this laser removes damaged skin cells and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This resultis in smoother, firmer skin. This treatment is ideal for patients with more advanced signs of aging.

Red Touch. The only laser in the world that specifically targets collagen your skin, this treatment breaks down collagen fibres to produce new ones. Don’t worry, this is a gentle process and won’t damage your skin’s top layer! It also rejuvenates your skin and improves its skin tone.

Radio Frequency Treatments. What do the likes of Thermage FLX, Virtue RF, SofWave and Vivace have in common? Radio frequency! RF treatments target deep layers of the skin that stimulate the production of collagen – which is responsible for making our skin look young. These will help diminish the appearance of wrinkles! 

To sum it all up, wrinkles are a natural part of aging. However, with proper care, you can significantly reduce their appearance and prevent premature signs of aging!

We have clinics located around Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu and Davao! Belo’s newest and flagship branch, NEXA, is NOW open, located in One Ayala, Makati City! To set an appointment, give us a call at 8819-BELO (2356) or book your appointment here.