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Featured Topics

• Acne
• Aldara (imiquimod) Cream 5% for Actinic Keratoses
• Aging Skin and Wrinkles
• Atopic Dermatitis
  
• Latisse for Beautiful Eyelashes
  
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Skin Cancer
  
• Stelara for Psoriasis

Featured Doctors

Acne and Diet  by Lisa Benest, M.D.

Acne Basics by Jeffrey Ellis, M.D.

Botox for Wrinkles by Helen Torok, M.D.

Cosmeceuticals by Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.

Eczema by Alan Menter, M.D.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing   by Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

Hand Dermatitis by Walter Larsen, M.D.

Laser Hair Removal by Allan Wirtzer, M.D.

Micro dermabrasion by Edward Becker, M.D.

Mohs Surgery by Daniel M. Siegel, M.D.

Rosacea Care Tips by Todd Minars, M.D.

Skin Cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) by Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

Skin Virtual Age Quiz by Jeffrey Dover, M.D., FRCPC

Spider Vein Removal by William Paronish, M.D.

 Wrinkles before and after treatment with a topical retinoid

Skin changes as it ages. With time, it develops wrinkles, lines and furrows. How these changes impact an individual depends on his or her inherited tendency (genes) and exposure to environmental factors.

Fine lines

Fine lines and wrinkles arise because of irregular thickening of the dermis and because of a decrease in the amount of water held by the epidermis. This is mainly caused by exposure to the UV radiation of sunlight and exposure to damaging chemicals, such as from smoking cigarettes.

Furrows

Deeper lines or furrows are described as either “dynamic” when they appear as differen muscles move, or “static” if they remain unchanged with muscle movement. Eventually, dynamic lines become static furrows. Some furrows are so common that they have been given their own names.

• “Crow's feet” appear around the eyes. These are due to smiling and activity of the eyelid muscles.
• “Worry lines” appear on the forehead. These are due to contraction of muscle used when raising the eyebrows
• “ Frown lines” appear between the eyebrows are due to contraction of muscles when concentrating or angry.
• “Smile lines” frame the lips. These are due to the contraction of muscle due to smiling.

Treatment Options

There are a variety of cosmetic products, medications and procedures that can lead to younger looking skin. These are often combined for best results.

• Topical Retinoids (Retin A, Renova)
• Chemical Peels
• Dermabrasion
• Laser rejuvenation
• Laser resurfacing
• Botulinum Toxin (Botox)
• Dermal Fillers (Resytlane, Sculptra, Radiesse, Evolence)

Wrinkle Prevention

The most important step you can take to avoid the premature development of wrinkles is the regular use of sunscreen and diligent practice of sun avoidance measures.

Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

© 2009 Vivacare.
Last updated April 5th, 2009.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.