We've all heard it: wrinkles are the roadmap of your life. While wrinkles are normal, defining features of the human face, they can sometimes falsely portray a tired or more aged appearance. Natural collagen, which is a protein that supports the skin and gives it tone, is gradually lost as time passes leading to facial lines and wrinkles. Though wrinkles are a part and parcel of the ageing process, premature wrinkles are a cause of concern for many. Over 65's will find that skin has a tendency to become "loose" and wrinkles are more prominent. Wrinkles are visible because they are lower or deeper than surrounding skin.

Injections of botulinum toxin type A - a.k.a Botox - have become increasingly popular for reducing wrinkles of the forehead and face. It's a fact that the contraction of a muscle is the cause of wrinkling of the skin in most circumstances. Botox works by paralyzing those muscles which cause wrinkles. Small amounts of Botox are injected with a tiny needle into the muscles that creates the wrinkles. Botox can iron out wrinkles earned over years of facial movements, such as smiling and frowning, concentrating and squinting. However, Botulinum toxin may lead to wrinkles in untreated parts of the face appearing more prominent, according to U.S. dermatologists.

Facial collagen injections are another popular option to remove or at least reduce wrinkles. Without enough collagen, wrinkles and lines start to form wherever the skin moves. Collagen is in animal bones and connective tissue. Collagen injections are used to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and furrows. Collagen is derived from cow connective tissue and, in addition to plumping up lips, can be used to fill out acne scars and wrinkles. The collagen is injected through small needles at the site of treatment. This is an office procedure that does not require anesthesia. Collagen replacement injections are considered as a safe and effective method in the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles.

Wrinkles are no fun, but they are a natural part of aging. If wrinkles are a concern, discuss the options above with your dermatologist.

Wrinkles are the battle scars of age that show the wisdom and experience that can only come with time. To many, though, they are simply a sign they are getting older and not welcomed at all.  Wrinkles have many causes.  Some wrinkles can be avoided, while others are simply an unavoidable act of nature.  There are many ways to protect the skin from developing excessive wrinkles and lessen the effect of the unavoidable wrinkles.

Skin looses its firmness as people age due to a reduction in collagen and eslastin.  This loosening is one of the main causes of wrinkles and can not be completely avoided.  There are some wrinkle causing factors, like environment and habits that can be avoided.  The following list explains different ways a person can avoid or reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

• Do not smoke.  Smoking reduces the production of collagen.  In addition to the natural reduction in collagen that comes with age, even more reduction leads to even more wrinkles.
• New plastic surgery options.  Advances in plastic surgery means that it is less invasive and safer than ever before.  Plastic surgery results are not guaranteed, but often result in reducing wrinkles and keeping new ones from appearing for some length of time.
• Limiting sun exposure.  The sun is a major factor in skin damage that causes wrinkles.  The sun dries out and ruins skin over years of exposure.  Protecting oneself with sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure during the most severe times of day is the best way to minimize sun damage.
• Moisturizing.  Keeping skin from drying out by hydrating it with moisturizers will help skin keep its firmness.
• Keeping hydrated.  Drinking ample amounts of water also helps the skin in the same way as moisturizing.

These tips explain ways a person can avoid or reduce wrinkles.  There are also many products on the market that claim to help with wrinkles.  Some of these products have been proven to work.  It is up to the individual as to how they go about treating and preventing wrinkles.