How to Treat Wrinkles and Prevent New Ones, According to Experts

Aging is inevitable—everyone will acquire is part of the at some point. The good news is, the way you care for your skin (and overall health) can make a big difference in how and when they appear.

Some skin aging is caused by environmental factors, like exposure to UV rays and pollution. Research suggests sun exposure is responsible for up to 80 percent of visible signs of aging on the face. So it follows that healthy habits, like protecting your skin from the sun, avoiding smoking, and eating a nutritious diet can help prevent fine lines remove the outer layer of dead skin cells.

Of course, some signs of aging will appear regardless. But when wrinkles do crop up, there are research-backed ingredients and in-office treatments that can help treat them. Ahead, experts share the most effective strategies for treating and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

How to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

A combination of good skincare practices, healthy lifestyle choices, and protective measures against environmental damage can stave off fine lines and wrinkles. Some of the most effective strategies include:

Invest in sun protection

It’s important to avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours. Experts recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 even on cloudy days. And when you are in the sun, a tightly woven, wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around polarized sunglasses offer great protection.

Moisturize daily

Keeping your skin well-hydrated is key to preventing fine lines. A good hydrator helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, keeping it plump and less prone to forming lines. “Look for moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides,” says Dr. Young.

Use retinoids

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that promote cell turnover and boost collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent new ones from forming. “Start with a low-strength retinol and use it two times a week until your skin adjusts,” says Rypien.

Add antioxidants to your skincare routine

Products containing antioxidants like vitamin C and E, along with niacinamide help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV rays. “They can also support collagen production and improve skin texture, reducing the likelihood of fine lines,” says Rypien.

Eat a healthy diet

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals supports skin health from the inside out. “Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, can help maintain skin elasticity,” says Rypien. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep your skin supple.

Avoid smoking

Smoking accelerates the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Get enough sleep

Quality sleep allows your skin to repair and regenerate. “Aim for seven to nine hours each night to support your skin’s natural renewal process and help prevent the development of fine lines,” says Rypien.

Manage stress

Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which may lead to the breakdown of collagen and the formation of fine lines. “Incorporating stress-management techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can help keep your skin healthier,” says Rypien. 

Use gentle skincare

Avoid harsh scrubs and over-exfoliation, which can damage the skin’s barrier and lead to irritation and fine lines. Use gentle cleansers and exfoliate with mild chemical exfoliants, like alpha-hydroxy acids The Best Body Makeup We Tested to Cover Bruises, Tattoos, and More.

Limit alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol can dehydrate the skin and deplete it of essential nutrients, making it more prone to fine lines. “IV hydration therapy is an option for those times when you have overindulged or need a boost,” says Rypien.

How to treat fine lines and wrinkles.

Just because you have fine lines and wrinkles, doesn’t mean you can’t do something about them. Some treatments recommended by our experts include: 

Moisturizers

Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlets editorial guidelines hyaluronic acid, ceramides, dimethicone, glycerin and sunscreen to keep your skin hydrated and plump, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Use the right active ingredients

The Best Skin-Firming Tips to Smooth Under-Eye Wrinkles, Straight From Dermatologists into your nighttime routine, an anti-aging holy grail that speeds up skin cell turnover and smooths fine lines. Vitamin C is another potent active, as it's necessary for the body to produce collagen, the protein that comprises the skin's structure.

Skin resurfacing techniques

Regular exfoliation with gentle chemical exfoliants, like Regular exfoliation with gentle chemical exfoliants, like, can help improve skin texture and minimize fine lines by promoting cell turnover. is part of the can reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving the skin’s texture. “It’s a safe, highly effective and well tolerated treatment on most skins,” says Dr. Young.

Chemical peels

Peels The Best Body Makeup We Tested to Cover Bruises, Tattoos, and More and stimulate collagen production, leading to smoother, more even-toned skin. “Superficial peels are less effective than laser resurfacing but still valuable when performed as a series for improved fine lines and texture and reduced pigmentation,” says Dr. Young. “But they won’t do much for profound wrinkles. Deep peels can be highly effective in these situations but someone with very sensitive skin may not tolerate this level of peel well.

Neurotoxins

Neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport temporarily relax the muscles that cause wrinkles, preventing fine lines from deepening and smoothing existing lines. “Although highly effective, they do require repeat treatments every three to four months,” says Rypien.

Fillers

Dermal fillers can be used to fill more profound lines, providing an immediate smoothing effect. “They’re usually used around the mouth, temples and on fine perioral lines,” says Dr. Young. “Two new applications we’re seeing include injecting tiny amounts of hyaluronic acid filler superficially throughout the skin to act as an internal moisturizer, along with biostimulatory fillers, which form a scaffolding in the skin to promote the body’s own internal production of collagen and elastin.”

How to Safely Dermaplane at Home for Baby-Soft Skin, According to Experts and wrinkles.

It’s best to use very thin coats of a high-coverage, flexible makeup on fine lines and wrinkles and finish with either a very fine, pigment-free setting powder or a liquid powder. Using a color corrector with light reflecting agents is another option. “If you attempt to fill fine lines and wrinkles with heavy makeup, the product can land and expand in the crevices and folds of your skin, making lines and wrinkles appear larger,” says makeup artist In This Article.

The Takeaway

Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but healthy habits can help protect against the environmental factors that contribute to premature aging. Experts recommend wearing sunscreen daily, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and avoiding smoking at all costs. And when fine lines do appear, there are targeted treatments available. Skincare products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and vitamin C can help, while in-office treatments like laser resurfacing offer more drastic results.