First things first: what causes wrinkles and fine lines? One of the biggest culprits is sun damage. UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping skin firm and smooth. Unfortunately, the damage is cumulative and adds up the more time you spend in the sun. Another factor is the natural aging process, where our bodies produce less collagen and elastin over time. Smoking, stress, and a poor diet can also contribute to the development of wrinkles and fine lines.

Now, let's talk about what products work. Retinoids, a derivative of vitamin A, have been shown to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They work by increasing cell turnover, which in turn boosts collagen production. Look for products with retinol or retinaldehyde, which are gentler forms of retinoids compared to prescription-strength tretinoin. Another effective ingredient is vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals and promotes collagen production. It's also an excellent brightening agent.

There are also plenty of products out there that are a bunch of crap. One example is wrinkle creams that contain collagen. While collagen is essential for youthful-looking skin, applying it topically does not work as well as when it is produced within our bodies. So save your money and don't fall for the gimmick. Another ingredient to watch out for is gold. Yes, you read that right. Some products claim to have anti-aging benefits simply because they contain gold. There is no scientific evidence to back up this claim, so again, save your money.

Moving on to services and procedures that actually work, Botox and fillers are popular options. Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles that create wrinkles, whereas fillers plump up areas of the face that have lost volume. Both achieve immediate and visible results, but they are not permanent. If you're looking for something more long-lasting, consider laser resurfacing or microneedling. Laser resurfacing removes the top layer of skin, which stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling, on the other hand, creates tiny punctures in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing process and increases collagen production. Of course, you know I don’t trust anyone but MidWest Facial Plastic Surgery. Angela is the best!

However, some services and procedures are a bunch of crap. One example is facial exercises. While it may seem like a good idea to work out your facial muscles, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it has any anti-aging benefits. In fact, constantly making exaggerated facial expressions can actually make wrinkles worse over time. Another service to be wary of is face masks that claim to have a "lifting" effect. Any temporary effects are likely due to the ingredients drying on your skin, which can actually harm your skin's natural barrier.

Getting rid of wrinkles and fine lines is a multi-step process, and it's important to separate what actually works from what doesn't. Remember to protect your skin from sun damage, use products with effective ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C, and consider services and procedures that are proven to work. And most importantly, embrace the aging process and remember that wrinkles and fine lines are a sign of a life well-lived.