You stay out of the sun during high noon, eat well, and use moisturizer every day. But if time is still taking its toll on your face, you may want to consider a more aggressive approach to smoother skin. Here are some of the most popular ways Americans are waging a war with wrinkles.

Injections and Fillers

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery names BOTOX Cosmetic the most popular non-surgical procedure, stating that in 2008 approximately 2.5 million people had these injections. In May of 2009, the FDA approved Dysport (a.k.a. Reloxin), a similar kind of toxin that's showing great early results. It can be less expensive, potentially longer than BOTOX's 3-4 month result window, and doesn't completely paralyze the forehead so the results may seem more natural. Both kinds of injections are primarily used for battling forehead wrinkles and frown lines. Another popular filler, Restylane, is more effective on other parts of the face, and people who have allergy issues may find that Juviderm is the best choice because of the way it's developed. There are dozens of injectibles on the market and plenty more will likely be approved soon.

Micro-Dermabrasion

This procedure continues to be popular alternative to BOTOX or other more invasive actions. Micro-Dermabrasion works by buffing off your top layer of skin, stimulating your skin's under layers to generate new cells to repair this "injury." As a result you end up with shinier, healthier skin that minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Home micro-dermabrasion kits have also become widely available, though professionals claim that they're not nearly as effective.

Laser resurfacing

In laser or light resurfacing, doctors use a laser beam to damage your epidermis, stimulating your underlying skin to grow smoother and tighter. Until recently, your skin could take months to recover from this procedure, making it a less attractive option. But new techniques and less invasive lasers are reducing the recovery time. Laser treatments generally require multiple treatments for full effectiveness.

Thermage

Thermage is a non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat your skin's natural collagen, toning and tightening sagging facial and neck skin. It's often used as an alternative to a face lift. However, it can be quite costly and several people debate how well it works.

Chemical Peels

A good choice for people on a budget, chemical peels work by simply applying chemicals to the face which burn off the top layers of skin, revealing more youthful skin underneath. Chemical peels vary in strength, and therefore have different recovery times.

If you're considering any of these treatments, speak to your dermatologist about the best option for you. And in the meantime, you can always try one of the hundreds of anti-wrinkle creams available. The latest ingredients contain everything including anti-oxidants, alpha-hydroxy oils, and retinols, and utilize techniques ranging from DNA nanotechnology and stem-cell technology - the results may surprise you.

 

Sources

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery:

http://www.surgery.org/public/procedures/cosmetic_procedures_snapshot/injectablefillers#eleven

The Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wrinkles/DS00890/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs