Can wrinkles be reversed?

Wrinkles are a sign of sun-damaged skin. The American Academy of Dermatology states that wrinkles can be reduced by the following types of treatments:

• Moisturizer to immediately plump up fine lines
• Prescription retinoid you apply to your skin
• Injectable fillers and botox
• Chemical peel
• Microdermabrasion
• Laser resurfacing

Reversal of wrinkles has been reported in the mouse model but not in humans. In July 2018, scientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham published a piece in Cell Death & Disease citing their discovery that activating a mutation in mice led to aging (wrinkled skin, gray hair, lethargy). They also discovered that deactivating that same mutation subsequently reversed external signs of aging. Hair loss and wrinkled skin reversed, although unfortunately aged organs did not show signs of reversal.

For the time being, we can focus on preventative measures such as:

1. Moisturizing your skin daily. Parched skin can lead to wrinkles.
2. Changing your sleep positions. Years of sleeping on your side rather than on your back might be unknowingly etching lines into the sides of your face.
3. If you smoke — smoking less (and exposing yourself to less second-hand smoke). Nicotine constricts blood vessels, leading to dryness.
4. Staying out of the sun or adequately protecting ourselves with clothing and sunscreen.
5. Exfoliating your skin at least once a week (this helps reveal our more youthful layers of skin underneath).

‍

‍