HealthLinks Upstate July/August 2021

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 19 both in the morning and the evening. She also recommended using it with sunscreen and a hat to guard against damage from the sun. Since lower-strength retinoids can cause irritation, she suggested testing OTC wrinkle treatments in a small area – possibly on your forearm – to see if there is a skin reaction. Patience and perseverance are virtues when it comes to using OTC wrinkle treatments. Sherbert qualified that while these treat - ments can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and moisturize skin, you must use them consistently, either daily or twice daily, or progress will be short-lived. “It’s more preventive,” asserted Sherbert, and McElveen explained that most OTC wrinkle treatments require daily use for at least three months before you notice any difference. “You do have to be pretty com- mitted,” she said. Moreover, Sherbert cautioned that since OTC wrinkle creams are considered a cosmetic and not a drug, there is little FDA regulatory oversight of product claims, meaning there are no guarantees they contain exactly what is specified on the pack - aging in terms of ingredients. Prescription strength or medical grade retinols have higher concentrations of active ingredients and therefore provide fast- er, longer-lasting results. Botox injections are another option for those who seek immediate effects. These approaches help reduce cell turnover and pigmentation, Sherbert noted. Rather than waiting around for wrinkles to develop, you can take proactive steps to alleviate their onset and se- verity. McElveen and Sherbert both advised applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily to protect your skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays since sunlight is a major cause of skin aging. Sherbert underscored that wearing sunscreen and moistur- izing every day are the two best ways to preemptively mitigate wrinkles. Another option is drink a lot of water to stay hydrated, remarked McElveen. Other preven- tive measures include avoiding tanning beds and abstaining from smoking. “Prevention is going to help in the long-term,” Sherbert stated. Additional sources: Live Science and the Mayo Clinic. McElveen recommended rubbing nonprescription wrinkle treatments on at night because they increase sensitivity to sunlight. During the day, she advised using moisturizer and sunscreen.