So many of us take our skin for granted in our youth by basking in the warm sun for hours, experimenting with cigarette smoking, and perhaps indulging in a few too many cocktails. In addition, mishandled stress can also cause all sorts of damage. All of these factors contribute to premature skin aging. It isn’t possible to undo the effects of time, but there are non-surgical, preventative ways to keep your skin stronger for longer.

What can I do to prevent premature aging?

Nothing beats up your skin more than unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, and smoking. The two best skin care solutions are:

• Stop exposing your skin to UV radiation. The sun is responsible for 80 percent of all environmental skin damage. Apply sunscreen every day with an SPF of at least 30, and make it part of your morning skincare You can use a moisturiser that contains sunscreen or a separate product.
• Stop smoking. Smoking decreases collagen production in the skin, an essential building block. Without enough collagen skin begins to become lax, creating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Are there any additional preventative steps I can take in my 30s?

If you are building a career, starting a family and balancing a home life you may be under a lot of stress. Learning to make time to manage stress is very important. The thirties bring competing demands that are often displayed in the form of acne. Also, both collagen production and cell turnover begin to slow down, making way for wrinkles to form. Be proactive and consider the following skin care tips:

• Drink more water and stay away from alcoholic beverages. Frequent alcohol consumption will dehydrate your skin, accentuating lines and wrinkles. It can also cause blood vessels to dilate, making facial skin appear red.
• Use retinol products at night to increase cell turnover and collagen production for wrinkle prevention. Remember to use sunscreen every day because retinol increases sensitivity to the sun.
• Start getting anti-wrinkle injections before wrinkles form. Administered in small doses in your thirties, injections will limit facial movements that contribute to the formation of wrinkles, without hindering muscle mobility.

How can I get rid of lines and wrinkles that are already visible?

If you have spent a lot of time in the sun throughout your life, smoked cigarettes, or just haven’t taken the best care of your skin, it might be too late for preventative measures. Fine lines and wrinkles can start to appear as early as your thirties. If you are unhappy with how your facial skin looks, you may benefit from wrinkle injections in Brisbane.  At Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, two treatment options are available to help reduce the appearance of premature lines and wrinkles.

How are dermal fillers in Brisbane used?

The first option is dermal fillers, which are used to plump up depressions and fill in fine lines and wrinkles. This cosmetic treatment is also used to enhance lips and to increase fullness in facial contours.

The second treatment option is anti-wrinkle injections that work to smooth out lines by relaxing the underlying muscles. Anti-wrinkle injections in Brisbane are typically used on the forehead and temples, areas that experience continuous muscle movement due to repeated expressions.

What should I expect during a treatment session?

Typically, the treatment will take between 30 minutes to one hour with minimal discomfort. Patients enjoy instant visible results that may last anywhere from four months to one year.  After the effects begin to wear off, you can repeat the treatment.

To learn more about premature aging, how wrinkle injections can be used as a preventative measure, or to treat existing lines and wrinkles, contact Dr. Philip Richardson and his injection team either online or call 1300 789 240 to schedule your consultation.