Hello doctor,

My skin has started wrinkling yet I am only 53. I don't like to look old yet I still feel not old enough for wrinkles. I am tempted to use anti-aging creams to get rid of the wrinkles. Is it okay if I do so? What other options should I opt for?

Katalina 53, Masaka

Dear Katalina,

Actually wrinkling is a process that can start from 35 years onwards. Maybe if you have been observant enough, you would have noticed slight wrinkles below the eyes in the morning, these are known as sleeping lines. 

As you age wrinkles come on the neck, arms and legs appear. It occurs due to loss of elasticity and tone of skin. Advancing age is of course one factor but there are multiple factors responsible for it. Exposure to strong sunlight hastens and accelerates the process. 

Lack of adequate sleep also leads to wrinkling below the eyes and accelerates it. Excess dryness of skin results in early and more severe wrinkling. Lack of essential nutrients is also responsible for the lines on women’s face. Smoking and alcohol lead to wrinkling earlier. Apart from all these factors, hereditary also plays a role in determining the texture of the skin and age for wrinkling.

To avoid wrinkling avoid exposure to strong sunlight by wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Drink a lot of water, have adequate sleep and avoid sleeping on your sides. Keep your skin moist by applying moisturizing lotions and your food should include plenty of fruits, fresh vegetables, fish and soya. Quit alcohol and smoking as they will increase the wrinkles.

There are artificial aids like injecting botulinum  toxin (Botox), laser therapy and dermabrasion. But they merely stop the process for a while but not forever. Moreover while undergoing these procedures one should weigh the cost, risks and advantages.

Dr. Rachna Pande is a Specialist in Internal Medicine.