Wrinkles and Anti-Aging: Skin Care to Slow Skin Aging
Wrinkles are an unavoidable sign of aging, caused by the loss of Collagen and Elastin in the dermis, together with a lifetime of sun exposure and smoking. Today, a number of ingredients and procedures have scientific evidence supporting their use in slowing skin aging. In this article, a specialist dermatologist explains the causes of wrinkles and a systematic approach to anti-aging skin care.
Causes of Wrinkles
Wrinkles result from several factors working together:
Intrinsic Aging (internal factors): Genetically determined aging, in which Collagen declines by about 1% per year after the age of 20.
Extrinsic Aging (external factors): Caused by UV sunlight, smoking and repeated facial expressions. These are factors you can control.
Importantly, consistent sun protection can slow the development of extrinsic wrinkles by up to 80%, which is why it is at the heart of anti-aging skin care.
Retinoids: The Gold Standard for Anti-Aging
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives and are the most effective ingredients for fighting wrinkles.
Tretinoin: Requires a prescription. It is the most potent option, stimulating new Collagen production, reducing the breakdown of existing Collagen, and increasing the thickness of the epidermis.
Retinol: Available over the counter. It is less potent than Tretinoin but has fewer side effects and suits sensitive skin.
Other Key Ingredients in Anti-Aging Creams
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid): An antioxidant that boosts Collagen production and reduces UV damage. It should be used in the morning together with sunscreen.
Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B3 that helps reduce dark spots, strengthens the Skin Barrier and reduces water loss from the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid: A molecule that helps the skin retain water, making skin look plump, softening fine lines, and suiting all skin types.
Medical Rejuvenation Procedures
Popular medical procedures for anti-aging include:
Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injected to relax muscles temporarily. It suits wrinkles caused by muscle movement, such as lines around the eyes and forehead lines.
Chemical Peel: Uses chemical agents to exfoliate the skin, stimulating new cell growth and reducing wrinkles and dark spots.
Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers such as Hyaluronic Acid that add fullness to the lips, cheeks and areas with deep wrinkles.
These procedures should be performed by an experienced dermatologist for safety and natural-looking results.
Self-Care to Slow Aging
Basic skin care is the most important thing, including:
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen: Every day. It is the most worthwhile anti-aging step.
Moisturize: Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
Look after your overall health: Eat a diet rich in Antioxidants and exercise regularly.
Adjust your habits: Avoid smoking and get enough sleep, 7-8 hours per night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ingredient works best for reducing wrinkles? Retinoids, especially Tretinoin, are considered the Gold Standard with the most supporting evidence. However, they require a prescription and must be used carefully on sensitive skin.
Does sunscreen really help slow wrinkles? Yes. Consistent sun protection can slow extrinsic wrinkles by up to 80%, making it the most worthwhile way to slow skin aging.
What is the difference between Retinol and Tretinoin? Tretinoin is stronger and requires a prescription, while Retinol is available over the counter. It is milder but less irritating, so it suits sensitive skin.
When should I start anti-aging skin care? Because Collagen begins to decline after the age of 20, sun protection and basic skin care started early give the best results.
If you have any concerns or your symptoms do not improve, we recommend consulting a specialist dermatologist for a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to you. To plan skin care or anti-aging procedures that suit your skin, consult a specialist dermatologist at Siam Dermatology. Call +66 61 448 7000 or LINE @siamderm
Written by Dr. Patara Voravutinon, Dermatologist · Last reviewed July 16, 2026
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