@jenmillerbeauty
Skincare blogger
5 Ways to Drastically Reduce Wrinkles, Ranked!
Your guide to softening wrinkles and looking good into your 50s, 60s and beyond.
I’m 52 years old and a self-proclaimed skincare devotee. If you’re anything like me and have tried a few of these methods, you already know that not all wrinkle treatments are created equal.
I’ve personally tested all of the below, so I’ll break down what works, what sort of works, and what’s a definite no. This guide is ranked from the most expensive and time-consuming to the least.👇
#5. Laser Resurfacing Treatments - $$$$$, risky and painful
I thought laser would give me instant, miraculous results – turns out, I needed several sessions for any noticeable improvements, even with the most intense treatment. Each session cost me thousands, and the process was long, slow, and painful. Not to mention the fear of potential scarring or hyperpigmentation.
But i if you have deep wrinkles and are willing to invest the money and time, it might be worth a try.
1. Very costly and multiple sessions are typically required
2. Long, painful recovery with risks of scarring/hyperpigmentation
3. Works well on wrinkles, but I’m not sure it’s worth the money and pain
#4 Radio Frequency Micro-needling - $$$$, slow to see benefits
Almost as expensive as laser, but with less dramatic results, and usually requires even more sessions. I will say the recovery was easier than it was with lasers, and my skin felt tighter. However, the wrinkle-reducing effects weren’t as dramatic.
1. Expensive, with many sessions needed over several months
2. Painful, but recovery is faster than lasers
3. Works well to firm up skin, but less effective on wrinkles
#3 Botox Injections - $$$, for a frozen face
I have a love/hate relationship with botox. On the upside, it’s quick with minimal downtime. But it can’t be used on all wrinkles (especially those caused by volume loss, like smile lines), and you have to be consistent, paying several hundred dollars for each area you’re treating every 3-4 months.
The costs add up fast! It’s also crucial to find a skilled injector – technique and expertise make all the difference.
1. Requires routine maintenance and can be costly
2. Minimal side effects (possible mild bruising)
3. Works on wrinkles caused by facial movements, but can create a frozen look until it wears off
#2 Chemical Peels - $$$, lukewarm results
Like lasers, chemical peels come at different intensities – the deeper the peel, the better the results, but also more pain, downtime, and risk. It’s a cheaper alternative to lasers, but also doesn’t work quite as well. My results were subtle. You still need to go every few months to maintain results.
1. Budget-friendly compared to lasers (hundreds rather than thousands per session)
2. Deeper peels yield better results but come with more pain, downtime, and risk of scarring
3. Offers a range of options, from light to deep peels
#1 Medical-Grade Topicals (Serums & Creams) - $ to $$$
Discovering high-potency medical-grade skincare was a game-changer for me! These products have high levels of active ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, hydroxy acids, peptides – all scientifically proven to combat wrinkles and fade age spots.
Some brands charge hundreds per bottle, but that’s not necessary. There are less expensive brands that are just as great (or even better!) than the pricey stuff. You just have to do your research! I did mine, and that’s how I found Maelove.
1. Most bang for the buck - some brands can be pricey, but there are great, affordable clinically-backed brands too
2. Recommended by dermatologists and skincare professionals
3. Need to apply consistently for several months for best results
My Daily Anti-aging Routine 👇
My go-to brand for high-performing products is Maelove. Their products cost tens rather than hundreds of dollars, and my dermatologist approves! Plus, Maelove is formulated to be safe for sensitive skin, which is important to me.
I love several of their products, but consistently repurchase the Ultimate Wrinkle Repair Kit, which covers all the anti-aging essentials in one easy solution. Here is my daily skincare routine:
Morning
1. Cleanse - opt for a mild, non-drying cleanser.
2. Apply Glow Maker Serum to clean skin.
3. Apply Peptide Squad Serum then top with a moisturizing sunscreen (and makeup, if desired)
Evening
1. Cleanse - opt for a mild cleanser.
2. Apply Moonlight Serum to clean skin.
3. Top with Night Renewer Cream.
After following this routine consistently for 4 weeks, I noticed a visible difference in my skin – my forehead wrinkles and fine lines around my eyes and temples were less noticeable. My skin looked more dewy, hydrated, and overall, more well-rested (direct comment from my husband!).
After 12 weeks, my skin looked like I had spent thousands of dollars on procedures - the difference was that dramatic! I was pleasantly surprised, as it cost me a fraction of the price of the alternatives (and a whole lot less pain). All it took was a little consistency and patience.
Final Verdict: Find Your Holy Grail
It all comes down to you and your skin. I used to still get minimal botox injections here and there, but in the past year, I haven’t felt the need thanks to Maelove and its anti-aging system.
The key to my skincare success has been the medical-grade topicals. Plus, peptides (like those in Peptide Squad) are proven to help botox results last longer – so if you do get injections, they can help extend the time between visits!
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding a routine that works for you – and for me, that means investing in high-quality skincare that actually delivers.