Surgery Plastic Surgery How to Prevent and Treat Rhytids or Wrinkles Print By Natalie Kita Updated September 02, 2018 Paul Burns/DigitalVision/Getty Images More in Plastic Surgery Planning Your Surgery Reconstructive Surgery Facial Procedures Liposuction Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) More Body Procedures Breast Surgery A rhytid, (ri′tid), is a wrinkle in the skin. The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and subcutaneous fat. The epidermis, the top layer of the skin, produces melanin, which gives the skin its color. It also protects the skin, with special cells known as keratinocytes, against environmental toxins. Some parts of the body have a thicker epidermis, like the soles of the feet, than the eyelids, which has a thinner epidermis. The dermis, the middle layer of skin, has many functions. It is the source of sweat glands and sensation. It also grows hair and produces oil to keep skin smooth. It is the location of blood vessels that feed the skin and remove toxins. The subcutaneous fat layer is the bottom layer of skin. With its special connecting tissue, it attaches the dermis to muscles and bones. It supports the function of nerve cells and blood vessels. It is also responsible for controlling the temperature of the body and padding muscles and bones to protect them from bumps and falls. Each layer of skin is affected by aging, genetics, and environmental factors. The layers tend to become thinner when tissue production slows, making the skin susceptible to damage and change. Thinner skin that is no longer filled in with collagen and fat cells begins to show lines and wrinkles. Causes of Wrinkles Wrinkles are caused by a combination of different conditions. Some people are genetically predisposed to develop wrinkles. Some of the causes of wrinkles include: AgeExposure to harmful substances for a prolonged period of timeArtificial tanningUltraviolet lightSmoking The constant contraction of facial muscles, either by squinting or smiling can also lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. With thinner skin, the muscles are no longer able to maintain its flexibility and retain its shape. Treatment of Rhytids For most people, fine lines, and wrinkles on the skin is part of the aging process. Wrinkles appear as creases or folds in the skin. They are seen on the face, neck, hands and other parts of the body. Some people are bothered by wrinkles. There are several treatment options available to reduce fine lines and rhytids. They include: Laser treatmentsChemical peelsMicrodermabrasionSoft tissue injectable fillersTopical creams Lasers poke tiny microscopic holes into the skin triggering the skin’s healing process and stimulating collagen production. Lasers have been used on the face, chest, and hands. Dermal fillers are used to eliminate the smile lines around the mouth and under the eyes to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. They are also used to increase volume in the cheeks, jawline, and the back of the hands. Injectables are commonly used to remove the wrinkles around the eyes by preventing wrinkles from forming. They relax the muscles, preventing them from contracting and causing wrinkles to develop on the forehead and at the corner of the eye. Prevention of Wrinkles and Fine Lines Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce or prevent the signs of aging. Some of them include: Wearing sunscreen on a daily basisNot tanningMoisturizing on a daily basisUsing over-the-counter products as directedAvoiding products that sting or burnLimiting the number of products usedShopping for products wiselyGiving products time to workStopping smokingEating a balanced dietReducing stress Following these tips can help prevent or postpone the development of wrinkles or rhytids. If the results are not as expected, a consultation with a doctor to develop an individualized skin plan is suggested. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you reach your 2018 goals. Email Address Sign Up There was an error. Please try again. Thank you, , for signing up. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Continue Reading