What are the major contributors to skin wrinkles?

1) Frequent exposure to sun light: The human skin contains fibers called elastin which gets damaged by the ultraviolet light (UV). Elastin is responsible for the elasticity of our skin, the ability to snap back after stretching. When the elastin is damaged, the skin does not bounce back as effectively after a stretch (such as with gravity) and as a result we see wrinkles.

2) Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking is a major culprit when it comes to wrinkles. If you notice, smokers have more wrinkled skin than non smokers. Though scientists don’t clearly understand why this might be, it is suspected that the elastin in the skin might be damaged with cigarette smoking.
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Ellman International, Inc. announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance to Pelleve(TM), a skin tightening system for the non-ablative treatment of mild to moderate facial wrinkles and rhytids for skin phototypes I-IV. The clearance was granted based on clinical data demonstrating that a single treatment with the high frequency radiowave device can safely and effectively tighten and improve the appearance of skin on the face through six months.

“Today’s FDA clearance of the Pelleve system represents a very exciting step in the introduction of next-generation high frequency radiowave technology to physicians and patients in the United States,” said Rick Epstein, CEO of Ellman International, Inc. “Pelleve offers safe, non-invasive facial rejuvenation with no need for a local anesthetic and minimal discomfort — a significant evolution from previous-generation technologies in this class.”
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Researchers in Taiwan have published a study report that demonstrates the promise of Botox for diabetic foot pain. In the study, patients with foot pain due nerve endings damaged were given an injection of Botulinum type A virus on the top of their feet. There was also a placebo group to compare the difference. In 12 weeks there was a significant decrease in pain for the group taking the Botox injections.

It will probably need more trials before it is approved by the FDA for treating diabetic foot pain in the US.

I hear a lot of ads on the radio for a product called Hydrolize that supposedly cures the dark circles under your eyes. The ad seems like a call for a trial study. But someone told me, it is a trial 30 day supply after which additional bottles are shipped automatically. And the cost is pretty high at around $49 something per bottle. And to cancel, apparently you have to return the unused trial bottle. Seems like a hassle to cancel.

So, just wanted to see if anyone actually tried this product and what you thought of it.

The FDA recently approved Dysport, an alternative to Botox. Both Dysport and Botox are similar in terms of being made from Botulinum Toxin A. For the longest time, Botox by Allergan was the only game in town, now it seems there is some competition in the market. Hopefully, this will lead to better pricing for consumers. Dysport made by French company, Ispen has been in use in Europe and Brazil for at least 10 years. In the US, it will be marketed by Arizona based Medicis under a license agreement.

The FDA continues to warn consumers that with the growing use of Botulinum toxin A products, there is a risk of the toxin spreading beyond the injection site. The box is expected to carry a label warning consumers.