Stubborn wrinkles and fine lines only seem unstoppable. There’s a lot you can do to minimize their appearance and prevent them from getting deeper—in a month, a week, and even 24 hours. Find the timeline that works for you and get ready for results. Your One-Day Plan Temporarily fill in wrinkles by exfoliating and moisturizing one hour before an event—the combination offers immediate plumping that lasts several hours. “Even gentle sloughing causes skin to swell slightly, making wrinkles less noticeable,” says Elizabeth Briden, MD, adjunct associate professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota. Use a scrub with smooth beads that polish without leaving skin red. Look for a formula with jojoba esters, such as Ren Centifolia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser ($30, renskincare.com), since their round shape and low melting points reduce the risk of micro-cuts in the skin that sharp seed hulls or irregularly-shaped plastic beads can cause. Follow with a hydrating lotion that contains GABA, a peptide that relaxes muscles and temporarily eases pesky lines, like 24.7 Skincare Smoothing Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($23, soap.com). Your One-Week Plan One week is time enough to get a longer-lasting fix: Botox prevents muscle movement that causes crow’s feet and forehead furrows; the smoothing effect kicks in within a few days and lasts up to 4 months. You can also plump deep lines and folds with fillers like Restylane or Juvéderm. Since they’re made with hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in skin, these options offer natural-looking fullness and last for about 6 months. Or try Evolence, a product derived from pig collagen. Its thicker consistency means results can last up to a year. No matter the filler your dermatologist recommends, be prepared for mild swelling and bruising that may last a few days. Your One-Month Plan Photo by Luka/Getty Images Apply a prescription retinoid nightly to target wrinkles all over. “These vitamin A derivatives supercharge cell turnover, so you’ll notice fewer wrinkles by the end of the month,” says Arielle Kauvar, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center. Ask your dermatologist if Atralin is a good choice for your skin type and wrinkles—the most moisturizing retinoid, it can be used daily for faster results with minimal dryness or flaking. But if your skin is sensitive or prone to redness, you may only be able to tolerate a retinoid cream every second or third night (at least for the first 2 weeks). Every morning, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect fresh cells from future damage. MORE: The Simple Way To Make Your Wrinkle Cream More Effective
