It’s no secret that every aging woman would like to turn back the clock on fine lines and wrinkles to get that youthful smooth skin back. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, when it comes to visible signs of aging on the skin, over 90% of the time it can be attributed to sun damage. If only such information had been known sooner or taken more seriously then a lot of skin damage could have been avoided, but regret is a fickle friend so here are today’s top skin rejuvenation techniques and procedures:

1. Botox: Because of its wrinkle removing abilities, botox is the number one aesthetic treatment for women over the age of 35. It works by blocking nerve signals and no longer allowing the muscle at the injection site to contract which softens wrinkle. The effects of the botox treatment can last anywhere from two to six months depending on the person but the average is about four, so this isn’t just a one-time procedure it will be something you have to repeat frequently.

There are two types of wrinkles, surface lines caused by sun damage and deep furrows from muscle contractions, examples of these would be frown lines and crows feet. Although effective, botox will not prevent or treat wrinkled skin caused by damage from the sun and you should still utilize protection from UV rays.

2. Fillers: When it comes to skin rejuvenation filler are also an effective option and not unlike botox, they are injected under the skin to help reduce wrinkles. These treatments will need to be repeated also, as the soft tissue injections will eventually be absorbed by the body. There are different options available, such as collagen fillers, synthetic and hyaluronic to name a few.

These injections can also be used to plump certain areas like cheekbones or lips, giving the face a more lifted appearance. The downside to any injections, besides the fact it doesn’t last, is the potential for negative reactions which can occur in different forms. Allergic reactions and the formation of small bumps under the skin (which may be permanent) are among the most common possible side effects of these treatments.

3. Chemical peels: During the process of a chemical peel a solution is applied to the skin which causes blistering and eventual peeling, afterward the new skin underneath is generally smoother and less wrinkled. This would be an option you may consider if you need to treat wrinkles that are the result of sun damage since botox and fillers are not effective in this area. Light or fair skinned individuals are good candidates for a procedure like this, it could also be effective for darker skin but there is a chance of it resulting in an uneven skin tone in some instances.

Aside from the skin rejuvenation procedures listed above protecting your skin from further damage from by the sun is a great way to get ahead of aging skin. People who use SPF 15 or higher every day showed a 24% decrease in skin aging compared to those who do not. Just remember it is never too late to start protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, finding a good anti aging cream with SPF, seeking shade, and using protective clothing helps significantly.