You probably know the causes of wrinkles, right? There are internal factors (age and genetics) as well as external factors (sun exposure). But did you know you can actually tell the difference by how the wrinkles appear on your face?

Wrinkles caused by internal factors will present in the form of thinner skin with less elasticity. You'll experience increased dryness and notice more fine wrinkles as well as slower scar formation.

Photoaging, or wrinkles caused by exposure to the sun and elements, will show up as deeper wrinkles and saggy looking skin. You might also notice irregular pigmentation, or brown spots, and your skin will appear rougher and more leathery.



So what does this mean for you? Well, if you're fighting your wrinkles, knowing what caused them is a good start -- if you notice that most of your problems seem to be related to external factors, you should probably invest in a big hat in sunscreen. Now. But, if you're really serious about diminishing your wrinkles, you have several choices.

• Wrinkle Creams -- There are innumerable wrinkle creams on the market, all of which claim to give you younger looking skin. Do they work? According to the Mayo Clinic, some wrinkle creams (either over the counter or prescription) can provide some improvement. However, it's important to note that cost has nothing to do with effectiveness, so a cheaper cream could be just as effective as its $200 counterpart. And, many of these creams haven't undergone comprehensive, objective tests. So, if you have the cash to spend on them, feel free to give them a try, but be aware that their effectiveness lasts only as long as you use the cream -- once you stop, your skin goes back to its original state.
  
  
• Botox -- Botox, which is a low-concentration toxin injected into wrinkles to relax the facial muscles, can be effective for frown lines between eyebrows, crow's feet, forehead creases, and skin bands on the neck. However, it is not effective for wrinkles caused by sun damage. Also, your skin type and where exactly your wrinkles are can influence its effectiveness. There are risks involved, so if you choose to go this route, be choosy about your doctor.
  
  
• Laser resurfacing -- Laser resurfacing can improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin by basically removing the old skin so it can be replaced by younger-looking skin. It can be successful in treating fine to moderate wrinkles, liver or age spots, uneven skin tones, as well as acne or chickenpox scars. This is a form of surgery, so in addition to needing recovery time (sometimes a couple of weeks, maybe more), you run the risk of having pink or red tones to your skin for up to a year after the procedure as well as other, more serious complications, like a change in skin tone or various forms of infection.

Are there any products or treatments you've tried and loved?