One of the most common concerns patients share when they visit my St. Louis office is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These changes are a natural part of aging, but they often show up sooner than expected due to lifestyle, environmental factors, and genetics. The good news is that there are many ways—both at home and in the clinic—to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we take a comprehensive approach that combines aesthetics with functional medicine to improve skin health from the inside out.

Why Do Wrinkles Form?

Wrinkles and fine lines develop when the skin loses elasticity and collagen, the proteins that keep it firm and smooth. Over time, repetitive facial movements, sun exposure, and environmental stressors accelerate this breakdown. Factors that make wrinkles more noticeable include:

• Sun damage (UV exposure) – the leading cause of premature aging.
• Loss of collagen and elastin – naturally declines with age.
• Dehydration and dry skin – make lines more visible.
• Smoking – accelerates breakdown of skin structure.
• Poor circulation – reduces oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
• Hormonal changes – lower estrogen and testosterone affect skin thickness and hydration.

Understanding these causes allows us to target both prevention and treatment strategies.

At-Home Strategies to Minimize Wrinkles

1. Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Daily sunscreen use is the most effective way to slow the development of wrinkles. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protects against UVA and UVB rays, preventing collagen breakdown and pigmentation.

2. Stay Hydrated

Water helps maintain plump, healthy skin. In addition, using a daily moisturizer locks hydration in, making fine lines less noticeable.

3. Adopt a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids protect the skin from free radical damage and support collagen production. At our office, we often evaluate patients’ nutrient status through our functional medicine program.

4. Stop Smoking

Smoking accelerates collagen breakdown, reduces blood flow, and deepens wrinkles—especially around the mouth and eyes. Quitting has immediate and long-term skin benefits.

5. Use Medical-Grade Skincare

Products with retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid support skin renewal and hydration. Unlike over-the-counter creams, medical-grade options penetrate deeper and are clinically tested for results.

Professional Treatments for Fine Lines and Wrinkles

While at-home care is essential, professional treatments can create faster, more dramatic improvements. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we offer several evidence-based options.

1. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser treatments stimulate collagen production and remodel skin texture. Our Fotona laser is highly effective for reducing fine lines, tightening skin, and improving tone.

2. PRP/PRF Facial Rejuvenation

By using your own growth factors, PRP and PRF treatments promote healing, stimulate collagen, and restore skin vitality. This natural approach is ideal for patients who want results without synthetic fillers. Learn more about our PRP/PRF services.

3. Red Light Therapy with PEMF

Red light therapy improves mitochondrial function and circulation, which enhances skin repair at a cellular level. When combined with PEMF, the benefits extend to deeper tissue health and reduced inflammation.

4. Injectables

Neuromodulators (such as Botox®) relax facial muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks and lips. These can be combined with regenerative therapies for optimal results.

5. Microneedling with PRP

This treatment creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin, triggering collagen production. Adding PRP accelerates healing and boosts results, leaving skin smoother and tighter.

The Functional Medicine Connection

Wrinkles aren’t just skin-deep—they reflect internal health. Factors like chronic inflammation, hormone imbalances, and poor gut health can all accelerate skin aging. Through functional medicine, we evaluate:

• Hormonal balance – Estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, and cortisol influence skin health.
• Nutrient deficiencies – Vitamin D, zinc, and collagen precursors are vital for youthful skin.
• Oxidative stress and inflammation – Can accelerate visible aging.

By correcting these underlying issues, we help patients achieve not just smoother skin but better overall health.

Final Thoughts

Fine lines and wrinkles are a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define how you look or feel. With a combination of sun protection, healthy habits, medical-grade skincare, and advanced aesthetic treatments, you can significantly minimize their appearance and restore confidence.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in blending regenerative aesthetics with functional medicine. This means we don’t just mask wrinkles—we help your body repair and prevent them from the inside out.

👉 Call today to schedule your consultation and start your personalized anti-aging plan.

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