Wrinkles come about as we age. However, some factors may accelerate wrinkle formation depending on individual habits and routines. Skin type also plays a major role in wrinkle formation. Facial wrinkles tend to be the most pronounced because tons of muscle movements on the face impact the collagen and elastin fibers. This article will give you an insight into what causes wrinkles and suggest a few skin anti-aging strategies.
What are Wrinkles and Fine-Lines?
Wrinkles are creases that are formed on the skin that may look like deep crevices. Wrinkles can be subtle or pronounced lines on the face, cheeks, and neck. Wrinkles are sometimes confused with fine lines. The difference is subtle and mostly depends on the depth of the line. Wrinkles are deeper-set than fine lines, which are closer to the surface of the skin.
What Causes Wrinkles?
1) Age
Aging skin is a definite cause of wrinkles. After millions of repeated facial expressions, the skin begins to give in to the movement. Skin wrinkles are known to form around expression lines. As the aging process kicks in, you are more likely to see wrinkling on the forehead and around the smile. The skin ages gradually due to the reduced production of natural oils by the body. The deep layers of the skin experience a reduced-fat layer and collagen production.
The aging process brings dry skin along with it. Skin elasticity gets compromised as you age, and there is only so much you can do about that with the current technology. The good thing is that this condition can be externally controlled by applying moisturizers and following dermatologist directives.
2) Genetics
Genetics can cause premature aging over time. Intrinsic aging tends to happen faster in some people compared to others. Some genes inhibit the production of collagen, which is a protein that the skin produces to enhance the healing processes of the ever-changing skin surface. In addition, some genes are associated with an increased risk of wrinkle formation.
Have you ever noticed how people of different backgrounds from different parts of the world age differently? Some people do not seem to age at all. You will find that the genes associated with such individuals play a huge role in their aging process.
3) Smoking
Nicotine found in cigarettes can degrade healthy skin conditions by limiting collagen production, causing the skin to wrinkle prematurely. Most wrinkles found on people who smoke are a result of the nicotine effect on the body. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels, greatly reducing blood flow, hence the amount of oxygen reaching the skin cells and increasing skin aging. In addition, the chemicals found in cigarettes trigger reactions that lead to structural damage of the skin and reduced elasticity.
The heat from the cigarette and the un-inhaled smoke contribute to the skin being dry. In addition, the repetitive lip-pursing and facial movements add to the repeated facial expressions-effect that cause deep wrinkles on the face and around the laugh lines.
4) Ultraviolet Light
UV is considered the primary cause of skin aging and facial wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down collagen fibers and connective skin tissues, leading to coarse wrinkles resulting from reduced skin elasticity. In addition, UV rays trigger the formation of free radicals within the skin and increase skin cancer chances. Fairer skin tends to be more prone to UVA rays than skin with more melanin.
UVA rays are more harmful because they damage skin at all levels and penetrate clouds, making them unsafe even on cloudy days. These rays are known to reach even below the water surface. You might be enjoying your time in the ocean or swimming pool and still get affected by the rays. You may want to reduce your time on the tanning bed to reduce exposure to ultraviolet rays.
5) Environmental Influences
The climate, your workplace, or even the intensity of your vocation can lead to wrinkling. People who work in mines and interact with different chemicals that affect the skin can get wrinkling due to the environment in which they spend most of their time. Mining of some products like sulfur can lead to wrinkling because of the conditions under which the mining occurs. Some miners have to go to active volcanoes to get the minerals.
How to Reduce and Prevent Wrinkles
a) Reduce Sun Exposure
Protecting your skin from sun exposure can save you a lot of trouble with wrinkles. As we have established, UV rays are a leading factor in wrinkle formation. One way to reduce exposure is by wearing sunscreen whenever you are outdoors. Wear sunscreen with a good sun protection factor. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect you against the different intensities of UV rays on any given day. Buy skincare products that have sunscreen incorporated in them for protection against sun damage. The simple act of staying away from the sun will save you a lot of trouble with wrinkles.
Summer brings the temptation of wanting to try out all the tanning beds you can find because the warm season is here. However, it is wise to avoid staying in the sun as much as possible to reduce ultraviolet radiation. The sun will cause wrinkles and change your skin tone and lead to the production of abnormal elastin.
b) Quit Smoking
Smoking engages the facial muscles at a level that non-smokers do not experience. For example, Crow's feet will develop faster because you are always squinting to avoid getting smoke in your eyes. Quitting smoking in an attempt to reduce wrinkles might be a difficult thing to do. However, you can take up a smoking cessation program to make the process easier for you. Quitting smoking will ensure your blood vessels get enough oxygen that makes skin cells divide faster. Even with intrinsic aging at play, less smoking will make your skin stay smooth as long as it can.
c) Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a medical process that uses lasers to improve the appearance of the skin. The treatment gets rid of scars, deep wrinkles, and warts. Visit your dermatologist to provide medical advice on whether you should go for ablative or non-ablative laser resurfacing. The process is medically reviewed and is known to work on most people. You will no longer get crow's feet or any other forms of wrinkles that prematurely attack the face.
d) Moisturize
The skin wrinkles faster when it is dry most of the time. The skin produces natural oil to prevent dryness. This process is, however, inhibited by the environmental factors that lead to dryness. In addition, the skin produces less elastin and collagen as the years go by, making the skin thinner and drier. Beauty products can have moisturizers that improve the condition of the skin. Use moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid that will prevent the onset of wrinkles.
e) Get Enough Sleep
Beauty sleep is the best thing you can do for your mental and physical health. Sleeping for 6-8 hours increases the health benefits of the body. The stress levels are significantly reduced, and the cortisol levels reduce along with it, increasing the ability of the skin holding water. In addition, the body flushes away toxins while you sleep, keeping your system healthy and in its best form at all times.
f) Microneedling
Microneedling is one of the medically reviewed processes that get rid of wrinkles and fine lines. The needles cause micro-injuries that trigger collagen production, encouraging the healing process and increasing cell turnover. This process can be done at home or can be part of dermatologic surgery done by medical professionals. However, this process should only be undertaken under professional medical advice to avoid any infections resulting from the injuries attracting germs.
g) Chemical Peels
Chemical peels help get rid of the old skin from the surface to give space for new skin to grow, reducing wrinkles in the process. As a result, skincare has improved over time, and you can always find options that work for your skin type without worrying about adverse reactions on your skin.
h) Healthy Diet
You are what you eat. The body needs vital nutrients to function optimally. Therefore, a good diet can be one of the lifestyle factors to consider when going for healthy skin.
i) Botox
Injection therapy is one of the go-to methods for reducing wrinkles considered by many. Botulinum toxin is injected into the preferred area, preventing contraction, maintaining the skin's structural structure, and reducing the occurrence of wrinkles. In addition, the injection inhibits the production of acetylcholine, smoothing out the overlying muscles, reducing wrinkles.
Final Take
The wrinkles will come. However, that process should happen gracefully. Your skin is beautiful if you take good care of it. You need to avoid circumstances that will sabotage the self-healing process of the skin. The skin is meant to take care of itself; all you need is to aid the process. Visit your dermatologist often when you have any issues with your skin. Reduce your stress levels and prioritize getting enough sleep. Improve your diet and moisturize often. Soon enough, you will be glowing.
