Wrinkles are a fact of growing older, but there is more to what causes them than meets the eye. Although genetics mainly determine skin structure and texture, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles. Other factors, such as pollutants and smoking, also contribute to wrinkling. Here is a detailed list of the causes of wrinkles and how to prevent and combat them.
Age
With age skin cells divide more slowly, and the skin’s inner layer (the dermis), starts to thin. This process begins to undo the skin’s structure and stretchiness. Aging skin also starts to lose its ability to hold on to moisture and makes less oil, so it is slower to heal. All of these factors contribute to the wrinkling process.
Genetics
If your parents developed wrinkles earlier than other people, your chances of also doing so are significantly higher. Your skin colour also effects how your skin handles sun damage. If you have inherited a darker skin tone, then you will be less vulnerable to the sun’s detrimental effects on your skin.
Facial Muscle Contractions
Facial muscle contractions are thought to cause the lines between your eyebrows (frown lines) and the lines jutting from the corner of your eyes (crow’s feet). Smiling, frowning and squinting all make these wrinkles more prominent. Even chewing gum, if regularly done, can contribute to wrinkle formation as the chewing motion forces your mouth to continually form different shapes, which result in a downward turn in the corners of the mouth.
Wrinkles are caused because each time we use a facial muscle a groove forms under the surface of the skin. When you are young the skin springs back, but as it gets older and loses its flexibility springing back becomes harder and less frequent, resulting in more permanent grooves.
Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) Light
Ultraviolet radiation, which speeds the natural aging process, is the primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin’s connective tissue, which lies in the deeper layer of skin (dermis). Without the supportive connective tissue, your skin loses strength and flexibility. To help prevent premature wrinkling, stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a SPF 30 sunscreen every day.
Smoking
Smoking curbs your skin’s production of collagen, which is a key part of the skin’s structure. The downturn in collagen can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles.
Inflammatory Foods
Foods that cause inflammation in your body may accelerate wrinkle formation. To prevent premature aging, stock up on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) such as flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, avocados, salmon, and and olive oil. These foods will help your skin maintain its soft and supple look.
Neglecting Your Skin
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and has very few oil glands. Help prevent wrinkles by picking a daily eye cream that include peptides, as they work to stimulate collagen production and prevent fine lines.
Sleeping in Your Makeup
The makeup and environmental pollutants you accumulate during the day seep into your pores, breaking down collagen and elastin. This can speed up the aging process and leave you with fine lines and wrinkles. To protect your skin, cleanse and moisturize every night before bed.
How to Combat Wrinkles
Wrinkle relaxers are used to relax specific facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Once these muscles are relaxed, they are unable to contract and cause the unwanted wrinkle to occur. As a result, these lines gradually smooth. Wrinkle relaxers are a natural purified protein that target wrinkle causing muscles and relaxes them to create a rejuvenated appearance.
Dr. Padovan or one of our experienced nurses will be happy to help with any further queries. Click here for more information regarding Wrinkle Relaxers, or contact one of our friendly staff today.
