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WHAT CAUSES WRINKLES?
Many factors cause wrinkles to develop. The following are merely a few causatives:
Chronological Aging and Wrinkles
As we age, our epidermal cells become thinner. Thinner cells make for thinner skin. Epidermal cells decrease by 10% per decade. Also, less collagen is produced, and elasticity fibres wear out.
Sun and Wrinkles
Exposure to UVA or UVB from sunlight accounts for 90% of premature skin aging.
Muscle Use and Wrinkles
Habitual facial expressions cause skin to wrinkle as it looses elasticity. Frown lines between the eyebrows and crows feet develop as the tiny muscles in those areas permanently contract.
Gravity and Wrinkles
The effects of gravity make the loosening of the skin more apparent as skin sags more. This causes jowls and drooping eyelids.
HOW TO AVOID WRINKLES
The best long-term prevention for overly wrinkled skin is a healthy lifestyle including the following:
Healthy Eating: A diet with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and the use of healthy oils (such as olive oil) may protect against oxidative stress in the skin.
Water: Almost everything you read about health and beauty tells you to drink water, water, water. I’m sure you’ve heard all the reasoning; therefore, I’ll simply point out the logic of hydrating your skin from the inside out.
Exercise: Daily exercise keeps blood flowing, which brings oxygen to the skin.
Relax: Reducing stress and tension may have benefits on the skin.
Butt Out: Smoking not only increases wrinkles, but smokers have a 50% higher risk for cancers.
Daily Preventive Skin Care
Some daily measures for skin protection are as follows:
The list for wrinkle reduction techniques is long, to say the least. Therefore, the following are merely a few guidelines to follow:
Moisturizing
Moisturizers help prevent dryness, and tearing but have little effect on wrinkles by themselves. But keeping hydrated is a good start in reducing drying affects that lead to wrinkles. Although skin creams range widely in price, there is little difference between more and less expensive products.
Under-Eye Creams
The skin around the eyes is very thin and does not produce as much protective oils. Eye creams and gels aim at reducing puffiness and dark circles. Never rub the eyes, as this may cause more wrinkles to form. Instead, apply products with a light tapping motion to stimulate the skin.
Retin- A / Retinol (Vitamin A Topical Products)
We’ve all heard the raves about Retinol – well, did you know that Tretinoin (known commercially as Retin-A) is even better for fighting wrinkles than Retinol (a natural form of vitamin A)?
More about Vitamins:
Dermatological Treatments
When things get beyond your control, a dermatologist can use chemical peels of varying strengths, depending on the severity of your wrinkles and age spots.
SOURCE
Many factors cause wrinkles to develop. The following are merely a few causatives:
Chronological Aging and Wrinkles
As we age, our epidermal cells become thinner. Thinner cells make for thinner skin. Epidermal cells decrease by 10% per decade. Also, less collagen is produced, and elasticity fibres wear out.
Sun and Wrinkles
Exposure to UVA or UVB from sunlight accounts for 90% of premature skin aging.
Muscle Use and Wrinkles
Habitual facial expressions cause skin to wrinkle as it looses elasticity. Frown lines between the eyebrows and crows feet develop as the tiny muscles in those areas permanently contract.
Gravity and Wrinkles
The effects of gravity make the loosening of the skin more apparent as skin sags more. This causes jowls and drooping eyelids.
HOW TO AVOID WRINKLES
The best long-term prevention for overly wrinkled skin is a healthy lifestyle including the following:
Healthy Eating: A diet with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and the use of healthy oils (such as olive oil) may protect against oxidative stress in the skin.
Water: Almost everything you read about health and beauty tells you to drink water, water, water. I’m sure you’ve heard all the reasoning; therefore, I’ll simply point out the logic of hydrating your skin from the inside out.
Exercise: Daily exercise keeps blood flowing, which brings oxygen to the skin.
Relax: Reducing stress and tension may have benefits on the skin.
Butt Out: Smoking not only increases wrinkles, but smokers have a 50% higher risk for cancers.
Daily Preventive Skin Care
Some daily measures for skin protection are as follows:
- Don't wash face more than once a day with tap water, as it strips oil and moisture.
- Wash the face with a mild cleanser containing moisturizers.
- Avoid alkaline soaps, especially with fragrance.
- Pat the skin dry and immediately apply a water-based moisturizer.
- Always apply sunscreen, even if going outdoors for short periods.
- Lying on the back when sleeping helps offset the effects of gravity.
The list for wrinkle reduction techniques is long, to say the least. Therefore, the following are merely a few guidelines to follow:
Moisturizing
Moisturizers help prevent dryness, and tearing but have little effect on wrinkles by themselves. But keeping hydrated is a good start in reducing drying affects that lead to wrinkles. Although skin creams range widely in price, there is little difference between more and less expensive products.
Under-Eye Creams
The skin around the eyes is very thin and does not produce as much protective oils. Eye creams and gels aim at reducing puffiness and dark circles. Never rub the eyes, as this may cause more wrinkles to form. Instead, apply products with a light tapping motion to stimulate the skin.
Retin- A / Retinol (Vitamin A Topical Products)
We’ve all heard the raves about Retinol – well, did you know that Tretinoin (known commercially as Retin-A) is even better for fighting wrinkles than Retinol (a natural form of vitamin A)?
More about Vitamins:
- Vitamin A is important for skin health and UV radiation protection.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in large amounts reduced skin swelling and protected immune factors from sunlight. It may even promote collagen production.
- Vitamin E studies suggest decrease in skin roughness, length of lines, and wrinkle depth.
- Selenium in animal studies shows protection from sun damage and delays in cancer.
Dermatological Treatments
When things get beyond your control, a dermatologist can use chemical peels of varying strengths, depending on the severity of your wrinkles and age spots.
- Light, glycolic acid-based peels, done monthly for a few months, will help smooth fine lines.
- TCA (trichloracetic acid) peels are a bit stronger and reserved for deeper wrinkles. They are used at varying concentrations and leave skin red and sensitive for a few days.
- Phenol peels are used for severe discoloration as a last resort. The downsides of phenol peels are that they can leave the skin permanently lighter and involve more risks than gentler peels.
- Laser peels are a newer weapon that only require one treatment but are reserved for very severe wrinkling. Count on severe redness and peeling for at least a week.
SOURCE
