Wrinkle Symptoms and How to Treat Wrinkles
Taxes and wrinkles, both are inevitable. Celebrities invest tens of thousands of dollars removing their wrinkles in an attempt to maintain their youthful appearance for as long as possible. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), most don’t have that luxury. What can you do? Well, wrinkles cannot be avoided, but some decisions may actually speed up their appearance. The expert board certified dermatologists at Short Hills Dermatology want you to have smooth skin for as long as possible. Follow these tips to slow down the aging process (and avoid investing in Botox)!
What are those????
Why do wrinkles appear? Your skin is full of natural oils that keep it smooth and flexible. As you age, it produces less and less of these oils, making it appear shriveled and wrinkly over time. In younger people, the three components that keep skin looking vibrant are collagen to maintain firmness, elastin to keep it flexible, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to keep it hydrated. After age 20, these components gradually diminish. Other natural factors can also contribute to more wrinkles. If you favor a specific facial expression, grooves inevitably begin to appear even before the elderly phase of your life. Genetics also determine when exactly wrinkles start to show up.
Intruder Alert! Outside Causes of Wrinkes
Your skin is susceptible to the numerous external factors that encourage the appearance of wrinkles. Perhaps the most significant, which you can control, is sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays break down your skin’s connective tissue, which causes it to lose its strength and flexibility. People with fair skin are especially prone to wrinkles as a result of sun exposure. We understand, you likely want a tan beach bod for the summer, but you won’t be happy about that choice in a couple decades. Smoking is another major cause of wrinkles as it prematurely ages the skin by affecting the amount of blood flow to the skin. In addition, the chemicals found in tobacco damage the collagen and elastin found in your skin, causing it to wrinkle. Air pollution can also age your skin prematurely, especially for those that live in cities. Second-hand smoke can also affect those around you. Don’t be the cause of your friend’s wrinkles or your own with this nasty habit! Having dry skin makes you more prone to having wrinkles. On the flip side, while oily skin often leads to acne, it results in less wrinkles over time, as your skin remains moisturized by its own sebum. The happy medium? Wash your face, and then invest in a moisturizer. Your smooth skin will thank you.
The Fountain of Youth
With this knowledge in hand, you can take steps now to slow down the process of aging. For starters, prioritize adequately protecting your skin from the sun. Use sunscreen on sunny days, and try to limit excessive sun exposure. Moisturizing regularly helps maintain healthy skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Quitting smoking is not easy but can have immediate positive effects, not just for your skin care but also for your overall health. Another option would be wrinkle creams that are available over the counter, with retinol commonly considered as the most effective.
Take Care of Your Skin
Wrinkles are inevitable, a sign of maturation so to speak. That’s why it’s important to not only take good care of your skin, but maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Just follow these guidelines and you’ll be able to preserve your smooth skin much longer. Need more tips on how you can maintain your healthy skin? Contact a top dermatologist near you today!
