Wrinkle Prevention

We hate to break it to you, but for some, wrinkles are simply a part of life. We’re more prone to wrinkles the older we get and the more we frown or laugh. 

Spend plenty of time in the sun or smoke a lot? You’re more likely to get premature wrinkles (or wrinkles that start appearing when you’re younger).

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to cheat Father Time and ensure that your skin stays youthful and plump — even if you’ve already spent a little too much time in the sun.

What Are Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are creases in the skin that intensify as you age or through exposure to the elements, such as sun, wind, smoke, and heavy metals. They become more pronounced as the skin becomes thinner and/or dryer. 

Essentially, the less elasticity the skin has, the more prone to wrinkles it becomes.

What Causes Wrinkles?

Just about everyone gets wrinkles at some point in their lives. Many of us notice wrinkles earlier, while others don’t get wrinkles until they get older. People with oilier skin often don’t get wrinkles until their skin loses collagen as they age.

The top causes of wrinkles are:

• Overexposure to the sun
• Smoking/second-hand smoke
• Aging
• Exposure to UV light
• Exposure to airborne heavy metals
• Excessive frowning, smiling, and other facial expressions
• Dry air
• Dry or combination skin

How to Prevent Wrinkles

Wrinkles are more common in skin that is dry and overexposed to the elements. The older you get, the more likely you are to get wrinkles. You’re also more likely to notice premature wrinkles if you have skin that is prone to dryness or combination skin. 

The best ways to prevent wrinkles are:

• Stay out of the sun
• Wear protective gear in the sun and heavy wind
• Moisturize your skin daily
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoid heavily-polluted areas
• Get plenty of rest
• Don’t smoke or hang out near or around smokers
• Take breaks to relax your facial muscles
• Eat plenty of complex carbohydrates, including fruits and veggies

The skin is your body’s largest organ, and your body is mostly water. That means that it needs hydration, hydration, hydration. The more water you drink and the more you replenish your skin’s natural moisture, the fewer wrinkles you’ll see. 

If you spend a lot of time in the sun, make sure you wear protective gear and sunscreen. After you head back inside for the evening, replenish any moisture you’ve lost by applying a heavy-duty moisturizer. 

Medical Treatments for Wrinkles

Thank goodness for the world of modern medicine! These days, there are few ailments of the epidermis that a good esthetician or dermatologist can’t fix. Just some of the few treatments that can plump up the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles include:

• Botox injections
• Restylane injections
• Microdermabrasion
• Glycolic acid peels
• Medicinal moisturizers
• Laser treatments

No matter how much damage your skin has endured, there’s always a way to reverse the effects of aging through anti-wrinkle treatments.