Wrinkles

Most people are involved in the eternal quest for youth. Unfortunately, wrinkles can give away your age pretty quickly and undermine your efforts to look younger.

What Causes Wrinkles?

One of the biggest determinants of wrinkles is heredity. If your parents and grandparents have lots of wrinkles most likely you will too. However, even if your genes make you predisposed to having wrinkles there are a lot of things you can do to prevent wrinkles from forming.

Wrinkles form because when you age your skin becomes thinner, drier, and loses elasticity. Because of these changes you will start to notice that your skin develops creases and lines. As time goes on these creases become deeper and form unsightly wrinkles. At one point wrinkles were considered a sign of wisdom and people respected their elders with wrinkles. However, due to certain habits people have developed wrinkles are becoming more apparent at a younger age and people are trying to postpone wrinkles for as long as possible.

Besides heredity, sun exposure is a major determinant of wrinkles. Inadequate use of sunscreen can cause premature wrinkles. Tanning booths also cause wrinkles because they have high concentrations of UVA rays. Although UVB rays contribute more actively to the development of wrinkles, there are at least ten times as many UVA rays as UVB rays in the atmosphere so you can actually see more damage through UVA rays.

Along with sun damage certain types of skin are more prone to wrinkles than other types. For example, people with blue eyes and light skin that burns easily are probably more likely to develop wrinkles than those with darker skin, eyes, and hair. This is one of the reasons that heredity plays a role in the development of wrinkles.

Smoking is another contributing factor to wrinkles. We have all seen smokers who have wrinkles surrounding their mouths. Many people who smoke look to do everything they can to get rid of these wrinkles. And after quitting smoking they want to banish the tell-tale signs of smoking from their face. Unfortunately, smoking causes premature aging of the skin which is usually not reversible.

How to Prevent Wrinkles

• Reverse the aging process (since this probably isn’t too possible try to keep your skin young for as long as possible)
• Keep your skin soft and moisturized
• Use sunscreen regularly and limit exposure outdoors
• Don’t smoke
• Repeated facial expressions can cause wrinkles so just accept that if you smile or laugh a lot you will probably develop small wrinkles under the surface of the skin
• Get regular facials
• Find a good wrinkle remover and use it regularly

How to Reduce Wrinkles

If you notice that your skin is starting to show wrinkles take steps now to decrease the rate at which they develop. The way you sleep can actually have an effect on wrinkles. First, make sure you are getting enough sleep so your skin is refreshed and drink enough water to prevent dehydration. Then, sleep on a silk pillowcase so that harsh fibers are not rubbing against your skin. Also, if you sleep on your back instead of on your side you will be less likely to notice wrinkles developing.

Eat a balanced diet. This is a common recommendation for many ailments and surprisingly plays a large part in the development of wrinkles. By eating a balanced diet including fish, fruits, and vegetables your body and skin will have the necessary nutrients to replenish lost cells and increase elasticity.

Another method that has proven to be effective in the reduction of wrinkles is to use topical treatments. You can see your doctor about prescription treatments or you can use several over the counter methods that can be just as effective. Facials and dermabrasion are also effective.

Wrinkle Treatments

There are so many different treatments available for wrinkles that almost anyone can find an effective treatment. When looking for an effective treatment make sure to evaluate the type of wrinkles that you have. Some products are designed for fine lines and creases. Others are made to combat deep wrinkles.

Alpha-hydroxy acids are derived from natural fruit acids. They lift the top layer of skin off the face. Usually products, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, that lift the top layer of skin are used for fine lines on the surface of the skin.

Retinoids are FDA approved to aid in the prevention and treatment of wrinkles. They can help with both fine lines and also with deep wrinkles.

Topical vitamin Cs have been used because they can aid in the protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Botox is probably the most talked about wrinkle treatment. To use it a doctor injects the Botox directly under the surface of the skin and it relaxes the muscle under the wrinkle so that the skin on top can lay smooth and flat.

Conclusion

Wrinkles are unsightly and very few people embrace their first (or second or third) wrinkle. They are, however, inevitable with the effects of aging. Luckily, now, there are ways to remove wrinkles and prevent the development of new ones forming.  If you don’t have any wrinkles yet then use some of these tips to prevent wrinkles from forming.  If you already have wrinkles, look around to find a product that will be effective for you because you don’t have to live with unsightly wrinkles advertising to everyone your age.