How to Keep Wrinkles at Bay
- By Hans Christian Andersen
- Published September 29th, 2008
- Skin Care
- Unrated
Aging is an inevitable fact of life that is beyond our control. Perhaps, the most noticeable sign of aging is the formation of wrinkles on the face. Hormonal changes, heredity, and the skin's inability to retain moisture are all aging factors we can blame for the formation of wrinkles. However, external factors such as exposure to sunlight, pollution, stress, smoking and poor dietary habits, also contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and these can be controlled by us. All these factors make the skin less supple, resulting in a loss of firmness and thereby the appearance of wrinkles.
Wrinkles make their appearance when skin cells die at a rate faster than that of normal regeneration. With time, these wrinkles deepen, extending to the supporting dermal layer. Gradually, the dermis loses its elasticity and wrinkles become more prominent and permanent. Additionally, gravity exerts its influence on the skin, causing it to sag.
Harsh environmental conditions result in the formation of free radicals, which make the skin rough and dry, leading to a loss of flexibility and firmness. The sun is the one to blame for a majority of unwanted changes in the skin, that are a precursor to more undesirable ones. UV radiation from the sun leads to collagen break-down, which results in an abnormality in the building process. This abnormal rebuilding process is responsible for the development of wrinkles. Sunscreen protection cannot begin at too early an age. Use one with an SPF of at least 15, a suitable hat, and other protective clothing. Avoid sunbathing and try to keep out of the sun between 10:00am and 3:00pm.
In addition to the adverse effect on one's health caused by cigarettes,
smoking causes collagen damage. Smoking adversely affects blood circulation, and undermines the skin's ability to ward off free radicals. Thus, smoking also contributes to the appearance of wrinkles.
Various treatments have been developed to address the problem of wrinkles. Products that thicken the skin, or remove damaged skin work best for wrinkle treatments. Moisturizers are effective on superficial, surface deep wrinkles. Retinoic acid, used commonly for treating acne, has been shown to improve the surface texture of the skin, and increase presence of dermal collagen. Alpha hydroxy acids can also reverse some of the effects of sun exposure.
For those seeking instantaneous results, resurfacing, a laser treatment for wrinkles, is an option. The procedure reduces by vaporizing damaged skin cells which causes the collagen to become thicker and healthier. Another option is the ever-popular botox, an injection that temporarily reduces frown lines, forehead creases, laughter lines and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, albeit for a short period.
There are several practical steps, that can considerably postpone the appearance of wrinkles, if taken. Besides keeping out of the sun, avoid rubbing your eyes, which stretches the delicate skin. Maintain a stable body weight to prevent the sagging of skin. Apply moisturizer generously to maintain the skin's elasticity and suppleness. Alcohol consumption and smoking should be kept at a minimum.
In addition, drink eight glasses of water every day to ensure adequate hydration of your skin. Devote some time each morning and evening to exercising the muscles in your face. Relaxation of all facial muscles is of prime importance in delaying the appearance of the dreaded wrinkles.
Wrinkles make their appearance when skin cells die at a rate faster than that of normal regeneration. With time, these wrinkles deepen, extending to the supporting dermal layer. Gradually, the dermis loses its elasticity and wrinkles become more prominent and permanent. Additionally, gravity exerts its influence on the skin, causing it to sag.
Harsh environmental conditions result in the formation of free radicals, which make the skin rough and dry, leading to a loss of flexibility and firmness. The sun is the one to blame for a majority of unwanted changes in the skin, that are a precursor to more undesirable ones. UV radiation from the sun leads to collagen break-down, which results in an abnormality in the building process. This abnormal rebuilding process is responsible for the development of wrinkles. Sunscreen protection cannot begin at too early an age. Use one with an SPF of at least 15, a suitable hat, and other protective clothing. Avoid sunbathing and try to keep out of the sun between 10:00am and 3:00pm.
In addition to the adverse effect on one's health caused by cigarettes,
Various treatments have been developed to address the problem of wrinkles. Products that thicken the skin, or remove damaged skin work best for wrinkle treatments. Moisturizers are effective on superficial, surface deep wrinkles. Retinoic acid, used commonly for treating acne, has been shown to improve the surface texture of the skin, and increase presence of dermal collagen. Alpha hydroxy acids can also reverse some of the effects of sun exposure.
For those seeking instantaneous results, resurfacing, a laser treatment for wrinkles, is an option. The procedure reduces by vaporizing damaged skin cells which causes the collagen to become thicker and healthier. Another option is the ever-popular botox, an injection that temporarily reduces frown lines, forehead creases, laughter lines and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, albeit for a short period.
There are several practical steps, that can considerably postpone the appearance of wrinkles, if taken. Besides keeping out of the sun, avoid rubbing your eyes, which stretches the delicate skin. Maintain a stable body weight to prevent the sagging of skin. Apply moisturizer generously to maintain the skin's elasticity and suppleness. Alcohol consumption and smoking should be kept at a minimum.
In addition, drink eight glasses of water every day to ensure adequate hydration of your skin. Devote some time each morning and evening to exercising the muscles in your face. Relaxation of all facial muscles is of prime importance in delaying the appearance of the dreaded wrinkles.