All About Wrinkles

Wrinkles are lines typically found on the face, neck, arms and skin areas that are usually exposed to the sun. These lines are associated with aging. However, they are more prominent on people whose skin are highly exposed to the sun as well as those who are constantly exposed to heat, dust, wind and cigarette smoke. There are numerous factors at play in the formation of wrinkles such as genetics, age diet, lifestyle and let’s not forget the major contributor, sun exposure.

Factors in Wrinkle Formation

Age

As we age, our skin undergoes changes. It starts losing its elasticity and its fat deposits are also diminished. The skin also starts producing less of its natural oils. The result is loose, saggy and dry skin with prominent lines or wrinkles.

UV light exposure

The sun’s UV rays have the power to break down collagen and elastin. These are the skin’s connective tissues responsible for giving it strength and elasticity. When collagen and elastin fibres get damaged the skin starts losing its shape and flexibility. In other words, you’ll have loose, saggy and wrinkled skin.

Smoking

Smoking is known to be harmful to the body and this includes the skin. The chemicals in cigarettes such as nicotine constrict blood vessels depriving skin cells of much needed supply of nutrients and oxygen. This deprivation causes the skin to age at a faster rate.

Facial expressions or movements

Squinting too often and making facial expressions or movements all the time can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles especially if you repeatedly do certain facial expressions. When you make a face, you are using a facial muscle and when you do a groove starts forming just under the skin. When you start growing older, the skin will start losing its flexibility and will not be able to spring back into place anymore. That groove formed from doing a particular facial movement will then be a feature on the face.

Gender

As much as we strive for a world with no gender bias, there are natural predispositions that are gender-based. The formation of wrinkles is one of them. Women are more prone to get wrinkles around the mouth area as in this particular area women have less sweat and oil glands as well as less blood vessels compared to men. Sweat and sebum (oil) are the skin’s natural lubricant while the blood vessels are responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients.

Nutrition

The skin just like any organ of the body needs certain nutrients to maintain its integrity and carry out its functions. Poor nutrition can lead to early skin aging and the early appearance of wrinkles.

Although we would all come to a point when wrinkles would be already unavoidable, we can hold off its appearance for a while. Ensure that the skin is protected from the harmful rays of the sun, live a healthy lifestyle and provide the skin essential nutrients for your skin to be healthy and youthful! Now that you know what factors are at play in wrinkle formation, share the knowledge!