As we age, it’s natural for wrinkles to form on our skin. Wrinkles result from ridges, folds, or creases in the epidermis. However, having wrinkles is a normal part of the aging process.
Did you know that women get more wrinkles than men? According to research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, women exhibited deeper lines and more wrinkles than males [1].
According to reports, women tend to experience more wrinkles due to a unique muscular structure, fewer sweat and oil glands, and fewer blood vessels.
What causes these wrinkles?
People who work in the sun are more prone to developing early wrinkles. Smoking can also decrease blood circulation, accelerating the skin’s aging process.
Our skin becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic as we age [2]. Alcohol can exacerbate this issue by drying out the skin and making wrinkles more likely to appear.
It can be concerning to develop wrinkles prematurely. To help prevent this, Dr. Sandeep Babbar, Medical Director and Dermatologist at Revyve Skin, Hair, and Nail Clinic in Faridabad, has shared the causes of wrinkles and their preventive measures.
7 causes of wrinkles and how to prevent them
1. Spending too much time under the sun
UV rays from the sun are the leading cause of wrinkles. This radiation can penetrate the skin’s deepest layers and break down collagen, resulting in less flexible skin. Wear sunscreen suitable for your skin type, whether indoors or outdoors, driving, or simply relaxing by a window to prevent wrinkles.Â
People who work outdoors are at a higher risk of developing premature wrinkles. Wearing clothing that covers your skin, like long sleeves or a hat, can help prevent wrinkles.
2. Smoking and drinking alcohol
Giving up smoking and drinking is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, accelerating the aging process, while alcohol dries out the skin, causing it to lose strength and flexibility.
This leads to sagging and the development of wrinkles. It’s best to avoid smoking and drinking to keep your skin looking young and healthy,
3. Stressed out
As we grow older, our body produces less collagen. Additionally, stress reduces collagen production and can lead to inflammation. Over time, collagen loses its flexibility and becomes stiff, making it less capable of promoting skin regeneration and wound healing.Â
This can result in wrinkles, which can also be caused by persistent brow furrowing due to stress. Furthermore, stress can break down collagen and elastin in the skin due to high hormone cortisol levels.
4. Dry skin
If you have dry skin, you have a higher chance of developing wrinkles. This is because dry skin produces less sebum, the skin’s natural moisturizer and acts as a protective barrier against weather conditions.
Moisturize your skin twice daily to prevent dryness and reduce the likelihood of wrinkles forming.
5. Not getting enough sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, it can be more challenging for your skin to heal. This is because your skin’s ability to hold onto moisture and maintain its pH level is affected.Â
As a result, your skin may not produce enough collagen, which can make wrinkles appear faster.
6. Excessive use of makeup
According to Dr. Karuna Malhotra, cosmetics can be good for your skin, but using them excessively can have negative effects. These adverse effects could include rashes, swelling, clogged pores, and other unfavorable outcomes [3].
Furthermore, overuse of cosmetics can delay the onset of wrinkles by reducing the production of collagen and sebum.
7. Deficient in essential skin vitamins
It may be due to dietary deficiencies if you experience breakouts, rashes, dry skin, and premature wrinkles. Inadequate vitamin intake can lead to dry, pigmented, dull, or excessively oily skin.
The food you eat significantly impacts the appearance of your face and body. To maintain healthy skin, incorporate vitamins such as C, D, B, E, and K into your diet.
According to the dermatologist, there are several ways to address wrinkles.
Lifestyle changes like moisturizing, using sunscreen, maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help prevent or delay wrinkles.
Additional procedures like microdermabrasion, botox, fillers, chemical peels, or facelifts may be necessary for more severe wrinkles.
[1]https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/29/6/467/210050
[2]https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging
[3]https://tribune.com.pk/story/787023/the-cost-of-beauty-the-harmful-effects-of-makeup-on-your-skin
