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The Scary Reality of Wrinkles

As we age, most of us will develop wrinkles to some extent. That’s the reality, and while it is a little scary to think about, it’s also true that there is much you can do to lessen the development of wrinkles or improve their appearance after they have developed.

Wrinkles are most prominent on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, neck, hands, and forearms. They are the lines and creases that form in your skin. Some wrinkles can become deep crevices or furrows and may be especially noticeable around your eyes, mouth, and neck. It’s true that genetics are the main factor that determine skin structure and texture, but sun exposure is also a major cause of wrinkles, especially for people with light skin. Pollutants and smoking also contribute to wrinkling significantly.

At Rodgers Dermatology, we have many options to help smooth wrinkles or make them less visible. Medications, skin-resurfacing techniques, fillers, and surgery top the list of effective wrinkle treatments, along with various lifestyle factors.

Causes of Wrinkles

Wrinkles are caused by a combination of factors, some of which you can control and others that you can’t, such as growing older. As you age, your skin naturally becomes less elastic and more fragile. Decreased production of natural oils dries your skin and makes it appear more wrinkled. Fat in the deeper layers of your skin diminishes, which causes loose, saggy skin and more-pronounced lines and crevices.

Facial movements and expressions, such as squinting or smiling, lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time you use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin. And as skin ages, it loses its flexibility and is no longer able to spring back in place. These grooves then become permanent features on your face.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is another big factor, and this one you do have control over. Ultraviolet radiation, which speeds the natural aging process, is the primary cause of early wrinkling. This exposure breaks down your skin’s connective tissue, and without it, your skin loses strength and flexibility. Skin then begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

Another factor that’s very important to mention is smoking. You should quit smoking for many reasons related to overall health, but it’s also huge for your skin. Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. This may be due to smoking’s effect on collagen.

The Ultimate Guide to Preventing and Treating Wrinkles

Now that you understand a little more about what exactly wrinkles are and what causes them, the next natural question is how can you prevent them or improve them. Here are some tips for protecting your skin and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.

  • Protect your skin from the sun. Limit the time you spend in the sun, especially midday, and always wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses. Also, use sunscreen year-round when outdoors. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring. It should also go without mentioning that we do not recommend the use of tanning beds.
  • Moisturize. Dry skin shrivels plump skin cells, which can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizing traps water in your skin, which helps mask tiny lines and creases.
  • Don’t smoke. Even if you’ve smoked for years or smoke heavily, you can still improve your skin tone and texture and prevent wrinkles by quitting. Smoking robs your skin of oxygen and other nutrients that are conveyed in your bloodstream. In addition, the repeated motion of pursing the lips around the end of a cigarette causes dynamic wrinkles to form around the mouth.
  • Eat a healthy diet. There is some evidence that certain vitamins in your diet help protect your skin. More study is needed on the role of nutrition, but it’s always good to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. For instance, eating whole foods with ample amounts of free radical-fighting antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin E helps improve the skin’s texture, keeping it elastic and supple. Avoiding junk food is also crucial, and consuming too much sugar activates a physiological process called glycation, which causes proteins, including collagen and elastin, to harden.
  • Drink more water. Staying hydrated helps flush toxins out of the body and supports good physiological functions, including cell repair and turnover.
    Consider laser treatments. We have many laser treatment options at Rodgers Dermatology that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Relax overactive muscles. Whether you already have wrinkles or you just want to avoid them, one way to stop them is to block the muscles that cause them from working. Botox is a wonderful option that relaxes your dynamic muscles so they can’t press your skin into frown lines, forehead furrows, or crow’s feet.
  • Remove toxins from your skin. Pollution contributes to wrinkling and takes a toll on your skin. You can remove these toxins from your skin with skin rejuvenation options, such as chemical peels. The peels slough off the top, dried-out and wrinkled layer of your skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.
  • The right skin care to prevent or improve wrinkles. Whether you are looking for a basic skin care regimen to prevent wrinkles or a combination treatment to turn back the clock, we can help with our skin care services and products. We offer Skinbetter science, SkinMedica, and our own private-label Rodgers Dermatology line, and we will help you find the perfect products for your skin.

Don’t Give in to Wrinkles with the Help of Rodgers Dermatology!

Wrinkles are not inevitable, and there’s much we can do to prevent them and reduce their appearance. Book an appointment today to start making a plan today! If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any other skin-related concerns, schedule a consultation by calling 972-704-2400 or booking your appointment online.

Updated: Mar 29 2023

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