As you age, you’ll likely notice some changes in the look and feel of your skin. With every passing birthday, your skin loses some of its elasticity. The body’s natural oil production slows, leaving your skin dry, saggy, and wrinkled. Take a look at the following tips, which can help you slow or prevent the development of wrinkles.
Avoid Direct Sun
You might love the feeling of the sun on your face, but its ultraviolet rays can take a real toll on your skin. Ultraviolet light triggers a breakdown of the collagen and elastin fibers which support the skin. The skin then becomes weaker and less elastic, prompting the development of wrinkles. Take measures to protect your face, arms, and legs when you’re outdoors. Prevent direct sun exposure by covering up with a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and long pants. Regular and consistent use of sunscreen can also help ward off wrinkles. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, reapplying every two hours.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can speed up the natural processes that lead to wrinkling of the skin. Professionals at WebMD explain that smoking can lead to the production of free radicals, which are overactive, unstable oxygen molecules. Free radicals damage the skin’s cells, causing the skin to wrinkle prematurely. If you’ve never been a smoker, don’t start now. If you currently smoke, consider the impact your habit has on the quality of your skin.
Pamper Your Face
Avoid over-washing your face, especially with tap water. Over-washing can dry the skin and strip away the oils that protect against wrinkling. When full, plump skin cells dry out, they begin to shrink and shrivel. This can speed up the development of facial lines and creases. When you do wash, follow up with a moisturizer. Moisturizers can’t reverse wrinkling, but they can help to disguise lines and creases.
Sleep Well
According to WebMD, Yale dermatologist Nicholas Perricone cites poor sleep habits as a contributing factor to premature wrinkling. Dr. Perricone claims insufficient sleep causes the body to produce excess cortisol, a hormone that promotes a breakdown of skin cells. Getting sufficient sleep, on the other hand, stimulates the production of human growth hormone (HGH), which helps skin retain its natural elasticity.
You can’t control all the factors that contribute to wrinkled skin. Certain factors, including genetics, skin type, and repeated facial expressions can predispose you to wrinkling. If you’ve already developed wrinkles, there are products, procedures, and therapies available, such as Juvederm, that can help restore your skin’s vitality.
