Heritage Family Medicine & Aesthetics | Top 5 Causes of Wrinkles

As the human body ages, the skin’s fibers start to loosen and collagen production slows down. When wrinkles develop, the skin appears leathery and saggy. It’s common to associate wrinkling with old age, but there are daily habits that cause premature aging. Taking care of yourself is about self-reflection and wellness. If you’re concerned about aging too quickly, you should consider the five most common causes of wrinkles.

Ultraviolet Exposure

Frequent exposure to ultraviolet light causes the skin to dry up, causing collagen to break down at a higher rate than normal. This increases the likelihood of cellular disrepair, rapidly increasing the production of loosened fibers and aging the skin more quickly. Ultraviolet light interferes and changes the usual skin repair and replacement process, permanently damaging the skin. Tanning beds should be avoided, as they contain powerful UV bulbs. Any source of UV light is considered a carcinogen, an agent that causes cancer.

Smoking and Drinking

Another carcinogen is nicotine. Carbon monoxide introduces harmful effects to the cardiovascular system, reducing circulation to the skin’s blood supply and making the skin look pale and grey. Deeper wrinkles around the mouth and on the forehead are common among habitual smokers. Alcohol also increases aging. It dehydrates the skin and inhibits Vitamin A, which helps produce collagen.

Inconsistent Skincare

Although your skin repairs and replaces cells, you should establish a consistent regimen to encourage continued skin growth. The skin becomes more sensitive as people get older, so it’s important to use moisturizer and sunscreen before heading out. Applying lotion throughout your body can help dry, easily irritated skin. The lotion’s moisture makes the skin look smooth and vibrant, giving it a more youthful appearance. Skincare service representatives can also discuss several treatment options with you. Facial sculpting from services like Lumen and Bevel and spa treatments are some examples of several available options.

Poor Diet and Inertia

Eating too many foods high in fat or stocking up processed products are both unhealthy habits. Refined sugar and too much dairy can cause inflammation, which can accelerate your skin’s aging. Inflammation makes the body feel heavier, affecting several organs and slowing cellular production. How you cook your food also matters. Fried foods have high amounts of glycation, which not only produces wrinkles but can cause diabetes. To look younger, you also want to exercise. Physical activity improves blood flow throughout the body, delivering oxygen to the skin which helps produce collagen and build new cells.

Physical Stress Buildup

Did you know that anger and frustration could cause wrinkles? Facial muscles between the eyebrows and on the eye’s corners contract and interact with gravity. That may not seem significant, but the skin’s routine interaction with gravity does accelerate aging. You also want to regulate your stress. High amounts of cortisol can break down collagen and cause inflammation. Stress buildup ages the body in general, potentially leading to cardiovascular failures.

Wrinkles don’t have to develop earlier than usual if you take the right steps to protect your skin. As you get older, your skin becomes more sensitive to biological disrepair and harmful environmental factors. Adopting a lifestyle based on awareness and wellness will not only help you look younger but may even encourage longevity.