Crow’s feet, worry lines, laugh lines—whatever you call them, wrinkles and fine lines are inevitable signs of aging. While they can’t be avoided, there are ways to slow their appearance by avoiding certain stimuli, and even ways to help reduce the appearance of those that already exist. However, let’s look at what causes them.
What Causes Fine Lines and Wrinkles?
There are three layers to our precious skin—the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue. These layers contain collagen and elastin proteins that keep our skin tight and toned. Our skin loses its ability to snap back into shape as we age, because the collagen begins to break down. As a result of this loss of moisture, wrinkles and fine lines appear. We can’t control this part, but there are other factors that speed up the process.
- Sun Exposure: A huge culprit, the sun can be both a friend and a foe. The sun is great for promoting the production of vitamin D4, but not when it comes to spending hours in the sun. When the skin is exposed to UV rays for a prolonged period of time, it can lose its elasticity and become more wrinkled.
- Lifestyle: It’s important to live a healthy life, so smoking is a no-no. Nicotine in cigarettes narrows blood vessels in the skin. If your blood flow is reduced, your skin will receive less oxygen and other nutrients needed to maintain its elasticity.
- Diet: When it comes to your skin’s health, it’s always a smart idea to eat a balanced diet. Foods rich in the antioxidant vitamin C also help remove free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules that damage collagen) from the skin.
- Exercise: When it comes to your skin, regular exercise gets the blood flowing. Blood flow increases oxygen levels, which is crucial for the health of the skin.
What Is the Difference Between Fine Lines and Wrinkles?
There is a difference in severity between fine lines and wrinkles, although they are often considered synonymous.
As the first signs of aging and/or sun damage, fine lines are usually considered to be the starting point for deeper wrinkles.
Skin wrinkles are caused by muscle contractions under the skin and appear when you make facial expressions like frowning, squinting, or smiling. Our bodies create wrinkles over time as a result of repeated movements.
There are two types of wrinkles within the wrinkle category: dynamic and static. A dynamic wrinkle appears only when there is movement, such as when you smile, little wrinkles (or “crow’s feet”) appear on the outer edges of the eyes. When crow’s feet persist after you stop smiling (and your face is resting), they are considered static wrinkles.
The Prevention of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Keeping your body healthy and happy is the best way to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Smoking should be avoided, exercise should be performed, and a healthy diet should be followed. In addition, if you want to enjoy the great outdoors with minimal wrinkle risk, always carry sunscreen with you. Sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing are also recommended.
The battle against aging may seem like a never-ending one, but with advances in science and technology, you have more resources at your disposal. Learn how we can help you fight the signs of aging by contacting our facial cosmetics office today.
