Developing wrinkles and fine lines are a part of the natural aging process that we all experience. Although there is nothing wrong with wrinkles, many of us want to maintain youthful, healthy-looking skin for as long as possible. It’s safe to assume that no one wants premature wrinkles. Fortunately, with proper anti aging skin care, it is possible to slow the aging process and delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

What Causes Wrinkles?  

To understand what causes wrinkles, let’s first break down the makeup of our skin. Our skin is made up of three layers:  

1. The epidermis – the outer layer of our skin.
2. The dermis – the middle layer made up of collagen that gives skin bounce and elasticity. 
3. The hypodermis – the fat under the skin which cushions and protects the skin.

Wrinkles and fine lines occur when the skin loses collagen and some of the cushioning layer of fat, causing the skin to sag, and become thinner and more translucent. This is a natural and inevitable part of the aging process. However, there are certain things that can contribute to premature lines and wrinkles. Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes. 

Repeated Unprotected Sun Exposure

Sun exposure can cause skin aging.

Ultraviolet sun damage is the number one cause for premature signs of aging. Repeated unprotected sun exposure causes free radical damage to the skin. UV rays penetrate the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and kill skin cells and damage the inner layer (the dermis). In addition to causing premature wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, UV damage also causes sunspots and uneven skin tone. Over time, too much sun exposure causes rough, leathery, scaly, and splotchy skin.  

Cigarette Smoking

The nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin, blocking oxygen and nutrients from reaching the surface of the skin. In addition, smoking lowers the number of red blood cells in the body causing the skin to lose color and appear duller and older. If that is not enough, the chemicals in tobacco smoke reduce collagen and elastin which is responsible for the firmness and plumpness in the skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Cigarette smokers also experience poor wound healing and more scarring than non-smokers due to the premature aging in their skin.

Environmental Pollution

Air pollutants cause free radical production in the skin and dehydrate skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. In addition, environmental pollution can cause allergic reactions, irritation, and inflammation in the skin. Air pollution together with UV radiation damages melanocytes which are the cells that produce melanin pigment in the skin. This causes hyperpigmentation in the skin and areas of dark spots referred to as sunspots, age spots, or liver spots. 

Repeated Facial Expressions

Stressed woman frowning.

Repeated facial expressions such as squinting, frowning, or smiling, can create permanent creases in the skin. The muscles used in the facial contractions create lines and curves which end up becoming permanent. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Smile and laugh lines can be attractive and beautiful, symbolizing life, wisdom, and happiness. 

Normal Skin Changes With Aging

In a 2008 study on skin aging, researchers Callaghan and Wilhelm write that “skin aging is influenced by several factors including genetics, environmental exposure, hormonal changes, and metabolic processes.” As we age, skin becomes susceptible to trans epidermal water loss, losing hydration and becoming dryer, thinner, and more translucent. We also experience a decline in collagen production which is responsible for the firmness and elasticity in youthful skin, and as a result, our skin becomes thinner, more susceptible to bruising, and begins to sag.

Age spots on the skin are another unavoidable occurrence as skin changes with age. Patches of discoloration, known as age spots, sunspots, liver spots, or solar lentigines, can be as small as a freckle or up to half an inch in diameter, commonly surfacing in areas that were repeatedly exposed to the sun. They can affect all skin types but are more common in lighter skin types. They can be lightened and removed for cosmetic purposes, but they do not fade on their own. You can avoid developing age spots by staying away from the sun and wearing daily SPF. 

How To Prevent Wrinkles On Face  

Woman with wrinkles on face.

First, I must mention that there is nothing inherently wrong with wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural and unavoidable process of aging and they symbolize a life well-lived. However, there are ways to prevent premature wrinkles and fine lines so that you have healthy skin for your biological age and look your best at every stage of life. These include:

• Wearing SPF protection every day (even on greyer days UV rays can harm your skin). 
• Ensuring to moisturize your skin daily – maintaining hydrated skin combats dryness and wrinkles. 
• Quitting smoking – as mentioned earlier in the article, studies show that cigarette smoking is associated with premature facial wrinkling. Smoking is extremely damaging to the skin as well as being unhealthy for your overall wellbeing.
• Drinking enough water and maintaining a healthy diet which includes foods rich in vital nutrients for your body. Keeping your body hydrated also keeps your skin hydrated, keeping it soft and supple.

Top Anti-Aging Skin Care Products  

1. Best Facial For Aging Skin

Rosehip oil is often touted as the best facial oil for aging skin. Derived from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant, the oil has numerous benefits for mature skin. It is high in essential fatty acids which are deeply nourishing for the skin and helps skin retain its moisture. It also increases skin elasticity and boosts collagen production thanks to its vitamin A and vitamin C content. Plus, its antioxidant content, such as vitamins A, C, and E, helps to protect skin against sun damage. Hyperpigmentation is a common occurrence in mature skin – rosehip oil helps to take care of that. It works to lighten dark spots and even your skin tone. What’s more, it reduces inflammation, scars, and fine lines, making it effective at slowing and reducing signs of aging.

2. Best Primer For Aging Skin

Tatcha Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer.

There is some argument over whether the primer is an essential component of makeup application. You don’t have to wear primer, but it will most likely enhance the finished result of your makeup application and deliver a smoother, more flawless appearance. If you’re looking for an anti aging primer you’ll want to give Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas Featherweight Protective Primer a try. The formula is infused with a silk extract that mimics the amino acid structure of human skin “providing a protective veil of hydration like a second skin without weighing it down”. Plus, it contains Uji Green Tea which reduces premature signs of aging, making it an ideal primer for aging skin. The formula is free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, sulfate detergents, phthalates, urea, DEA, or TEA. It’s ideal for all skin types, non-comedogenic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and dermatologist tested. 

3. Best Face Wash For Aging Skin

Our skin becomes dryer and more delicate as we age. For this reason, face washes for mature skin should ideally be gentle on the skin and contain no harsh or abrasive ingredients. There are several highly ranked face washes for aging skin on the market. 

The Paula’s Choice Cream Cleanser is a great anti aging, hydrating face wash for aging skin. The rich formula thoroughly hydrates and soothes dry skin to reduce dullness and the appearance of redness. The gentle formula and hydrating ingredients are ideal for dry, delicate skin. The face wash is suitable for sensitive skin prone to dryness and eczema prone skin. 

Another great face wash for aging skin is the Physician’s Formula Perfect Matcha 3-In-1 Melting Cleansing Balm is described as “an ultra-gentle 3-in-1 cleansing balm that melts away makeup, deeply cleans away impurities and leaves the skin fully supple and hydrated.” Having a makeup remover, cleanser, and skin hydrator all in one lotion is convenient, time saving, and cost saving. The formula is infused with antioxidants, Matcha Green Tea, Bamboo Shoot, and Lotus Extract for an ultimate anti-aging and hydrating formula. To use the cleansing balm, apply a small amount to your skin, massaging it on your face in outward circular motions, then wipe it off with a warm washcloth. 

4. Best Moisturizer For Aging Skin  

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

You don’t need to splurge on luxurious moisturizers to hydrate aging skin. Sometimes a simple drugstore product is excellent at providing mature skin with the hydration that it needs. CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream for normal to dry skin is one example of an affordable moisturizing cream that you can find in Walmart and most drugstores. The formula is enriched with glycerine, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid that deliver hydration to the skin. It’s suitable for use on the body, face, and hands, and is free of fragrance and oils. It effectively moisturizes skin without leaving it greasy. You can purchase a 19-ounce jar for $16 on Amazon.

How To Regain Elasticity In Skin Naturally 

It’s not too late to do some damage control and regain skin elasticity even after you notice your skin beginning to sag and the first fine lines appearing. There are several ways to regain elasticity in skin naturally, the number one being to stay away from the sun and wear daily SPF. Repeated unprotected sun exposure is probably the biggest culprit for skin losing elasticity. The damage occurs over time, so it can be hard to detect early on. Wearing daily SPF is vital to maintaining healthy skin and avoiding premature aging. 

Eating foods that are rich in collagen or boost collagen production, such as chicken, bone broth, fish, citrus fruits, and berries, is another effective way to regain skin elasticity. Collagen is responsible for the firmness, plumpness, and elasticity in your skin. Drinking plenty of water is also important to keep skin hydrated and soft and supple. You can also combat dryness in aging skin by using a humidifier in your room to regain hydration and skin elasticity. 

Conclusion

Wrinkles are a part of the natural aging process. They symbolize a life well lived and the wisdom that comes with age. There is no need to go overboard with invasive unnatural procedures to remove fine lines and wrinkles. With proper, natural skin care you can look you best at every age and stage! 

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