Wrinkles are a fact of life and in a lot of ways, a physical show of how we’ve lived. They can add character and personality to our features, but we also understand that for some of us, they are also a point of worry or cause us to be self-conscious. Keeping wrinkles in check can help give a boost to how we feel in ourselves as we grow older and thankfully, there are plenty of options for preventing and treating wrinkles available today. To help you get started, we’ve put together a handy guide to what causes wrinkles, how to prevent them, and how we can help you treat any you may already have.
What Causes Wrinkles?
There are a number of causes of wrinkles on our faces, which typically fall into two categories – genetic, and environmental. As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and dryer, typically losing its elasticity and flexibility. Ageing alone can cause wrinkles as a natural part of life, however, there are a few factors that can speed this up or lead to more pronounced, deeper wrinkles. Some of the most common causes of wrinkles include:
- Age – As mentioned, ageing is the core cause of wrinkles and one that none of us can avoid! As the production of natural oils slows and the fat in the deeper layers of your skin diminishes, your skin shows more of its lines and dips than when we’re younger.
- UV Rays – UV light, like the rays from the sun, is one of the most prominent causes of premature wrinkling. The ultraviolet rays can break down the skin’s connective tissues, destroying or reducing collagen and elastin fibres. This tissue is what gives our skin the elasticity and flexibility it needs and without it, our skin is likely to sag and wrinkle.
- Repeated Facial Expressions – Throughout our lives, there are certain facial expressions we’ll repeat time and time again – smiling, frowning and squinting can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time you make a facial expression, lines and grooves form under the skin which, over time, are more visible as skin loses its elasticity.
- Smoking – Smoking accelerates the natural ageing process and as a result, can cause premature wrinkling of the skin.
How Do I Prevent Wrinkles?
If you’re lucky enough to not have many, or any wrinkles so far, prevention is the best course of treatment for getting them in the future. There are a few small lifestyle changes and adaptions you can make to help avoid premature wrinkling, from wearing sunblock everyday, to ensuring you avoid cigarette smoke and keeping on top of your moisturising routine:
- Suncream – Protecting your skin from the effects of the sun is not only good for wrinkle prevention, but for avoiding other skin conditions including cancers. Limit the time you spend in the sun, especially at the height of the day, and ensure that you’re using suncream year-round and not just in the summer. Using a block of at least SPF 15 during winter and SPF 30 during the summer can help to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
- Avoid smoke – Even if you’ve been smoking for years, there is still the chance to save the condition of your skin. By quitting smoking – or avoiding secondhand smoke as a non-smoker – you can allow your skin to repair and ultimately improve the tone and texture over time.
- Eat healthy foods – While more study is needed into the effect of eating healthily on wrinkle production, the general consensus seems to be that eating healthier can help to keep your body in top shape and that certain vitamins may help protect your skin from the elements.
- Moisturise – Dry skin is particularly prone to premature lines and wrinkles. When the skin becomes tight or shrivels due to dryness, lines and wrinkles are more prominent. The regular use of moisturiser can help to mask fine lines over time and keep your skin plump and hydrated.
Can I Treat Wrinkles?
If it’s a little too late for prevention and you’re worried about the appearance of your wrinkles, there are a few treatments that can help to smooth out the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. From laser treatments to LED lights, Botox and more, some of the treatments for wrinkles that we can offer you include:
- Laser treatment – Laser treatments for wrinkles work by damaging the layers of the skin and forcing it to renew itself. Elastin and collagen production is triggered, which ultimately lead to your skin renewing with better elasticity and ultimately reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
- LED light – Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology is used to deliver precise wavelengths to your skin that are designed specifically to target wrinkles. This is a painless, non-invasive treatment that triggers collagen production in your skin and ultimately reduces the visibility of wrinkles and improves skin elasticity.
- Botox – Botox is a unique treatment for wrinkle reduction and one of the most commonly recognised solutions for wrinkles. Using small amounts of botulinum toxin, Botox relaxes the muscles around the area of injection, which can not only decrease the visibility of wrinkles but prevent them from forming further.
- Skin treatments – Some facials and chemical peels can also work to target wrinkles. Our Max Stem Cell 1hr facial is designed to correct and protect your skin from wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dull, sallow skin.
For more information about our wrinkle reduction treatments or to book your appointment here at our clinic in Southend, feel free to get in touch with a member of our team, today.