Wrinkles not only make you look old but also give you a dull and tired look. No matter how young or old you are, wrinkles are an issue that can make you look a decade older than your actual age. Moreover, wrinkled skin looks dull, unappealing and lifeless.
It is essential to know the functions and needs of your skin for proper care. So in this article, you will learn about wrinkles.
How are wrinkles formed?
Various processes form the signs of skin aging in the individual layers of the skin. To understand the aging process of the skin, it makes sense to know how the skin is structured:
- The outermost layer of the skin is called the epidermis and is the visible part of the skin. New skin cells are constantly created between it and the underlying skin (dermis). Within about four weeks, these cells migrate to the skin’s surface and are released as skin flakes. In this way, the skin is regularly renewed. The older we get, the slower this cell metabolism becomes. Lipid function is also reduced, so the skin becomes dry, and the first signs of wrinkles form.
- The dermis contains collagen and elastin fibers as well as water-binding hyaluronic acid. This team is responsible for the resilience and elasticity of the skin. However, the ratio of fiber and hyaluronic acid decreases with age. The blood circulation and the supply of nutrients also gradually decrease.
- The hypodermis is the lower layer of the skin with fat and connective tissue. It stores energy and connects the skin to the underlying muscles. Adipose tissue steadily decreases with the aging process. The skin volume is decreasing, and the signs of wrinkles are getting deeper.
Skin aging factors
Although the formation of wrinkles is a natural process, it is affected by various factors.
A distinction is made here between natural and environmental skin aging.
The combination of natural and environmental factors is essential in how the appearance of your skin changes over the years.
Natural skin aging
The period of natural skin aging is primarily related to biological age and individual genetic predisposition.
For example, your skin type plays a role: the drier your skin is, the more likely it is to develop dryness lines.
The slow but steady process of skin aging begins around 25. From this point on, the skin gradually loses its elasticity and resilience.
Hormone levels also change over the years.
This is especially true for skin aging in women. When menopause begins, estrogen levels drop rapidly.
The female sex hormone estrogen is significantly involved in forming collagen fibers and is essential in moisturizing the skin.
Environmental skin aging
How quickly skin aging progresses also depends on environmental factors.
This includes both external and internal influences that cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is triggered by an exceptionally high proportion of free radicals in the body.
Free radicals are natural and essential intermediate products of metabolism. However, if the concentration is too high, it can harm the organism.
Among other things, oxidative stress caused by free radicals leads to premature skin aging.
- UV radiation is considered one of the most potent triggers for oxidative stress.
- Alcohol and nicotine consumption also release large amounts of free radicals.
- An unbalanced diet high in sugar and fat can promote skin aging.
- Stress and lack of sleep also contribute to premature skin aging.
- Environmental pollutants such as particulate matter and other air pollution are other stressors on the skin.
Different types of facial wrinkles
Wrinkles can therefore arise and be promoted by various factors. The signs of wrinkles on the face have different characteristics and can be divided into different categories.
Orthostatic folds
Orthostatic wrinkles form independently of facial expressions. They are caused by the influence of gravity and the decreasing firmness of the skin due to age.
- Nasolabial folds: These folds run down from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth. They often make a face appear tired and sad and are therefore known as worry lines.
- Marionette Lines: They appear at the corners of the mouth and extend down to the chin.
Mimic wrinkles
Facial wrinkles are caused by facial muscles that have been active for years. The muscles of our face and thus also the skin overlying them are constantly in motion, consciously and unconsciously. This is how wrinkles appear in different areas of the face.
- Crow’s Feet: This term describes fine lines and wrinkles outside the eyes. They show up, especially when you laugh, also known as laugh lines.
- Forehead wrinkles: Raising the eyebrows creates horizontal lines – initially over the brows and then over the entire forehead with advancing age.
- Frown lines: These forms between the eyebrows and appears in the form of two vertical furrows. A concentrated facial expression mainly causes this wrinkle.
- Bunny Lines: This is what the small nose lines are called, which are visible between the corners of the eyes along the bridge of the nose.
Superficial wrinkles
Superficial wrinkles are also known as creases. These include wrinkles around the mouth, lips, and chin and cheek area. They are particularly favored by smoking and UV radiation.
The proper care for wrinkles
Choosing the right products for the face is sometimes not that easy. That is why you will find an overview of the different types of care and their respective effects.
Anti-wrinkle serum
A serum contains highly concentrated active ingredients and has a lighter formulation than creams.
This allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin layers and intensively supply the facial skin with the nutrients it contains.
A serum is quickly absorbed by the skin due to its texture and is very economical due to the high concentration of active ingredients.
Cream against wrinkles
The day cream does moisturizing the skin and protects it from external influences.
The richness of the texture varies depending on the needs of the skin.
Depending on the formulation, some active ingredients are absorbed into the top layer of the skin, while others lie on the skin like a protective film.
Both help to strengthen the natural protective barrier. A firming anti-aging cream also reduces the signs of skin aging.
In addition to the day cream, it makes sense to use a night cream. It nourishes the skin overnight and promotes regeneration.
Eye serum
The skin around the eyes is thinner, more delicate and more sensitive than the rest of the face.
Dark circles and puffiness are therefore easily visible. In addition, the skin in this area often tends to be dry.
Combined with active facial expressions, fine lines and wrinkles quickly form around the eyes.
An anti-aging eye serum provides sensitive skin with targeted and intensive moisture.
It also reduces the signs of dark circles, bags under the eyes and wrinkles.
Anti-wrinkle eye cream
Eye cream supplies the sensitive skin around the eyes with nutrients and moisture.
It promotes skin regeneration, reduces signs of wrinkles and tiredness and ensures a fresh appearance.
As a rule, eye creams have a special texture that cannot “creep” into the eyes after application and cause irritation there.
Mask
Face masks offer particularly beneficial care and the rest of your skincare.
A regenerating moisturizing mask intensively cares for the skin with the active ingredients it contains and gives it a radiant complexion.
The best anti-wrinkle ingredients
A wide range of powerful anti-wrinkle active ingredients makes your daily skincare even more effective.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body.
Among other things, it acts as synovial fluid and is the main component of connective tissue.
The gel-like substance can bind large amounts of water.
This is how hyaluronic acid works as an ideal moisture reservoir for the skin.
Due to this property, hyaluronic acid contributes to the natural firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Care with hyaluronic acid cushions the skin and gives it long-lasting moisture.
Collagen
Collages are endogenous proteins from which collagen fibers are formed.
These fibers stabilize our bones, teeth and also our skin.
The individual collagen fibers connect to form a dense network in the middle layer of the skin.
The resulting collagen and elastin framework forms the basis for the skin’s resilience and elasticity.
Vitamin c
Vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins.
However, the body can neither produce nor store it over a longer period.
Vitamin C is necessary for the immune system and is involved in various metabolic processes in the body.
It also plays a role in the development of connective tissue.
The vitamin has a strong antioxidant effect, protecting the organism from free radicals.
Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A. Among other things, it stimulates skin regeneration and has antioxidant properties.
Vitamin A helps the skin store moisture and contributes to an improved arrangement of the elastic connective tissue fibers.
Last but not least, retinol refines enlarged pores and ensures an overall more even appearance of the skin.
Medical wrinkle treatment
In addition to anti-wrinkle care, you can also have signs of wrinkles medically reduced.
Here you should always contact an expert and have them explain the risks to you in detail.
In addition to the well-known facelift, there is a range of minimally invasive methods. You can choose between an external or internal wrinkle treatment.
Wrinkle treatment from the outside
The external wrinkle treatment is particularly suitable for larger areas of skin.
- Chemical Peel: A chemical peel removes the top layers of skin by applying an acidic substance to the skin. Depending on the skin type, the substances used range from mild fruit acids for superficial peeling to highly concentrated trichloroacetic acid for deep peeling.
- Dermabrasion: In dermabrasion, the upper layers of the skin are removed with a fine, fast-rotating diamond grinder. In addition to reducing small wrinkles, this method is also suitable for use on acne scars, pigment spots and other skin imperfections.
- Medical needling: With medical needling, micro-bleeds are inflicted on the skin. What sounds uncomfortable at first is not bad. The injuries are only found in the top layer of the skin. The regeneration of the skin is promoted by medical needling.
- Laser treatment: The laser is applied to the top layer of the skin, where it converts high-energy infrared light into heat. Similar to medical needling, minimal injuries stimulate skin regeneration and collagen formation.
Wrinkle treatment from the inside
Wrinkles can be reduced by injecting cosmetic fillers like Botox, hyaluronic acid or autologous fat.
The fillers used depends on the type of folds and their characteristics.
Botox is particularly suitable for expression lines because it temporarily reduces the activity of the treated facial muscles.
Hyaluronic acid and autologous fat are used, for example, for nasolabial folds or marionette lines to pad the skin from the inside.
How can I prevent wrinkles?
To prevent skin aging, the proper care is the be-all and end-all. Establishing a skincare routine that you carry out daily in the morning and the evening is best.
When choosing your care, consider the needs of your skin.
In the 20s, the skin still has its natural resilience and elasticity.
Care with special anti-aging ingredients is often too rich at this age and can lead to irritation if over-treated.
Instead, rely on a moisturizer that protects your skin from environmental influences and premature skin aging like a protective shield.
Tips
With these tips, you can support and strengthen the regenerating and protective effects of your anti-aging skin care.
Facial exercise
Facial exercise is easy, fast and effective – by doing the exercises three times a week for about half an hour, you can achieve long-term success, according to a study.
- First, warm up the muscles and stimulate circulation by gently patting your face and neck with your fingertips for about a minute.
- Place your index fingers just above the eyebrows. Using light pressure, slowly pull your fingers up and down. Repeat this exercise at least four times.
- Make two circles around the eyes with your thumbs and forefingers like a pair of glasses. Make sure to stretch the skin up and down as you do so. Then blink a few times in quick succession.
- Position both index fingers directly over the corners of the mouth. Open your mouth, form an “O” with your lips and press your upper and lower lips against your teeth. Hold this position for about ten seconds.
Balanced lifestyle
A healthy and balanced lifestyle can make a significant contribution to healthy-looking skin:
- Drink at least 1.5 liters of water daily. Water or unsweetened tea is the healthiest. Adequate hydration can improve blood circulation and oxygenation of the skin.
- Include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet. Food rich in vitamins supplies the body with essential nutrients. Pay particular attention to foods rich in antioxidants. These include apples, berries, peppers, nuts and various vegetable oils.
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol consumption as much as possible. Both substances ensure the release of free radicals in large quantities. Alcohol also has a drying effect. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, meaning the skin is less well supplied with blood.
- Move a lot in the fresh air. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going for a walk or exercising. The exercise and the fresh oxygen boost blood circulation throughout the body.
- Treat yourself to enough restful sleep and short breaks during stressful everyday life.
Conclusion
Although wrinkles cannot be prevented completely, there are some things you can do to prevent them.
For example: eat healthily, drink plenty of water, get enough rest and keep smiling!
There are no specific wrinkles remedies except surgery. So the only thing you must do is take care of your skin and make sure it looks fresh and young.
We hope you have found this article on wrinkles helpful and informative. Until next time, stay beautiful!
