Developing fine lines and wrinkles is a natural part of aging. In fact, it’s one of the first traits people notice as they begin to age. However, premature facial lines can be caused by a number of factors outside of aging. There are also a number of ways to prevent or treat these facial lines. Read on to learn what causes facial lines and what you can do to prevent them.
How Do Facial Lines Form Wrinkles?
As we get older, our skin naturally loses its elasticity and becomes more fragile. Additionally skin cells will divide more slowly, meaning your skin doesn’t replace itself as often as it used to when we were younger.
Fine lines appear first, then deepen into commonly recognized wrinkles. This is due to that lack of elasticity. When your skin remains in a folded state, such as scrunched between your brows (frown lines) or on the side of your mouth (laugh lines), it will continue to hold this shape and get deeper over time. This is why it’s important to address the causes and take preventative measures when you first notice fine lines on your face.
In addition to aging, there are other factors that may speed up the appearance of facial lines.
Sun Exposure
The number one factor that will worsen skin texture and health is increased sun exposure. Our face, neck, hands, and forearms are the part of us most exposed to the sun year-round and will be the places that “show your age” first. Limiting sun exposure and wearing sunscreen is the best way to combat facial lines caused by UVA rays.
It’s important to note that while darker skin tones have more melanin which protects you from many of the harmful effects of the sun's rays, it does not make you impervious to all the effects of sun exposure. People of all skin tones should wear sunscreen and cover their skin as much as possible when going outdoors.
Dry Skin & Dehydration
Another simple yet maybe surprising cause of fine lines and wrinkles is dry skin or dehydration. Our skin naturally produces oils to maintain hydration. However, some folks may have naturally dry skin that does not produce enough oil. Additionally, oil production slows as we age, contributing to the diminishing elasticity we talked about earlier.
Routinely cleansing your skin with a non-abrasive cleanser and using a quality moisturizer daily, as well as drinking enough water throughout the day, will do wonders in improving the look and texture of your skin.
Environmental Pollutants
Your environment also plays a role in the health and appearance of your skin. For those living in dense urban areas such as Washington, DC, it can be especially important to cleanse your face after returning home. This will remove the pollution particles that will irritate and damage your skin.
Smoking
Lastly, your daily habits also contribute to the overall health of your skin, especially if you smoke. Researchers have linked smoking to a notable reduction in collagen, a compound that makes skin elastic. Because of this reduction, smoking can exponentially speed up the aging process when it comes to your skin. Even if you have been smoking for years, your skin can still repair itself.
How to Prevent Fine Facial Lines & Wrinkles
As we’ve pointed out, there are many things you can do to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming. However, some cases may warrant additional treatment. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options available to reduce the appearance of facial lines. Some of the cosmetic services we offer at Silk Vision & Surgical Center are:
Our specialists would love to help you combat the above external dermal stressors and develop a care regime that gives your skin the best possible care.
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