Why do get wrinkles

A protein in the dermis called collagen say: KAHL-uh-jun also plays a part in preventing wrinkles. But over time, the dermis loses both collagen and elastin, so skin gets thinner and has trouble getting enough moisture to the epidermis. The fat in the subcutaneous layer that gives skin a plump appearance also begins to disappear, the epidermis starts to sag, and wrinkles form.

There's not a magic age like 40 when everyone suddenly gets wrinkles. Some people in their 20s have little wrinkles around their eyes called "crow's feet" from squinting or spending too much time in the sun. Other people may be in their 50s or 60s before you can even see a wrinkle. This is usually because they have taken good care of their skin over the years and may have more sebum say: SEE-bum , the skin's natural oil.

They may also have "good genes " — which means their family members don't have many wrinkles. Reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. The transformed proteins, or AGEs advanced glycation end products , themselves damage the skin in a number of ways. While glycation cannot be completely avoided, eating a diet low in sugars and carbohydrates has significant anti-aging benefits. By far the single most significant cause of wrinkles, the UV radiation in sunlight directly damages the framework of collagen and elastin that gives the skin its strength and elasticity.

Enzymes are produced to fix the damage, but the repairs are never perfect, with collagen fibers forming an uneven matrix of solar scars that eventually lead to wrinkling. The process also results in the creation of free radicals that go on and do further damage. All exposure to sunlight or UV tanning beds that results in a darkening or reddening of the skin constitutes damage. Frequent, sunscreen-free exposure to UV radiation can have serious effects over the long-term. You should, however, wear sunscreen , and limit the time you spend in the sun when not wearing sunscreen to just a few minutes.

Cigarette smoke contains many hundreds of active ingredients—some trigger enzymes that damage collagen and elastin within the skin. Other ingredients are harmful free radicals in their own right, and smoking may also reduce levels of vitamin A—an antioxidant that protects against free-radical damage. The face is not static. As we live our lives, repeated movements and pressures make their mark.

For instance, if you are accustomed to sleeping in the same position every night, try mixing it up a bit—as your skin loses strength and springiness with age, the nightly pressure of your pillow can result in permanent creases. We create wrinkles during our waking hours, too. Dynamic expression lines, which tend to form around the areas of facial expression at the eyes, forehead and around the mouth.

Over the years, using our facial muscles to smile, frown and laugh leaves residual tension that, as our skin loses elasticity, can engrave expression lines onto the face. Without the right glasses or contact lenses, poor eyesight can take its toll, as squinting is known to worsen wrinkles around the eyes. Understanding how wrinkles are caused is the first step towards preventing them. Even though some of the causes are unavoidable, knowledge is still the best preparation for defending against threats to the condition of your skin, and selecting the best wrinkle treatments to leave your skin looking smoother and more youthful.

Loved your great information on skincare!! Treatment: Change your sleep position so you avoid pressure on the skin. This may mean sleeping on your back. You could also consider using silk pillowcases, which reduces friction against the skin. Premature aging and damage to the skin can be exacerbated by unhealthy habits such as a poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. A diet high in fat and processed foods affects your skin texture, skin tone and can cause breakouts.

Treatment: Take a holistic approach to your overall health and well-being by eating a healthy and balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly and taking steps to manage stress and support your mental health. As you age, your skin becomes more dry, sensitive and easily irritated than when you were younger.

Treatment: Cleanse and moisturize your face twice a day. Wear sunscreen daily, even in the winter, and be sure to reapply it every two to three hours during high sun exposures. You can also add a topical retinoid to help maintain your skin tone as well. Routine skin examinations are one of the best preventive screening tests in the fight against skin cancer. Taking care of your skin is important to prevent harmful damage, including cancer.

Here are some tips to protect your skin from sun damage, aging and drying. By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. We'll be in touch every so often with health tips, patient stories, important resources and other information you need to keep you and your family healthy.

Treatment: Consider enrolling in a smoking cessation program.