Growing old is a beautiful part of life. However, it does not guarantee that people will have the same skin they were born in. Wrinkles are a common issue older people experience—fine lines and creases that run through the skin.
But wrinkles do not only appear because of a person’s age. Although it is the primary cause, other factors may come into play before wrinkles appear on the skin. However, which factors affect the appearance of wrinkles in the body? Here are some ideas.
1. Sun Exposure
The sun is the primary cause of wrinkles in the body because the sun emits harmful ultraviolet rays that penetrate the skin deeply. These rays cause damage to the skin’s collagen and elastin, which are the tissues that hold the skin together.
When the skin’s collagen and elastin are damaged, the skin loses its elasticity, which makes it more prone to wrinkles. The sun also dries the skin, making it more susceptible to wrinkles. Wearing sunscreen and hats and avoiding prolonged exposure can help prevent sun damage.
2. Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices can also affect the skin’s elasticity and cause wrinkles. For example, people who exercise may have a better chance of not developing wrinkles as their bodies deliver enough nutrients to avoid skin creasing and fine lines from emerging.
Meanwhile, people who eat a balanced diet should produce more elastin and collagen than those who do not. As greens, citrus fruits, fish, berries, and nuts trigger elastin and collagen production, people who eat healthily should sustain younger-looking skin longer.
3. Free Radicals
Free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), can cause damage to the skin’s cells and cause wrinkles. They can come from the environment, while the body itself produces some. For example, when the body breaks down food, it has free radicals.
Therefore, eating a balanced diet is essential, as it can also help with free radical production. Environmental free radicals can come from the sun, pollution, and chemicals. For example, when people smoke, they ingest chemicals that can damage the skin cells.
4. Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of wrinkles because it can damage the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres. These fibres provide the skin with structure, strength, and elasticity. Once damaged, the effects of low collagen and elastin production will show on the face through wrinkles.
Smoking also constricts the blood vessels in the skin, which reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. As a result, the skin will not get the blood supply needed to allow nutrients to circulate in the body, triggering wrinkles over time.
5. Stress
Stress can accelerate the aging process and cause wrinkles. It causes the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body, which can break down the skin’s collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the skin’s elasticity.
Excess cortisol in the body can also cause inflammation, damaging the skin cells and causing them to age faster. In addition, stress can cause dry skin, making wrinkles more visible. Meanwhile, it can also stop the body’s ability to repair itself.
Conclusion
While wrinkles are inevitable, there are things you can do to slow down the aging process and prevent wrinkles from appearing. If the wrinkles are already there, there are several ways you can reduce their appearance by asking a dermatologist for suggestions.
Meanwhile, there are now non-invasive procedures aimed at reducing the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. However, it is best to ask for help from experts as they know which methods suit every condition best.
Visible Changes is a South Australian beauty clinic and day spa. We understand how wrinkles can affect an individual’s self-esteem and confidence, making them hide from the public eye as soon as a fine line emerges. Therefore, we offer skin tightening services using thermage in Adelaide, helping to bring back the youthful skin people have always wanted. Book an appointment for a consultation or a facial on our website today.