Wrinkles are natural, unavoidable parts of the aging process. However, they can appear prematurely and grow deeper with time due to various factors that accelerate skin damage. Understanding their causes and consulting with a skin specialist can help you stay youthful-looking for years to come.

What Can Lead to Wrinkles?

1. Repeated Facial Expressions

Every time you smile, frown, or squint, lines form as the muscles in your face contract. As you age, your skin loses the ability to bounce back, so some of these creases become permanent. Caring for the skin by washing twice daily and applying moisturizer can minimize the effects of repeated facial expressions over time. Wearing sunglasses on sunny days can also prevent the fine wrinkles caused by squinting in bright light.

2. UV Light Exposure

Wrinkling occurs due to the breakdown of collagen and connective tissue inside the skin. While this happens naturally with age, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure dramatically speeds up the process. 

Even small amounts of sunlight can destroy the fibers that give skin its elasticity. For that reason, you should always apply sunblock to your face and body before going outside.

3. Smoking

Along with leading to potentially deadly diseases, smoking can prematurely age your skin and provide a dull complexion. Like sunlight, this habit affects collagen and elastin fibers. If you smoke, quitting now can reduce the practice’s impact and prevent premature wrinkles.

4. Diets High in Sugar

Excessive sugar causes many health issues, from high blood pressure and inflammation to weight gain and diabetes. However, its effect on the skin often gets overlooked. The ingredient can break down collagen and elastin, causing dryness and premature aging. 

To reduce the appearance of wrinkles, replace sugar with fruits and vegetables, including apples, blueberries, broccoli, and spinach. This approach also provides the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to repair skin damage.

As one of Rocky Mount’s most experienced skin specialists, Northeastern Dermatology PLLC in North Carolina has helped patients maintain beautiful and healthy skin for over 30 years. Along with solutions for certain medical conditions like eczema, they also offer treatments and products to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Visit their website for more on their services, or call (252) 281-2567 to speak with a skin specialist today.