Wrinkles are a natural part of life as we age, but that doesn’t stop us from feeling self-conscious about them. Whether you have wrinkles you’d like to reduce the appearance of or want to prevent lines from forming on your face as much as possible, there are several things you can do to boost confidence and keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. If you’ve been wondering how to prevent wrinkles, this guide is the perfect starting point.
There are several factors that contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines — here are some of the main causes:
Even with the best skincare routine in the world, you can’t stop your skin from ageing. Fine lines and wrinkles form as you get older because collagen production naturally slows down over time, declining from early adulthood until your body starts working in a collagen deficit. When this happens, the skin begins to lose its youthful elasticity and plump appearance. Although this process is a normal part of ageing, it can be exacerbated by other factors listed below.
As you get older, your skin will become thinner and drier, too, which automatically makes it more susceptible to wrinkles. Some people also have to contend with genetics, with skin naturally more prone to wrinkling. If this is the case, you may have to do more to take care of your skin and keep it looking smooth.
Research shows that sun exposure accounts for up to 80% of visible signs of ageing in the skin. This is because ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can break down the skin’s protective tissue.
Environmental pollutants such as car exhaust fumes can be damaging to your skin. Although the skin acts as a barrier against these external aggressors, prolonged exposure to high pollution levels can cause premature ageing.
Several lifestyle factors can impact skin health and appearance, including poor diet, lack of sleep, smoking, and stress. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and promoting positive well-being can make a significant difference to your appearance.
Dry skin isn’t only uncomfortable — it can also add years to your face. Skin hydration is an essential part of any skincare routine.
If you’re someone with an expressive face or you tend to squint, frown or smile a lot, this can also cause deeper wrinkles to form.
If you want to reduce wrinkles, there are some key ways to take back control over your skin and keep it looking bright, healthy and youthful:
It’s vital to wear sun protection factor (SPF), as this will not only protect you from skin cancer but also keep your skin looking younger. Regular sunscreen use can slow down signs of ageing
in the skin, but you should use a formula with an SPF of between 30 and 50 for best results. Don’t skip sunscreen application when it’s cloudy, either — SPF should be used every day, no matter the weather.
We’ve established that dry, ageing skin is more prone to wrinkling, so if you want to know how to reduce wrinkles, starting with a good moisturiser is going to be your best bet. The right moisturiser will help nourish and hydrate your skin, holding water in the outermost layer to prevent it from drying out. Try a moisturiser with active ingredients like hyaluronic acid (HA) and vitamin C to get the most benefits, as these are especially effective at preventing wrinkle formation and stopping existing lines from deepening.
As well as hydrating your skin, it’s vital that you also put plenty of water into your body. Drinking water is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, as your body needs hydration to function at its best. Not only does water help with vital bodily functions, but it can also keep your skin healthy from the inside, keeping it hydrated and improving elasticity.
A poor diet has several adverse effects on overall health, so you may not be surprised to learn that it’s bad for your skin. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can cause premature ageing due to how it’s ingested by the body, which weakens essential support structures in the skin. Foods like processed and fatty meats high in saturated fats are also best to avoid overindulging in, as these can lead to inflammation and weaken collagen.
Foods that are great for helping you maintain a youthful appearance contain plenty of healthy fats, vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Foods containing natural hyaluronic acid are also a great idea to top-up your own levels of HA. Try adding avocados, pomegranates, green tea, carrots and leafy greens to your diet for a series of skin-boosting benefits.
Studies have shown that smoking reduces collagen production and that nicotine causes blood vessels to narrow, which reduces oxygen supply to the skin and limits the amount of essential nutrients that can reach it. The heat associated with cigarettes may also cause wrinkles, and the repeated pursing of the lips required to smoke may lead to premature wrinkling around the mouth. If you currently smoke, quitting could have a hugely positive impact on your overall health and help to reduce wrinkles, too.
If you often don’t get enough sleep, this can cause damage to your skin. Preventing wrinkles means aiming for six to eight hours of sleep per night, giving your skin the time it needs to recover from daily stressors.
Using a retinoid can be effective at preventing the onset of wrinkles. Retinoids are a popular anti-ageing skincare ingredient derived from vitamin A, sometimes referred to as retinol. Retinoids have multiple benefits for your skin, encouraging regeneration, improving texture and increasing collagen production to keep your face plump and well-hydrated.
Anti-wrinkle treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers can slow the ageing process of your skin, preventing deep lines from forming or filling in existing wrinkles to turn back the clock on your appearance.
Botox can be used as a preventative measure by temporarily paralysing the facial muscles and smoothing lines, while dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid help soften facial lines and increase your skin’s elasticity. The anti-wrinkle treatment provided at our Harley Street clinic uses a combination of injectables, with treatment tailored to your specific needs so you can feel more confident in your appearance.
If you want to reduce wrinkles instantly without the need for surgery, our aesthetic treatment specialists can help. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our skincare experts, and we’ll help you find the perfect anti-ageing treatment option for you.
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