What are the causes of wrinkles?

Lead image from Pixabay

I had always wondered since I was a little kid and I still get questions from little kids asking why some of our older folks had those gruesome marks on their faces. Then I had no clue at all. But after thorough research, I realized there is more to it. Let's begin the breakdown of the research.

Wrinkles are most visible on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, neck, hands, and forearms, and are a natural part of aging. Wrinkles are caused by structural changes in certain areas or regions of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Wrinkles, which are an indication of cutaneous aging, can generate or cause both cosmetic and psychological problems.

Although skin structure and texture are mostly determined by genetics, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially in people with light skin. Wrinkling is also caused by pollutants and smoking. Wrinkles are apparent structures that aren't simply the deepening of shallow lines. They're a lot deeper. When an expansion of the skin perpendicular to the axis of the skin surface change leaves a noticeable line at its bottom portion, this is a firm explanation of the word wrinkle

If you're bothered by wrinkles, you now have more options than ever to smooth them out or make them less noticeable. Medications, skin-resurfacing procedures, fillers, and surgery are all options. top of the effective wrinkle treatments list. Aging, smoking, muscle spasms, and UV exposure are all factors that contribute to facial wrinkles. Over-the-counter creams and skin layer removal are among the treatment alternatives. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment.

As you get older, your skin changes. It thins down, loses fat, and no longer appears to be as plump and smooth as it once was. It's easier to see your veins and bones. It may take longer for scratches, cuts, or bumps to heal. Years of sun tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles, dryness, age spots, dark circles, and even cancer.

Symptoms

Wrinkles are lines, folds, and creases that appear on the surface of your skin. Some wrinkles can deepen into cracks, crevices, or furrows, which are particularly visible around the eyes, mouth, cheeks, and neck. Neck wrinkles are deep, coarse, and unattractive.

When should you see a doctor?

Consult a dermatologist if you're concerned about your skin's appearance. He or she can examine your skin and assist you in developing a customized skincare regimen. Medical wrinkle treatments might also be recommended by a dermatologist.

Skin begins to wrinkle over time. The skin can become less elastic as a result of factors in the environment, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Skin can sag and wrinkle as a result of gravity. Certain habits, such as smoking, can also cause wrinkles.

Many claims are made about how to get rid of wrinkles. The majority of them are ineffective. Some procedures are uncomfortable or even dangerous and may require the assistance of a physician. If you're concerned about wrinkles, speak with a dermatologist (a specialist who specializes in skin problems) or your regular doctor.

Types of Wrinkles

There are 2 types of wrinkles dynamic and static:

Dynamic wrinkles can affect people of various ages, including children. These are only for a short time. Your facial muscles move and form lines, which later go away.

You'll notice them more when you're unhappy, weep, or have a very stressful day, but they'll go away after a decent night's sleep.

Static wrinkles: The unpleasant lines that don't go away, even when you're relaxed and refreshed, are known as static wrinkles. You wake up after a good night's sleep, yet the smile wrinkles or creases around your eyes are still visible in the mirror.

These lines do not vanish despite a good night's sleep and relaxation. They're not going anywhere. Wrinkles persist even when the muscles primarily responsible for their formation are not moved.

Causes of Wrinkles

Wrinkles are caused by a number of reasons, some of which you can alter and others which you can't:

Aging: Your skin naturally becomes less elastic and more vulnerable as you age. Wrinkles are a natural by-product of aging. Skin cells divide more slowly as people age, and the dermis, or middle layer of the skin, begins to shrink. The dermis is made up of elastin and collagen fibers that provide support and elasticity to the skin.

Natural oil production diminishes, causing your skin to become dry and wrinkled. The fat in the deeper layers of your skin begins to decrease, resulting in sagging, loose skin with more visible wrinkles and cracks. Aging skin also has a reduced ability to retain moisture, making it less efficient in secreting oil, and it heals more slowly. Wrinkles occur as a result of all of these circumstances being displayed.

Muscle spasms in the face due to repeated movements: Small muscle contractions are thought to generate lines on the forehead, between the brows (frown lines), and projecting from the corner of the eyes (crow's feet). These wrinkles become more visible as a result of smiling, frowning, winking, and other common repeated facial expressions. These expressions, in combination with gravity, contribute to the creation of wrinkles throughout time. What occurred is that, when you use a facial muscle (the face has numerous muscles used for any facial activities like smiling as earlier said), a groove appears beneath the skin's surface, therefore, with time the skin loses its elasticity as it ages meaning it cannot return to its original position ( i.e. fluffiness of the skin initially). The grooves on the face eventually become permanent features.

UV (ultraviolet) ray exposure: The primary cause of early wrinkling is constant ultraviolet ray exposure, which accelerates the natural aging process known as photoaging. UV light damages your skin's connective tissue, which includes collagen and elastin fibers in the deeper layers (dermis). Your skin loses strength and flexibility without supportive connective tissue. Skin tends to sag and wrinkle suddenly and unexpectedly as a result.

As we already know, UV light causes collagen fibers to break down, resulting in the creation of abnormal elastin. When skin tissues are then damaged by UV light, an enzyme called metalloproteinase is generated. Collagen is formed and reformed by this enzyme. However, some healthy collagen fibers are destroyed during the process, resulting in solar elastosis, or the disordered production of fibers. Wrinkles form as the rebuilding process repeats itself, becoming less efficient each time.

Smoking: This is another cause of wrinkles. A skin that is in good health regenerates on a regular basis. New collagen is formed after old collagen is broken down and eliminated. Because smoking lowers the blood supply to the skin, it accelerates the aging process. Researchers discovered that smoking reduces the creation of new collagen by a significant amount. Collagen deficiency leads to the formation of wrinkles.

Also, drinking excessive alcohol dehydrates the skin, which makes it more prone to wrinkles.

Some preventive measures to consider:

Application of Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen daily. This is because the sun's rays can accelerate the process of aging, using sunscreen or face moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin that isn't covered by clothing. apply sunscreen.

Change your sleeping position: The position in which you sleep can actually induce some wrinkling on your face. Compression is caused by your face resting against the pillow in the same position every night. Over time, this compression weakens your skin in some areas more than others, resulting in a wrinkle. By sleeping on your back, you can avoid or slow the formation of compression wrinkles, and this is the best way of sleeping as it has other benefits.

Do not get a tan: Getting a tan in the sun exposes you to dangerous UV rays, which can speed up the process of aging and cause wrinkles, age spots, blotchy skin, and even skin cancer.

Keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing: Regularly moisturizing your skin holds water, which can help decrease the appearance of fine wrinkles and make your complexion appear younger and brighter. Utilizing a pleasant moisturizer keeps the skin looking ravishing and healthy.

In Summary, wrinkles are a natural outcome of aging. When the skin loses its elasticity, fine lines form first, followed by deeper creases. To decrease wrinkles, persons might implement a variety of therapies, like moisturizing the skin.

All images are from Unsplash

Thanks for reading!