Lines etched across your forehead, crow’s feet crinkling around your eyes, faint creases marring your smooth skin – wrinkles are often seen as inevitable signs of ageing. But what if we told you some of those lines might not be simply due to the passage of time? While ageing is certainly a factor, many everyday habits can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles, leaving you looking older than your years.

Dr Swapna Priya, consultant dermatologist, CARE Hospitals HiTec City Hyderabad, explained some of the key points related to wrinkles.

First, did you know other causes contribute to wrinkles, other than ageing? Genetic factors also play a role in determining skin characteristics, including how prone it is to wrinkling.

Habits That Contribute to Wrinkles

Dr Priya attributed wrinkles to these habits: 

– Excessive Sun Exposure: Unprotected sun exposure is a major contributor to premature ageing and wrinkles.
– Smoking: Smoking damages collagen and elastin, leading to premature ageing and wrinkles.
– Poor Diet: Lack of proper nutrition, especially vitamins and antioxidants, can impact skin health.
– Dehydration: Inadequate hydration can make the skin appear more wrinkled.
– Facial Expressions: Habitual facial expressions, such as furrowing the brow or pursing the lips, can contribute to the formation of wrinkles.

Ways to Reduce Wrinkles or Slow Their Growth

Dr Priya recommended the following strategies to reduce wrinkles:

– Sun Protection: Regular use of sunscreen with a high SPF can help protect the skin from UV damage.
– Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking can support overall skin health.
– Moisturising: Keeping the skin well-hydrated with moisturisers can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
– Topical Retinoids: Retinoids, such as retinol, can stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
– Dermal Procedures: Cosmetic procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy can help reduce wrinkles, but they should be performed by qualified professionals.

Having said that, while these measures may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles or slow their progression, it’s important to note that ageing is a natural process, and some degree of wrinkling is unavoidable. You need not necessarily work on getting rid of this process, if you don’t feel the need to.

Reference Link

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/habits-wrinkles-ageing-skincare-9177119/