Reality television star Kim Kardashian made headlines last year when she claimed she only smiles or laughs occasionally, “because it causes wrinkles.”
Kim may have been speaking sarcastically, but her comments bring up a good point that I want to address. Are there things that we unknowingly do that cause wrinkles? Are there things we can do to prevent wrinkles?
It turns out, there are! Start off with one of my suggestions for preventing facial wrinkles, but for the best results, try them all.
Stay Out of the Sun
The leading cause of wrinkles is sun exposure. Repeated, prolonged exposure to sunlight damages collagen and elastin, two proteins that are vital to smooth, firm skin. Photoaging, or aging caused by exposure to the sun, also robs the skin of its ability to repair itself.
To avoid wrinkled, leathery-looking skin, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face daily. If you want to eliminate an extra step in your morning routine, look for cosmetic products (e.g., foundation, concealer) with built-in SPF.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is detrimental to collagen and elastin and makes your skin more likely to wrinkle and sag. If you can’t quit “cold turkey,” ask your primary care provider about smoking cessation aids or resources.
Vary Your Sleeping Position
Sleeping on the same side of your face every night will repeatedly squish the skin against the pillow, and may prevent it from springing back to its original youthful condition. Switch your sleeping position to reverse this wrinkling; or, to avoid wrinkles altogether, sleep on your back.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water throughout the day helps to quench your skin so it looks soft and supple. Dry, parched skin can look dull and flat, accentuating wrinkles and creases. Water is also good for flushing out toxins that are harmful to the skin.
Have Troublesome Wrinkles or Fine Lines?
If you already have noticeable lines or wrinkles, don’t worry. I offer a full range of treatment options to restore a smooth and supple look to your skin. For example, Botox and dermal fillers are excellent for improving targeted lines, facial folds and deep creases. An all-over skin treatment such as a chemical peel can gently remove the top layer of damaged, wrinkled skin to reveal healthier skin underneath. Laser skin resurfacing is another popular wrinkle-reducing treatment. When we meet for consultation, I will examine your skin and recommend the treatment(s) I feel will provide optimal results.
For more information about treatments for fine lines and wrinkles, please contact my practice. Call (301) 468-5991 or (703) 957-8610 today. Be sure to “like” us on Facebook to learn about our latest specials and for exclusive offers. You can also follow us on Twitter, Google+ and YouTube!
Best,
Dr. Joseph Michaels
