Do you know what you can do to help delay the development of wrinkles? If you are crinkling your brow as you shake your head “no,” keep reading — and un-furrow your brow pronto! Here are five things you should know about wrinkles, including how to help keep them at bay.
Not All Wrinkles Are Created Equally
There are two types of wrinkles: active and static. Active wrinkles, also called dynamic wrinkles, develop gradually due to repetitive muscle movement. Static wrinkles also take a while to develop, but they are caused by other factors, including genetic traits, lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking), environmental agents or simply the process of aging.
The Sun Factor
Sun-tanned skin might be aesthetically appealing in the short term. However, in the long run, frequent sun exposure proves to be one of the most common culprits of premature signs of aging. Aside from causing visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, constant sun overexposure can also lead to skin cancer. To avoid the early onset of wrinkles and other signs of aging, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher each day, even if it is cloudy out.
Another Reason to Quit Smoking
Need another reason to quit smoking? Here it is: Smoking causes wrinkles in multiple ways. First, it hinders good blood circulation, robbing skin cells of the oxygen needed for cellular repair. Also, cigarettes contain a host of chemicals that destroy elastin and collagen, proteins critical for healthy, supple skin. Finally, the repeated motion of sucking on the end of a cigarette can lead to the development of wrinkles around the mouth. Now, are you ready for some good news? It’s never too late to reap the health rewards of quitting smoking.
Don’t Stress
Being under prolonged stress can cause people to frown, scowl, grimace or furrow the brow line repeatedly. Again, these repetitive movements can cause dynamic wrinkles. So, to help stave off wrinkles, eliminate stress with yoga, meditation, long walks, hot bubble baths or whatever helps you manage stress.
Another Reason to Stick to a Healthy Diet
Eating too much sugar adds not only inches to your waist, but also wrinkles to your face. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can activate a physiological process called “glycatin,” during which protein fibers, including collagen and elastin, become hard and inflexible, leading to tough, older-looking skin. To improve the texture of skin, avoid eating too much sugar and consume antioxidant-rich foods as well as foods packed with vitamins C and E.
If bothersome wrinkles have already started to crop up around the corners of your eyes or mouth, Michaels Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery can help. We offer a variety of cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical treatment options that can help improve the look of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Joseph Michaels to learn about your cosmetic facial rejuvenation options, please contact Michaels Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery by calling 703.957.8610 (for the Fairfax office) or 301.468.5991 (for the Bethesda office) today.
