Can we prevent wrinkles? Our Toronto-based team knows that many people believe that if their parents had wrinkles, they will also have them but this isn’t necessarily the case and many wrinkles can be prevented. Wrinkles are deep lines or creases that form on the skin. They are a normal part of your body’s aging process and are caused by aging, repeated movements and breakdown of supporting structures in the skin including collagen and elastin. They are often more visible around the eyes, mouth, and neck. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, they usually are most prominent on sun-exposed areas including the face, neck, hands, and forearms. Continue reading to learn the truth regarding wrinkles.
Myth #1: You Don’t Need to Wear Sunscreen Everyday
The best way to prevent wrinkles is to use daily sunscreen regardless of the time of year or whether it’s sunny outside. It’s best to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with at least an SPF of 30 to shield your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure in all types of weather. Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides can also provide protection against other forms of environmental damage such as infrared and blue light as well as pollution.
Myth #2: Moisturizing Prevents Wrinkles
Although moisturizing and staying hydrated will help plump your wrinkles temporarily, moisturizer on its own won’t necessarily prevent signs of aging. The use of products containing retinol, alpha hydroxy acid and peptides help stimulate collagen, smooth fine lines and improve sun damage.
Myth #3: Makeup Ages Your Skin
People often have concerns about makeup causing their skin to age at a faster rate. You may be relieved to know that makeup won’t make your existing wrinkles worse or cause new ones to develop. Make sure you properly cleanse your face every evening to avoid leaving any makeup residue on your skin.
Myth #4: Facial Exercises Make Your Skin Look Younger
If you have searched for a solution to sagging skin or wrinkles, you may have come across the concept of facial exercises. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that these facial workouts can delay the aging process. In fact, since many of our wrinkles come from muscle activity, working out those facial muscles is likely to make wrinkles worse.
Myth #5: Wrinkles Are Caused by Genetics
You might think that if your parents have significantly deep wrinkles, you’re bound to develop them too, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Genetics will determine your skin type, but environmental exposures do have an impact on how we age. Sun exposure, pollution and smoking all contribute to breakdown of collagen and elastin and lead to wrinkling.
Have questions about the cause of wrinkling? Contact our Toronto Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa team for more information on ways to prevent and improve signs of facial aging. Call us at 416-483-4541 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.
