First wrinkles are usually found in the areas of the face where the skin folds naturally during facial expressions. These wrinkles develop as the skin becomes thinner and less elastic.The most exposed parts of the body to the sun, such as the arms, neck, back, and neck, are the best places for wrinkles.
Wrinkles are part of growing old and affect everyone. Many people don’t like the look of wrinkles. The anti-aging market in America is worth more than 50 billion dollars annually.
What Causes Wrinkles?
There are many reasons skin wrinkles can occur. These are the most common reasons skin wrinkles occur:
Aging
Wrinkles are an inevitable result of aging. As we age, our skin cells begin to divide slower and the middle layer, known as the dermis of the skin, starts to thin. The dermis is made up of collagen and elastin fibers that provide support and elasticity. This network unravels over time and creates depressions on the skin’s surface. The skin that is older has a lower ability to retain moisture and is less efficient at producing oil. It also takes longer to heal. These factors all contribute to wrinkle formation.
Contractions of facial muscles
Small muscle contractions are thought to be responsible for the formation of lines on the forehead, between your eyebrows (frown lines), and at the corners of your eyes (crows feet). These wrinkles can be made more noticeable by facial expressions such as smiling, frowning and squinting. These expressions, along with gravity, can lead to wrinkle formation over time.
Sun damage
Photoaging is a condition where the skin can be prematurely aging due to excessive exposure to UV radiation. The UV light can cause the breakdown of collagen fibers, and abnormal production of elastin. An enzyme called metalloproteinase can be produced when ultraviolet light damages skin tissue. This enzyme is responsible for creating and reforming collagen. However, the enzyme can cause some collagen fibers to become damaged. This results in solar elastosis, which is the disorganized formation of fibers. When the process of rebuilding occurs repeatedly, but less efficiently each time, wrinkles develop.
Smoking
Healthy skin is constantly renewed. The old collagen is removed and replaced with new collagen. Research has shown that smoking can cause a significant decrease in the production and quality of new collagen. Reduced collagen leads to wrinkles.
Treatment Options
Vitamin A is the main ingredient in topical retinoids. They are designed to reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and skin roughness. This is done by increasing the production of collagen in the skin.But, retinoids can make the skin burn in the sun, so it is important to protect your skin when using this cream.
There are possible side effects:
- Dryness
- Itching
- A burning sensation
- Tingling
- Discolored areas
There are many types and concentrations of active ingredients in wrinkle creams. The concentrations in OTC (over-the-counter) wrinkle creams will be much lower than prescription ones. How effective they work will depend on their concentration.
These medications may cause mild-to-moderate side effects in some people:
- Retinol
- Alpha hydroxy acids
- Kinetin
- Coenzyme Q10
- Copper peptides
- Antioxidants
