Loss of collagen and the changes to the skin from photo damage start in your 20s and begin to appear in your 30s and 40s. Whether you are just beginning to see signs of aging or are already active on the defense, here’s everything you need to know to give your skin an advantage over the effects of time and environment for healthy-looking skin at any age.
What are fine lines?
Among the earliest signs of aging, fine lines are shallow, superficial lines close to the skin’s surface. They often appear around the mouth or eyes where the skin creases when you smile, laugh, frown or squint.
What are wrinkles?
Wrinkles are deep-set creases in the skin. With time, fine lines may turn into wrinkles as the skin loses elasticity and firmness.
What causes fine lines and wrinkles?
Photo damage, the breakdown of collagen, and increasingly sluggish cell turnover are all factors that lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
Changes in Cell Function
As we age, collagen and elastin in the skin begin to break down, causing the skin to lose firmness and elasticity. Additionally, cell metabolism slows, so the skin doesn’t regenerate as quickly.
UV Exposure
Sun damage is the most common cause of fine lines and wrinkles. UV initiates a cascade of free radical damage in the skin that degrades collagen leading to fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also responsible for the dark spots that begin to appear in your forties.
How can you reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles?
Exfoliate
A build-up of dead skin cells has the effect of making fine lines and wrinkles more visible because the added layer of cellular debris literally makes creases deeper. With age, skin is more likely to become dehydrated, which increases the build-up of dead cells. Regular exfoliation will keep skin free of cellular debris and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, exfoliation stimulates cell renewal to bring new, fresh cells to the surface, making skin look brighter and more radiant.
Exfoliation can come in the form of a physical scrub or chemical exfoliation with acids. A combination of both will bring the best results.