There are many things that cause wrinkles. Wrinkles are simply a sign of time passed. There is no disgrace in having them. No matter how much we dislike them, they are an inevitable part of aging.

Aging

Wrinkles are a by-product of aging. With age, skin cells divide more slowly, and the inner layer of the skin, called the dermis, becomes thin. The network of elastin and collagen fibers which support the outer layer of the skin become loose and detached, causing depressions on the surface of the skin. The depressions are called wrinkles. (Elastin is the protein that allows the skin to stretch, and collagen fibers are the major structural proteins within the skin.) With aging, skin also loses its ability to retain moisture and sebaceous glands become less efficient. The skin also reacts slowly in the healing process as we age. All of these things contribute to the development of wrinkles.

Stress

Stress is the one of the number one causes of wrinkling and premature aging. The more stress you have, the more facial contortions you make. Stress also releases all kinds of harmful chemicals in your body. The more you stress out, the more harmful chemicals are released into your bloodstream. The more harmful chemicals your body has to handle, the less its able to do it job repairing the skin.

Facial Muscle Contractions

Lines between the eyebrows (frown lines) and lines around the corners of the eyes (crows feet) develop largely because of small facial muscle contractions. We do them inevitably without thinking as they are autonomic responses to stimulus around us. Smiling, frowning, squinting and other facial expressions cause wrinkles to become more prominent. Facial expressions coupled with gravity contribute to the formation of double chins, baggy eyes, and drooping eyelids.

Sun Damage

Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can result in premature aging of skin. Premature aging of the skin is sometimes called photoaging. The ultraviolet rays that cause photoaging damage collagen fibers and cause an excessive production of abnormal elastin cells. When UV light damages any skin tissue, an enzyme called metalloproteinase is produced. This enzyme re-creates and re-forms collagen. During the process however, some healthy collagen fibers get damaged, which results in a disorganized formation of fibers called solar scars. Wrinkles develop when the rebuilding process occurs perpetually.

Alcohol and Smoking

Healthy skin continually regenerates itself. While old collagen breaks down and is expelled from the skin, new collagen is subsequently produced. Research has found that alcohol consumption and smoking cause a marked reduction in the formation and production of new collagen. Wrinkles develop when there is a lack of new collagen being produced. They also deplete the body of vital fluids causing dehydration. Skin can become dull and sallow if these products are consumed in high amounts.

Treatment Options for Wrinkles?

There are numerous OTC options for diminishing wrinkles.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Glycolic Acid Peels work well for removing some of your fine lines and wrinkles. However, if you seek optional treatments, these are the methods for removing wrinkles that are available.

Removing skin layers to reduce wrinkles is an effective way to regain smoother, more youthful looking skin. Dermabrasion (scraping layers of skin) and chemical peels (dissolving skin) are two of the traditional methods used in resurfacing skin.

Two newer procedures have been developed however, which are laser skin resurfacing and Botox injections. These are the latest techniques to repair wrinkles and aging skin.

Each of these procedures fulfills specific needs for different people. If you are thinking about one of them, consult your doctor for more information about each. There is no one size fits all when it comes to skin care.

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