The Reduction of Wrinkles

Wrinkles are caused by different factors. They are often associated with the process of aging but can also be induced by other things such as the environment and lifestyle choices. Prolonged sunlight exposure along with smoking tobacco also cause wrinkles. You can reduce wrinkles by adopting some lifestyle changes, in addition to using beauty products.

Causes

Ultraviolet rays from the sun, smoking, aging and repeated facial expressions like frowning or squinting can lead to wrinkled skin. As you get older, your skin becomes drier, thinner and more fragile, which can lead to wrinkles. Your skin contains collagen and elastin--proteins that give it strength and elasticity. The sun damages your skin's collagen and elastin content, which leads to saggy, wrinkling skin. Smoking reduces blood flow to your skin, leading to early wrinkle formation, while repeated facial expressions cause you to develop fine lines and wrinkles over time because your skin loses its elasticity and is unable to spring back to its former position after actions like squinting.

Avoid Sunlight

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that you stay out of the sun to reduce wrinkling. You need a little amount of sunlight for vitamin D--a nutrient your body needs for bone maintenance that it cannot make on its own. According to Go Sun Smart, five minutes of sun exposure on your hands is enough to stimulate vitamin D production in your body. Therefore, when you go out in the sun, put on a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and other protective clothing to avoid getting too much sunlight on your skin.

Use Sunscreen

The sun emits ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. These two rays are harmful to your skin because UVA makes your skin age faster, leading to wrinkling, and UVB rays make your skin burn. Use sunscreen that gives you protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen to all exposed parts of your body 30 minutes before you go outside. This reduces your chances of developing wrinkles.

Stop Smoking

According to the book "Beauty Therapy--The Foundations: The Official Guide to NVQ/SVQ Level 2," smoking destroys vitamin C, a nutrient necessary for collagen production. This affects collagen production and leads to premature wrinkling. Smoking also deprives your skin of much needed nutrients because it constricts the blood vessels that supply your skin with blood. If you smoke, stop smoking to reduce or prevent wrinkles from forming in your skin.

Moisturize

The American Academy of Dermatology says that dry skin can lead to cracks and fine wrinkles. Moisturizers can prevent dry skin and and reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by dry skin. They do this by layering an oily substance over your skin that keeps water in your skin or by attracting water from the inner layers of your skin to the outer layers. Apply moisturizers to your skin immediately after you shower.