Wrinkles are a natural part of aging and occur when the skin becomes thinner, drier and less elastic over time. Certain things can speed up this aging process, however, leading to premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. While you cannot control your genetic tendency toward wrinkling, you can help prevent wrinkles by making a few changes in your lifestyle and skin-care routine.
Step 1
Stop smoking. Smoking negatively affects the blood supply to your skin, leading to premature aging and the formation of wrinkles. Smoking also dries out your skin and makes existing wrinkles more noticeable.
Step 2
Wear sunscreen daily. According to the Mayo Clinic, exposure to UV radiation is the leading cause of premature aging of the skin. Sunlight breaks down elastin and collagen fibers in your skin's dermis layer, which results in a considerable weakening and loss of flexibility.
Step 3
Moisturize every morning and again before going to bed at night. Dry skin causes skin cells to shrivel, making them more likely to wrinkle. Dry skin is also more susceptible to sun and other environmental damage. To prevent dry skin, avoid hot showers, alcohol-based skin-care products and drying soaps. The Nemours Foundation Kids Health website states that moisturizing is especially important during the winter months when environmental humidity tends to be lower.
Step 4
Eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The American Academy of Dermatology also notes that protein is also an important part of the diet as it can improve the overall health of your skin and help prevent wrinkles.
Step 5
Include an over-the-counter or prescription wrinkle cream in your skin care routine. Products containing hydroxy acids, retinol and kinetin are available over-the-counter and may improve the appearance of existing wrinkles and help prevent new wrinkles from forming. Stronger medications, such as tretinoin, are available by prescription.
Step 6
Undergo injections of botulinum toxin type A, or Botox. The Mayo clinic states that repeated facial expressions, such as those made when smiling or squinting, cause wrinkles to develop over time. Botox works by blocking the signals that cause these muscles to contract, paralyzing the muscles and giving the skin a smoother, flatter and less wrinkled appearance.
Tips and Warnings
- Wearing sunglasses when outside can reduce squinting and help prevent crow's feet from developing.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher
- Moisturizer
- Over-the-counter wrinkle cream
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