Facial wrinkles can be the result of intrinsic or extrinsic aging, notes the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Intrinsic aging is a natural process that starts in your twenties but typically isn't noticeable for years. As collagen production in the skin slows, the skin becomes less elastic, resulting in fine lines, loss of skin firmness, and sagging and/or thin, transparent skin. Purportedly, one method of preventing wrinkles and fine lines is by doing facial exercises. However, the AAD notes that facial exercises may make signs of aging appear more pronounced.
Other Causes of Aging
In addition to intrinsic aging--which is largely genetically determined--external factors also come into play, states the AAD. Photoaging, caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays (the sun), can cause wrinkles to appear even if you only expose yourself to them a few minutes a day. Additionally, the way you sleep on your pillow can cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear over time, as can smoking and the simple effect of gravity that pulls at the body over many years. But the AAD notes that another external factor that causes wrinkles and lines are repeated facial expressions.
Facial Movement and Wrinkles
Repetitive movements of the facial muscles as you change expressions can make you appear older, notes the AAD. As the muscles are used, a "groove" forms under the skin. As the skin loses elasticity over time, it cannot spring back into place. Over time, these grooves eventually turn into fixed wrinkles--laugh lines, frown lines and brow furrows. If you're doing facial exercises to prevent wrinkles, now's the time to stop, urges the AAD.
What Facial Exercises Really Do
"Cosmetics Cop" Paula Begoun confesses to being "bewildered by the enthusiasm facial exercises seems to generate." Begoun explains that it's not loss of muscle tone in the face that causes wrinkles and sags, but the aforementioned factors noted by the AAD. Facial exercises work just the opposite of Botox injections, which temporarily inhibit muscle movement, Begoun notes. She consulted with Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, former president of the AAD, who indicated, "Though I don't recommend them (facial exercises), I do believe they could work in some controlled situations. However, you would never want to do anything that moves the facial skin...because it would create more wrinkling, increasing the loss of elasticity in the skin."
When Facial Exercises Are Helpful
Facial exercises can be helpful and in some cases recommended in the right circumstances. The Mayo Clinic notes that physical therapy, including facial exercises, may be appropriate to decrease facial weakness in patients with certain medical conditions, such as Ramsay Hunt syndrome or limited scleroderma (CREST syndrome), or for rehabilitative purposes after a stroke.
Remedies for Wrinkles
Wrinkles.org, a website maintained by physicians to educate the public on wrinkles, notes that there is an abundance of treatment options that do work. Laser skin rejuvenation, microdermabrasion, mild chemical peels, injections (such as Botox and Dysport) and dermal fillers (such as Restylane and Juvederm) are some ways to get back a youthful appearance. But because selecting the right treatment given your needs can be confusing, it's recommended that you consult with a physician who can explain the available choices.
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