Causes of Wrinkles
As ageing occurs, a person's skin cells divide more slowly, and the dermis becomes thinner. Wrinkles develop as we get older because natural substances such as collagen (the major structural protein in the skin), elastin (the protein that causes tissue to stretch) and hyaluronic acid (which gives skin volume), which provide the skin with structure and volume decrease with age. The skin's ability to retain moisture diminishes; the sweat and oil-secreting glands degenerate. As a result, the skin becomes dry and scaly. Skin loses its elasticity and when pressed, it no longer springs back to its initial position but instead sags and forms furrows or wrinkles.
The skin can also age prematurely as a result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Sun damage is one of the most important causes of skin ageing and skin disorders such as skin cancers. Overall, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight accounts for about 90% of the symptoms of premature skin ageing, and most of these effects occur by age 20. Exposure to ultraviolet rays leads to wrinkles, lower immunity against infection, ageing skin disorders, and skin cancer.
During sun damage, large amounts of enzymes are produced. These enzymes remodel the sun-injured tissue by synthesising and reforming collagen. As part of the process, however, some of the enzymes actually degrade collagen. The result is an uneven formation (matrix) of disorganised collagen fibres called solar scars, which eventually result in wrinkles. Effectively protecting the skin from sun damage is one of the most important ways to reduce wrinkles and prevent skin cancer.
Other environmental factors, including cigarette smoke and pollution, may hasten ageing by producing free radicals. In large amounts, free radicals can damage cell membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly contributing to the development of a number of skin disorders, including wrinkles and skin cancer. Rapid weight loss can also cause wrinkles by reducing the volume of fat cells that cushion the face. This can cause the skin to sag.
Who is most likely to have wrinkles?The vast majority who develop wrinkles are individuals who are repetitively exposed to the UV rays of the sun, notably farmers, fishermen, construction workers, lifeguards and outdoor enthusiasts. People who live in areas where the earth's protective ozone layer is thinning may be more likely to have sun-damaged skin. Ethnicity also influences a person's vulnerability to skin ageing. Individuals with fair complexions, and those who have blue, green, or grey eyes, and red or blond hair, are more susceptible to premature ageing than those with darker skin. Nonetheless, premature ageing from sunlight can affect all ethnic groups and everybody needs to be aware of the importance of good sun protection, as a fundamental part of anti-ageing skin care. Cigarette smokers are more prone to skin wrinkles and skin cancers. According to a study, heavy smokers are almost five times more likely to have wrinkled facial skin than non-smokers. In fact, heavy smokers in their 40s often have facial wrinkles more like those of non-smokers in their 60s. A study of 25 sets of twins found smokers to have thinner skin than non-smokers, in some cases by as much as 40%.
Treatment
Use moisturisers that improve the water-holding capacity of the skin. Use sunscreens when outdoors to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In addition, you can use anti-ageing formulas which may include anti-oxidants or exfoliants.
Check that you are using only neutral pH-balanced soaps, body washes and moisturisers. Make sure you avoid harsh irritants such as perfumed soaps, chlorinated swimming pools and hot showers, and moisturise regularly.
In addition you can also turn to cosmetic clinics for facial rejuvenation procedures. These procedures include the administration of injectable muscle relaxants, injectable dermal fillers and chemical peels.
Injectable muscle relaxants are used to treat dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that occur when we use our muscles to form facial expressions) and work by relaxing the wrinkle-causing muscles that cause people to frown or squint, creating an improved appearance.
Injectable dermal fillers are used to treat static wrinkles (wrinkles that are present when we are not forming facial expressions). Injectable dermal fillers are placed beneath the wrinkle and/or fold to ‘fill in' or ‘plump up' the depression.
Usually the side effects of these wrinkle treatments are temporary and localised to the area of injection. The different types of cosmetic injection have different side effects, however in general possible side effects include swelling, pain, burning, bruising or redness at the injection site.
With chemical peels, another form of wrinkle treatment, a solution is applied to the face to remove the rough upper layer of skin and to stimulate rejuvenation of new skin cells. The result is tighter, smoother skin that is relatively free of fine lines and blemishes. Chemical peeling is recommended to reduce wrinkles, particularly fine wrinkles, and age spots, sun damage and uneven pigmentation. There are several types of chemical peel techniques: Light and medium facial peels are used to remove superficial wrinkles and discolouration, and deep chemical peels are used for more severe conditions such as severe acne.
That’s all for today! Hope you have gained some knowledge after reading this and may you be wrinkle-free!
Gek Teng
