Whether wrinkles develop in your 20s and 30s or later in life, chances are good that we will all notice at least a thin line or two (or three) on our face at some point in life. Our skin is strong and elastic, but aging eventually causes it to become more susceptible to wrinkles and other problems. Before patients seek out cosmetic treatments to reduce their wrinkles, some of them want to know: What causes wrinkles, scientifically? Our Philadelphia area-based Chapin Aesthetics team has a simple explanation:
Wrinkles and fine lines are a perfectly normal part of your body’s aging process. Other than intrinsic aging itself, exposure to ultraviolet radiation that breaks down the connective tissue and speeds up aging in the skin is the primary cause of these small wrinkles and furrows.
Since there is so much information available online, it can sometimes be difficult to know what’s true and what’s false. With that in mind, here are three common myths about skin debunked:
MYTH #1: YOU’LL ALWAYS GET WRINKLES IF YOUR PARENTS HAVE THEM
Although genetics do play an important role in how you look, there are other factors that have much more impact on your skin. Therefore, the way your skin ages isn’t determined completely by genetics. Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure (especially without sunscreen), smoking, diet, rest, etc., play significant roles, too.
MYTH #2: GETTING A BASE TAN CAN HELP YOU AVOID DAMAGE
There’s a common myth that you should build a “base tan” before you expose your skin to sunlight, but the truth is that any tan can increase the chance of visible skin aging—as well as skin cancer. We think of bronzed skin as a healthier look, but the truth is that any type of unprotected sun exposure is harmful to the skin, even if you don’t end up with a sunburn.
MYTH #3: OILY SKIN PREVENTS WRINKLES
Even if you have an oily skin type, the effects of aging can still develop. It’s collagen that keeps your skin smooth and supple, but the amount of oil your skin produces has nothing to do with collagen production. You should focus on balancing oiliness to preserve youthful skin.
Contact our team at the Philadelphia area’s Chapin Aesthetics for a more comprehensive explanation about wrinkles any other questions you might have about aging or damaged skin. Call us at (267) 880-0810 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation if you would like to learn more.