Knowledge ref wrinkles

• The primary environmental accelerator of wrinkle formation is the sun.

True. 90% of the signs of premature skin aging are caused by exposing skin to UV rays (both UVA and UVB) contained in sunlight. Exposure to sun causes thinning of the uppermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, and increases the rate of collagen breakdown in the underlying layer, the dermis.

• Wrinkles cannot be prevented.

False. While wrinkle formation is a normal part of the aging process, you can ward off the signs of aging and potential wrinkling by following simple steps such as protecting yourself from sun exposure, eating a healthy diet, exercising, keeping your skin moisturised, and using anti-ageing products.

• Weight loss and gain promotes wrinkles.

True. Large fluctuations in weight, particularly weight gain followed by weight loss or solely significant weight loss, can promote wrinkle formation as stretched skin no longer must cover as much area.

• You can get wrinkles as a result of the way you sleep.

True. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sleeping in positions such as on your side or face-down may lead to the formation of wrinkles due to the compression of facial skin. In order to avoid the formation of these so-called "sleep lines", the AAD recommends sleeping on your back. Try putting a flat pillow under your knees to assist in sleeping on your back.

• Wrinkles form because skin becomes more elastic and stretchy with age.

False. Over time, your body produces decreased amounts of elastin, a protein that allows the skin to return to its original structure and shape following stretching. Skin, therefore, becomes less elastic as we age. As a result of this decrease in elasticity, lines and creases tend to form in the skin since it is less able to bounce back to its original structure after being stretched.

• The skin on the face, neck, and hands is most susceptible to wrinkling.

True. Wrinkles tend to form first in these regions since the face, neck, and hands are exposed to elements in the environment much more frequently than other areas of the body. Also, skin in these regions tends to be thinner than in other regions.

• Our body's capacity to produce hyaluronic acid, a carbohydrate that keeps skin hydrated by holding onto moisture, decreases as we age.

True. Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate that is naturally produced by and is present throughout the body. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin tissue hydrated by holding onto moisture. As we get older, our body produces less and less hyaluronic acid. As a result, our skin becomes drier and can appear wrinkled.

• Genetics play a role in determining the timing and extent of your skin's wrinkling

True. Hereditary factors play a role as our genes determine our skin structure as well as our complexion, both of which contribute to wrinkle formation.

• The majority of people do not start getting wrinkles until they are 40 to 45 years old.

False. While the age at which wrinkles begin to form varies from person to person, most people typically start to see noticeable wrinkles beginning to form by the time they reach the age of 30 or 35. However, it is not uncommon to see wrinkles begin to form as early as your 20s!

• Using exercises to tone facial muscles helps ward off the appearance of wrinkles.

False. Wrinkles can actually be caused by repeated contraction of facial muscles.