Wrinkles are a natural result of the skin's loss of elasticity as it ages. But some behaviors can speed up the process and cause wrinkles prematurely.
Although wrinkles can signify wisdom, most people nowadays would rather not have them.
Many products and procedures promise to reduce wrinkles. Some do little or nothing (like the products that claim they reduce "the appearance of fine lines," which means that they don't reduce the lines themselves). Others can achieve a fair amount of success.
Skin ages all over the body, but much more so where there has been sun exposure. Changes brought on by sun damage (photoaging) include "dryness" (really roughness), sagginess, skin growths like keratoses ("liver spots"), and wrinkles.
Most wrinkles appear on the parts of the body where sun exposure is greatest. These especially include the face, neck, the backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms. Wrinkles come in two categories: fine surface lines and deep furrows. Wrinkle treatments are in general much more effective for fine lines. Deeper creases may require more aggressive techniques, such injection of fillers or plastic surgery.
What factors promote wrinkles?
Factors that promote wrinkling include:
- Smoking
- Light skin type (people with blue eyes and easily burned skin are more prone to sun damage)
- Heredity (some families wrinkle more)
- Hairstyle (some styles provide cover and protection against sun damage)
- Dress (hats, long sleeves, etc.)
- Occupational and recreational habits (farming, sailing, golfing, using tanning booths, and so forth)
Some of these factors are beyond our control. The main preventive measures we can take are to minimize sun exposure and not smoke.
SPF numbers on sunscreen labels refer to protection against UVB radiation (shortwave ultraviolet light, the "sunburn rays"). More and more sunscreens offer protection against UVA radiation (longer-wave ultraviolet light) as well. UVA rays are the ones you get in tanning salons; they may not cause immediate sunburn but do promote sun damage and skin cancer risk over time. (Sorry, but there is no such thing as a "safe tan.") Sunscreens that block UVA indicate this on the label and include such ingredients as Parsol 1789. The FDA has recently approved Mexoryl, another UVA-blocking ingredient, which has been available in Europe for some time.
Here are suggestions on how to retain your skin's youthful glow, courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:
- Avoid prolonged, direct exposure to sunlight. If you do have to be out in the sun, protect your skin with a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
- Don't use tanning beds.
- Don't smoke.
- Drink plenty of water regularly.
- Keep your skin well-moistened with creams and lotions.
By Diana Kohnle
Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Source: www.medicinenet.com
No comments:
Post a Comment