Seen as the enemy wrinkles are no longer wanted or valued. Research proves the best and most effective ways to prevent wrinkles is education.

Wrinkle formation

Young healthy skin is smooth with an effective barrier, protecting the skin. The skin is quickly damaged by external aggressors. Components such as collagen, which gives skin tone and firmness, whilst elastin gives bounce and stretchability to the skin. Sadly through ageing and skin damage both of these components diminish and all but dry up. So what causes the skin to age and look wrinkled?

Simply put, the Epidermis thins and loses the ability to hold moisture. In the Dermis, collagen and elastin deteriorate destroying the skins support system, resulting in lines and wrinkles.

Intrinsic ageing, extrinsic ageing and wrinkles.

Intrinsic ageing is a natural process that takes place over a period of years, irrespective of external aggressors. Post-twenties our skin produces about one percent less collagen and elastin each year. As a result, the skin becomes thinner, susceptible to damage and more fragile as we age. Wrinkle formation as a result of intrinsic ageing is thus inevitable. Intrinsic ageing is a direct result of the slow decline in the skin’s appearance.

Extrinsic ageing occurs due to sun, pollution and environmental aggressors. Extrinsic ageing shows as a thickening of the skin giving it a leathery appearance. Precancerous changes become evident such as lesions, skin cancer, freckle and sun/age spot formation. Over extended periods of time, it gives the skin the appearance of roughness, uneven tone, brown patches, deep wrinkles and a sallow pallor.

Prevention is key

Prevention is key to minimising wrinkles. Simple steps can be applied to ensure the skin is protected.

– Hydrate the skin with a suitable moisturiser

– Protect the skin against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 30+

– Quit smoking

– Supplement your skin and body with Omega 3 Fatty Acids

– Get adequate sleep

– Supplement your skin and body with anti-oxidants

– Maintain your skins collagen and elastin levels through intensive and stimulating skin treatments. Try Laser, Skin Peels and Dermapen

As you can see prevention is always better than cure, start implementing a more active program today.