Skin wrinkles it has to to allow arms to bend, eyes to squint and mouths to smile. But, unfortunately, skin wrinkles permanently. Those are the kinds we invest our time and efforts in preventing and combating. But understanding what causes wrinkles may help you find more effective anti-aging products and understand how they work.
The Science Behind Wrinkles
Skin's firmness and its resilience to stretching (elasticity) are primarily the result of two proteins collagen and elastin. Insufficient amounts and/or the chemical degradation of these proteins results in loose, sagging skin and skin that no longer bounces back to its original smooth, plump appearance hence, wrinkles. Chemical degradation, which often entails the insertion of a sugar molecule into the structure of collagen and elastin, is constantly taking place. Sometimes it happens because of the action of enzymes in a process called glycosylation in order for the component molecules to be used for the building or repair new proteins. Unfortunately, degradation often happens because of the assault of free radicals a process called glycation.
Most Common Causes of Glycation
Free radicals that wreak havoc on collagen and elastin and consequently our youthful appearance are introduced to our skin from a number of sources. The most common causes of free radicals at the skin level are:
- UV Radiation
- Smoking
- Poor Diet/Sugar
Of course, there are other factors that can exacerbate the effects of glycation in other words, things that make wrinkles more noticeable, like:
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Facial muscle training (e.g., furrowing your brow, smiling and frowning)
When you look at the causes and contributing factors to wrinkles, you see that a health complexion starts with a healthy lifestyle.
Fighting Wrinkles from the Top Down
The best way to combat wrinkles is to prevent them slather on the sun protection, eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies and get adequate sleep. But there is hope for those who have years of sleepless nights and TV dinner diets behind them. Topical skin care products can help diminish the appearance of wrinkles, and they may work in a number of ways. Some products may hydrate skin to plump up withered skin cells. Others may fight and/or repair free radicals (aka: reactive oxygen species).Finding the right product to most effectively help you look younger depends on your skin type and age. Anti-oxidant products are excellent for maintenance and prevention. Our ORAC Lifting complex is 20% off MSRP this month. We are also offering 25% off our Dermist M3HA Moisturizer, which hydrates and revitalizes aging skin.
If you would like help to find specific products for your skin health needs, take our Personal Skin Assessment and talk to one of our knowledgeable representatives. They can help you find the Hale Cosmeceuticals formulas made for you!"
