WRINKLES are creases, folds or ridges in the skin which appear as we get older. The first wrinkles to appear on our face tend to occur as a result of facial expressions.
Sun damage, smoking, dehydration and some medications, as well as a number of other factors may also cause wrinkles to develop. Wrinkles are an inevitable part of the natural aging process. As we get older our skin gets thinner, drier and less elastic. Our skin’s ability to protect itself from damage is also reduced as we age. Eventually, wrinkles, creases and lines form on our skin.
A person’s genetic makeup also influences how wrinkly we become, and when and where wrinkles start appearing.
Most wrinkles tend to appear in the parts of the body which receive the most sun exposure, including the backs of hands, face, neck, tops of the arms. There are two main types of wrinkles superficial surface lines and deep furrows.
Apart from the normal aging process, the following factors are known to promote the development of wrinkles:
Smoking – experts say that the link between regular smoking and the accelerated aging of skin is due to a reduced blood supply to the skin.
Pale skin – people with light skin tend to experience a higher level of sun damage, which usually accelerates the development of wrinkles.
Genetic factors – if your parents developed wrinkles earlier than other people, your chances of also doing so are significantly higher than somebody whose parents developed wrinkles later than others.
Some employments – people whose jobs expose them to more sunlight tend to become wrinkly earlier than others. Examples include fishermen, farmers, sailors, golfers, tanning booth employees (UV exposure), and gardeners.
Exposure to UV (ultraviolet light) -People who spend considerable time out in the sun are more likely to develop wrinkles earlier.
Facial expressions – people who repeatedly smile, frown, or squint will develop fine lines and wrinkles earlier than other who do not do these facial expressions so often.
Mary Ferry is the proprietor of the Genesis Skin Care & Laser Clinic in Upper Dore, Bunbeg. Tel 07495 32575, www.genesissalon.ie. If you have a query you would like answered in Mary’s column confidentially, e-mail healthandbeauty@donegalnews.com
