What Causes Wrinkles?

There are many factors which cause wrinkles. Some you can’t control but others you can certainly avoid.

What Causes Wrinkles?

Alongside the natural ageing process that lies in our genes, lifestyle also influences wrinkle formation. Those who know what the factors behind skin ageing are can more easily prevent it and preserve the appearance of youthful skin for longer.

Skin Ageing: What Does This Actually Mean?

Sooner or later, we are able to gauge a person’s age from their face. But exactly when the first changes to the skin, such as wrinkles, pigmentation marks or redness, appear on the face depends on the individual and is determined by a person’s genes.

What happens during the natural ageing of the skin?

The skin’s metabolism, blood flow and cell division slow down with advancing age. This means that the skin is less able to regenerate itself. The results of this are structural changes in the skin that are manifested over time as facial wrinkles:

The quantity and density of collagen and elastin fibres reduce – the skin becomes thinner, looks less taut and loses its firmness.
The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid decreases and the sebaceous glands work at only half capacity. The skin therefore loses important moisture retention components and becomes drier.

Are there factors that expedite the ageing process?

Yes. A whole host of external factors promote wrinkle formation – and substantially, according to experts. Those who reduce these influences can prevent the premature formation of wrinkles and also stop wrinkles that have already appeared from getting any worse.

When Do The First Signs Of Age Show?

From around your mid-20s, the skin loses moisture. From 30, the first fine lines around the mouth and eyes or on the brow may begin to show. At about 40, the loss in volume and elasticity slowly becomes apparent. Environmental factors can however accelerate the ageing of the skin.

Perhaps the Most Effective Anti-Ageing Method

Those who protect their skin from UV radiation with sun cream can also prevent premature wrinkles. Tip: special facial products combine protection and coordinated care. At the same time, they have a light texture and don’t leave an oily film on the skin.

External Factors in Skin Ageing

Our lifestyle and certain environmental factors cause oxidative stress, which can make our skin age more quickly. This is due in particular to the release of free radicals by sunlight, air pollution or nicotine consumption. If their number is too high, this can cause long-term damage to skin cells.

The good news: whether and to what extent these factors affect your skin is in your own hands.

Prevent wrinkles with the right skincare: moisturising cream protects the skin from dryness and therefore strengthens its resistance to environmental factors. Special products are enriched with antioxidant ingredients to fight off free radicals and therefore to save the skin from oxidative stress.
Sun cream against wrinkles: UV filters are essential to protect yourself from sunburn, long-term skin damage and premature skin ageing. In the autumn and winter, when the sun’s radiation is weaker, one daily treatment with sun protection factor will suffice. In spring and summer, a sun cream with an appropriately high SPF must be included. Important: in order to maintain this protection, you should top up your cream every two hours.

What else ages our skin: four influencing factors

1. The Air

Invisible but very much there: exhaust fumes, particulates and dirt particles gather on the skin during the day and can lead to a high concentration of free radicals. Facial cleansing is therefore just as important as the appropriate skincare in order to prepare your skin for the day.

2. Food

A balanced diet also benefits the complexion. By balanced, we mean rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, preferably fresh, and sugar in moderation. Good to know: there is evidence that suggests that too much sugar can accelerate the ageing of skin tissue.

3. Water Balance

Those who are looking to prevent premature wrinkles should also pay attention to their drinking habits. One and a half to two litres a day is ideal to provide the skin with moisture from within, too. Tip: brew up a cup of green tea occasionally. It’s rich in cell-protecting antioxidants, which fight off free radicals.

4. Hustle and Bustle

We are often not fully aware of the impact our mental well-being has on our skin. Stress and a lack of sleep can lead to more free radicals and skin damage. The good news for you: if you do what appeals to you more often, your head and skin will benefit.

Taking Care of Your Skin Correctly Means Preventing Wrinkles

What it comes down to is finding a good basis for skincare that will protect your skin from sunlight and strengthen its resistance. In the morning, apply a face cream with SPF like NIVEA Q10 Day Cream SPF 30 and use a type-appropriate night cream in the evening, such as NIVEA Q10 Night Cream.