Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. Although they are inevitable, there are things you can do to help prevent them.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Wrinkles typically appear in areas that are most exposed to the sun, such as your face, neck or the back of your hands. The sun’s harmful UV rays damage the DNA in your skin cells, which causes your skin to age and become less elastic.

Some sunlight is important because your skin uses it to produce vitamin D which helps to build and maintain strong bones. However, too much sun is harmful. If you’re going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time, cover up your skin, use sunscreen and seek shady areas. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Stop Smoking

There are many reasons not to smoke, and wrinkled skin is as good of a reason to quit as any. Smoking dries your skin out and narrows your blood vessels. This reduces the supply of oxygen and vital nutrients to your skin and can cause changes to how firm your skin is. So, people who smoke are more likely to have facial wrinkles at a younger age. Puckering up your lips when you smoke also causes lines to form around your mouth.

If you smoke, try to give up. This will be good for your general health, as well as good for your skin.

Stay Hydrated

Healthy skin starts from within. Stay hydrated with water, coconut water and green tea (which is full of antioxidants). Not only is moisturizing from within important, but water rids your body of toxins.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help your skin stay youthful and prevent wrinkles:

  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Your skin needs a good supply of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.
  • If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Alcohol can dehydrate your skin, leading to wrinkles.
  • Keep active. Simple activities, such as walking, improve circulation and help deliver more oxygen to your skin.

Whether you have just started to notice the first signs of aging on your skin or your wrinkles have already settled in, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to learn more about wrinkle prevention tips and treatments that can help you look younger.