Wrinkles are an inevitable part of life. But have you ever stopped to consider why your skin wrinkles as you age? Read on to learn about wrinkle formation with age, what you can do to prevent them, and how the various services offered at PMN Health and Wellness can help you get rid of existing wrinkles.

Wrinkle Formation from Intrinsic Aging

Wrinkle formation from intrinsic aging is inevitable but only accounts for slight wrinkling. Intrinsic aging refers to the skin’s natural aging process regardless of outside influences. After you turn 20 years old, your skin produces less collagen yearly. The skin becomes thinner and more fragile due to this natural process.

Wrinkle Formation from Extrinsic Aging

In addition to intrinsic aging, the skin also wrinkles due to extrinsic aging. Extrinsic aging occurs from environmental damage from things like sun exposure, pollution, and tobacco use. Signs of extrinsic aging include:

Thickening of the skin’s cornified layer
Actinic keratosis lesions and other precancerous changes
Formation of freckles and sunspots
Skin cancer
Exaggerated loss of elastin, collagen, GAG

These processes make the skin appear rough, thin, and uneven, with deep wrinkles and brown patches.

Ways to Improve Skin Health

There are several common things people do every day that significantly contribute to wrinkle formation and poor skin health. Adopt the following habits to improve the health of your skin.

Protect Yourself from UV Light

It’s a fact that exposure to UV light is a major cause of wrinkles. Avoid the sun by wearing protective clothing and hats, using broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently, and minimizing sun exposure.

Clean Up Your Diet and Get Some Exercise

Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle cause skin damage and premature aging. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, drink lots of water, and exercise regularly.

Relax Your Face

Muscle contractions can cause wrinkles, especially repetitive ones. Focus on relaxing your face often to avoid such repetitive movements.

Sleep on Your Back

The skin can get creased and wrinkled if you sleep on your stomach or side every night. Avoid pressure on your skin by changing your sleep position to your back, and consider using silk pillowcases to reduce friction.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a major cause of rapid aging. If you’re a smoker, consider starting a smoking cessation program.

Adopt a Healthy Skincare Routine

As you get older, skin dries out, becomes more sensitive, and irritates easily. Keep a healthy and consistent skincare routine.

Common Treatments for Wrinkle Reduction

There are several skin care treatments you can get from a med spa to reduce wrinkles and fine lines in your face, including:

Why Does Skin Wrinkle as You Age?