Is your skin wrinkling? Find out why

Wrinkling, like reduced mobility and greying hair, are natural processes as we get older.

While there are many factors that can cause our skin to get wrinkles, it shouldn’t be too pronounced when you avoid certain things.

Some we can’t do anything about because they’re part of the natural aging process, but did you know that you can play an active role in influencing some factors that have nothing to do with getting older?

Find out below what habits and practices are affecting your skin and then see if you can curb, change or eliminate them.

Even if you already have signs of prematurely aging skin, it’s never too late to start making lifestyle changes that will benefit you and your skin.

Heavy Use of Cosmetic Products
Cosmetics make us look good but they can also be a cause of wrinkles on skin.

A good number of the cosmetics we use have harmful chemicals, which cause wrinkles over a long period. Even organic cosmetics can cause harm to your skin.

As much as possible, use natural products to enhance your beauty. Also, diligently wash off makeup and moisturize your face before sleeping.

When you sleep in your makeup, those cosmetics plus the pollutants you acquired throughout the day seep into your skin, breaking down elastin and collagen. And that can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. 

Exposure to Sun
Sun-rays damage your skin and cause wrinkles. Too much sun exposure causes fine lines around the eyes and lips. It is advisable to apply sunscreen every time you step out in the sun to prevent wrinkles.

Unfortunately, most signs of aging come from unprotected skin exposure, even just a few minutes worth.

Exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays breaks down your skin’s elastin and collagen. Without these supportive tissues, skin loses its flexibility and strength.

Then it starts to sag and wrinkle. That’s why you should wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather.

Otherwise, you’re accelerating the aging process. And don’t be tempted to skip sunscreen even if you’re inside your car. Remember that the sun still hits your face while you’re driving.

Dehydration
Did you know that dehydration causes wrinkles on skin? By not drinking enough water, the skin tends to dry up.

The skin is not able to generate new cells, which cause wrinkles and lines on skin. It is important to have maximum liquids in your daily diet to prevent this problem.

Smoking
Women who smoke are more likely to get wrinkles on the face as regular smoking causes reduced blood supply in the body.

That in turn causes fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and lips. To prevent the problem, one has to quit smoking or reduce it.

The smoke’s chemicals break down your skin’s natural elastin and collagen and pursing your lips to puff creates fine lines around your mouth.

Poor diet
As they say, “You are what you eat.” Since the skin is our largest organ, it’s no surprise that it is the first part of your body to show nutrient deficiencies, including wrinkles.

That’s why it’s important to consume a healthy, well-balanced diet. Having a poor diet causes wrinkles on skin.

For prevention of wrinkles, it is important to have a diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins.

A balanced diet plan helps to maintain a youthful skin and prevents wrinkles. Have at least two portions of vegetables and fruits daily.

Also, findings from research studies suggest that a diet high in sugar or other refined carbohydrates promotes aging.

Aging
A major cause for wrinkles on skin is aging. With age, there is a loss of moisture and elasticity.

The skin tends to lose its natural shine, which causes wrinkles. There are many anti aging creams, which might help to deal with aging and wrinkles.

Excessive intake of caffeine
Wrinkles on skin can be caused by various other factors. Excessive intake of caffeine or tea contributes to wrinkles.

Picking pimples 
You may have the urge to pick your face but as we’ve said several times, don’t.

When you do, you’re creating scars, irritation and wrinkles, when you pull and pick at your skin.

Your best bet is to use prescription products to help get rid of acne or let pimples heal on their own.

Squinting
Each time you squint, a groove forms underneath the skin. As skin gets older, it loses its flexibility and can’t return to how it was, causing wrinkles.

So if you sit too close to or too far away from the computer, TV or phone, constantly straining and squinting to see the screen, you’re causing wrinkles around your eyes.

Also, too many facial movements or expressions cause wrinkles on skin. Smiling and frowning leads to lines around eyes and lips.

Chewing gum 
Chomping on gum forces your mouth to continuously form different shapes. And if you chew frequently, these formations can lead to a downward turn in the corners of your mouth, a pronounced muscle at the bottom of the jaw line or a wrinkle on your lower mouth.

Sleeping on your stomach or side
If you sleep on your face, your pillow can give you wrinkles as consistently pushing your face into your pillow creates creases that can eventually lead to permanent wrinkles.

Sleep on your back if you can, placing a pillow beneath your knees to help prevent you from flipping over.

Can’t give up stomach or side sleeping? Try a satin pillowcase; it slides across your face and is less abrasive than cotton.