Fine Lines & Wrinkles

As we age, our skeletal shape begins to shrink and muscles atrophy so their mass is smaller. Our skin’s slowing metabolism provides less resilience for it to shrink along with our skeletal shape and therefore, it becomes loose. The same affect comes from gaining and losing weight too quickly. Simply put, the skin does not have the elasticity it had when you were younger and it can’t bounce back.

Repetitive muscle movements are the cause of those fine lines which become wrinkles. Sleeping on your side will give you unusual sleep lines that leave vertical creases along the side of the face, nose and lips. So many things that we do on a daily basis can also contribute. For example, drinking through straws increases the probability of lip lines. Many long-time smokers are well aware of the lines around the lips caused by puckering. All of our normal expressions such as smiles, frowns, and puzzled or worried looks eventually lead to “character lines” over time.

The worst precursor to damaged skin continues to be the sun. The sun’s UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis and break down collagen. The dermis is the support system of the skin; if it is not resilient and thick with long strands of collagen, lines and wrinkles will not be far behind.