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Unfortunately, most of us are all too aware of what a wrinkle
look like, although we may be somewhat unclear as to what they are
and what causes wrinkles.
Wrinkles occur in the outer and the second layer of the
epidermis. What causes wrinkles is a decreased amount of elastin and
collagen in these skin cells. The reason for the lower level of
these substances is due to the aging process, although the rate of
this decrease varies in different people. This variation is often
tied in with genetic factors, which explains the reason that some
people may begin to get wrinkles in their forties while others
barely have any in their sixties.
As well as genetics, there are also a number of external factors
that can cause the development of wrinkles. Prolonged exposure to
ultraviolet rays that are found in sunlight or a tanning bed can
damage your skin and can cause it to lose its natural ability to
heal itself. You should try to limit the amount of time that you
spend in the sun and tanning should be avoided. If you are going to
be outside for an extended period of time, you should always be sure
to apply sun screen or some other protective product.
As well as ultraviolet rays, poor diet and nutrition can cause
the skin to lack the amount of proper vitamins and nutrients. Red
and dark orange vegetables contain nutrients that essential to
healthy skin. The vitamins A and E are also tied in with good skin
health.
Minimal amounts of water in the diet can cause the skin to dry
out and wrinkle. You should drink at least eight glasses of water a
day so that the skin is able to naturally moisturize itself.
Another cause of wrinkles is the smoking of cigarettes. The
nicotine that is present in these tobacco products causes a decrease
amount of oxygen to be present in the bloodstream. This causes the
skin to have poor circulation and inhibits its ability to heal. So
if you are a smoker, you should quit immediately. Studies have shown
that within ten minutes after smoking a cigarette, these important
levels of oxygen have already begun to return to normal. So it is
never too late to stop.
Knowing what causes wrinkles and exactly what they are can go a
long way in helping you to treat present problems as well as
preventing more of these lines and creases from developing.
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