We’ve all heard claims about how wrinkles work: your genes determine how quickly you age; exposure to the sun makes wrinkles worse; you can only reduce or prevent wrinkles with expensive products and procedures… The list goes on and on. However, not many of these claims are true. Here are three of the most common myths about wrinkles, debunked.
Your Genes Determine How Quickly You Age
Do your genes play a role in how quickly and how intensely you age? Yes, but an extremely small one. 90% of visible skin damage occurs due to sun damage, which means that other factors such as this influence the aging process very minimally. If you really want to prevent wrinkles, remember to wear sunscreen as often as possible, even when you’re inside or when the weather is cloudy.
You Can Prevent Wrinkles by Performing Facial Exercises
It would be great if we could prevent wrinkles by simply exercising our jaws and cheeks every once and a while, but unfortunately, we can’t. In fact, facial exercises can actually make your wrinkles worse if you perform them excessively: repeated intense expressions can stretch and weaken the fine muscles of your face. Unlike the rest of our muscles, our facial muscles don’t get stronger with exercise—they become weaker.
The Best Anti-Wrinkle Products Are the Most Expensive Ones
Another common myth about wrinkles is that you have to shell out a lot of money for effective antiaging products. More expensive products don’t necessarily have better and more effective ingredients, and not all antiaging products have extortionate prices. Many inexpensive over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can diminish wrinkles.
When you’re shopping for antiaging products, look for ingredients such as retinoids, ascorbic acid, and hydroxy acid, which have been shown to improve the skin’s appearance. If you have sensitive skin and need a product that’s natural and gentle on the skin, peptides, tea extracts, and grape-seed extract are some natural ingredients that promote collagen production.
FAQ
Are wrinkles genetic?
Do your genes play a role in how quickly and how intensely you age? Yes, but an extremely small one. 90% of visible skin damage occurs due to sun damage, which means that other factors such as this influence the aging process very minimally.
How can I prevent wrinkles?
It would be great if we could prevent wrinkles by simply exercising our jaws and cheeks every once and a while, but unfortunately, we can’t. In fact, facial exercises can actually make your wrinkles worse if you perform them excessively: repeated intense expressions can stretch and weaken the fine muscles of your face.
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