Preventing Skin Wrinkles to Keep Skin Looking Youthful

Today’s seniors are nothing like those of previous generations. Older people are continuing to be active and engaged in the world around them. There are even statistics to show that a large percentage of cosmetic surgery patients are opting for procedures to correct for the of aging in the skin, most notably around the face. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s 2015 annual survey, a total of more than 14 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were performed by its member surgeons. All but one of the five most popular of these procedures specifically target the face: BOTOX® Cosmetic (almost 7 million), dermal fillers (more than 2 million), chemical peels (more than 1 million), and microdermabrasion (more than 1 million).

Our staff here at Jefferson Plastic Surgery has also seen this increased interest in keeping a youthful looking appearance to the face for as long as possible. One of the most common questions our surgeons get from patients is how to prevent facial wrinkles in order to help maintain the effects of facial cosmetic procedures for as long as possible.

What Causes Facial Skin Wrinkles?

Collagen is a protein the body naturally produces to fill out the body over the skeletal framework. As the body ages, it loses collagen. This loss is most noticeable in the face, as collagen loss leads to uneven surface appearance, or lines and wrinkles.

Tips to Prevent Appearance of Wrinkles

• Limit sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure is probably the leading cause of facial skin wrinkles. The sun’s UV rays dry out the skin, causing it to appear older and duller. It can also speed collagen loss. Our staff recommends wearing a facial sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), large sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat as much as possible when outdoors.
• Moisturize: In addition to limiting sun exposure, a good moisturizing regimen will help maintain a more youthful, wrinkle-free look to the face. Use the moisturizer at night before going to bed, as well as when you get out of the shower or bath, paying special attention to around the outside corner of the eyes, the area around the base of the nose, and the chin and neck. These areas are all prone to developing wrinkles.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke is also known to dry out the skin, most notably around the mouth. This causes fine lines and wrinkles that lead to what is sometimes known as “smoker’s mouth.” Our staff strongly recommends patients undergoing any type of cosmetic procedure quit smoking starting at least two weeks prior to surgery. This is an optimum time to stop altogether in order to get the best results, and keep new lines and wrinkles from forming in the facial skin.
• Facial contractions: Do you remember your mother telling you to stop frowning or squinting, lest your face freeze that way? Well, she may have been at least partially correct. When we frown or squint, we are creating skin wrinkles and folds over time. Wearing large sunglasses when outdoors can help reduce formation of crow’s feet around the outside corners of the eyes, and proper reading glasses can help lessen squinting and frowning in an attempt to focus on small print.

Having a positive, active outlook on life will go a long way toward allowing you to keep up with today’s youth-oriented culture. However, a fresh appearance to the face, with minimal wrinkles, can also help you look and feel more youthful and vital.