Can Wrinkles Be Prevented?

Botox® and fillers, chemical peels, and microneedling are all examples of nonsurgical procedures that promise to flatten wrinkles and fine lines. There’s also a host of cosmetic surgeries that can do the same to a more dramatic degree. These procedures and surgeries can give you wrinkle-free skin for months or even years, but the truth is that wrinkles are unavoidable and will always come back. 

While we still haven’t discovered the true fountain of youth, we can offer some helpful tips on how to delay your skin’s aging and minimize the number of wrinkles you get. We all must accept that increasing skin laxity is a reality of getting older, but by following these tips, you can keep your skin looking as youthful as possible in your later years. 

Board-certified dermatologist Vitaly Blatnoy, MD, and the team at Orlando Dermatology Center in Oviedo, Orlando, and Lake Mary, Florida, know everything there is to know about your skin’s natural aging process. Though harmless, wrinkles are a common reason for dermatology consultations. 

Regardless of your age, it’s never too late to protect your skin and slow down its natural loosening. Follow our top tips for wrinkle prevention starting today:

1. Use sun protection

With an average of 237 sunny days each year, Florida is one of the best states for catching rays. As nice as it is to soak up the sun, and as great as you look with a tan, sun damage is a leading factor for aging skin. Skin damage from sunlight is also called photoaging, and it happens when the ultraviolet (UV) light changes your DNA on a cellular level. UV light reaches the deepest layer of your skin, called the dermis, to cause significant premature aging. 

Despite residing in one of the sunniest states, you’re not entirely helpless against photoaging. Any time you go outside, even if it’s cloudy, you should generously apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin. Look for a bottle with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher to carry with you and reapply every two hours throughout the day, especially if you’re swimming or exercising. 

Still want that summer tan? Opt for a spray tan over a natural tan. Tanning beds also use UV light and can cause significant skin damage: Like sun exposure, they increase your risk for skin cancer. 

2. Balance your diet

A healthy and balanced diet isn’t just good for your digestive system and heart — it also benefits your skin. While a diet full of sugar and processed carbohydrates can accelerate skin aging, a diversified diet of fruits and veggies helps your skin age more slowly. 

3. Drink more water and less alcohol

Drinking plenty of water helps your entire body function smoothly. Hydration is critical for skin health, and proper hydration starts with adequate water intake. Our team also encourages you to adopt a skin type-appropriate skin care routine complete with a moisturizer to preserve your skin’s collagen and elastin for as long as possible. 

Drinking alcohol has the opposite effect of drinking water. Although it’s in liquid form, alcohol dehydrates you. Its dehydrating effects extend to your skin, and when you drink often, causes lasting skin damage. 

4. Stop smoking ASAP

Smoking is a leading risk factor for premature skin aging and can lead to significant wrinkles. Tobacco is full of toxins that can draw moisture out of your skin, reduce blood flow in your skin, and break down its structural proteins. With minimal blood flow comes minimal nutrients, so your skin lacks the oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay firm and healthy. 

There’s a reason why lines around the lips are dubbed, “smoker’s lines.” When you repeatedly pucker your lips to smoke a cigarette, lines tend to form around your lips to give you an older appearance. 

5. Consider maintenance procedures

Your skin will thank you for treating it right. Along with a well-developed skin care routine, consider professional procedures to rejuvenate your skin. An occasional facial or chemical peel can keep your skin in top shape and give you a more youthful appearance. 

To establish healthy habits and explore beneficial skin procedures, schedule a consultation online or over the phone at Orlando Dermatology Center today.