Wrinkle treatments Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.
Answers to questions about wrinkle treatments
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
How can I prevent wrinkles?
Protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation, looking after your health and good skin care may help delay the appearance of wrinkles.
Explanation
Wrinkles are part of the ageing process. But environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation from the sun, pollution and smoking can dry your skin and make wrinkles appear at a younger age.
There are a number of things you can do to protect your skin and delay signs of ageing.
- Protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation. Some sunlight is important because our skin uses it to produce vitamin D. But too much sun is harmful and can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. Always use sunscreen when you are outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to stop you from squinting in the sunlight and don't use sunbeds.
- Give up smoking and spend less time in smoky atmospheres. Cigarette smoke dries the skin and chemicals inhaled during smoking restrict the blood vessels and deplete the supply of oxygen and vital nutrients to your skin.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Your body needs a good supply of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Vitamins A, C and E are essential for maintaining healthy skin.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and use a daily moisturiser.
- Keep active. Simple activities such as walking improve circulation and help deliver more oxygen to your skin.
Further information
- The British Skin Foundation
www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk - British Association of Dermatologists
020 7383 0266
www.bad.org.uk
Sources
- Samuel M, Brooke R, Griffiths C. Wrinkles. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. www.clinicalevidence.bmj.com, accessed 4 December 2007
- Hawk JLM, McGregor J. Understanding the skin and sunlight. London: British Medical Association, 2000
- Sun protection. World Health Organization (WHO). www.who.int, accessed 4 February 2008
- ASH Factsheet No 10: How smoking affects the way you look. Action on smoking and health (ASH). www.ash.org.uk, accessed 15 January 2007
- Vitamins and minerals. Food Standards Agency. www.eatwell.gov.uk, accessed 4 February 2008
- Drinking enough? Food Standards Agency. www.eatwell.gov.uk, accessed 4 February 2008
Do face exercises help reduce wrinkles?
Face exercises will help tone the muscles in your face and may delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Explanation
Your face has over 22 muscles (on the forehead, in the cheeks, around the eyes, in the chin and around the lips). Like other muscles in the body, with age, they slacken and your face starts to sag. Tensing specific areas and making silly faces can help tone these muscles. Your skin will feel tighter and your face will look fresher as a result of more oxygen getting to your skin. Toning your facial muscles may help delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Further information
- British Association of Dermatologists
020 7383 0266
www.bad.org.uk
Sources
- Netter FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd ed. ICON Learning Systems, 1997:20
Does stress cause wrinkles?
Research has shown that chronic stress can cause people to look older.
Explanation
Stress can cause psychological and physical symptoms such as poor sleep, irritability and feeling anxious. People who are stressed over a long time tend to look haggard, and it's thought that psychological stress can cause people to look older. Extreme or prolonged stress can also harm your health. If you are stressed, it's important that you try and identify the things in your life that are causing it and try to deal with them.
Further information
- International Stress Management Association
07000 780 430
www.isma.org.uk
Sources
- Epel ES, Blackburn EH, Lin J, et al. Accelerated telomere shortening in response to life stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci 2004;101(49):17312-17315
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: April 2009
Wrinkle treatments factsheet
Visit the wrinkle treatments health factsheet for more information.
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