A recent study revealed that more Singaporean men are buying and using skin care products. One reason why men are turning to skin care products is that men naturally have thicker and oilier skin which shows signs of ageing earlier than women’s skin. A universal sign of ageing in both men and women is wrinkling of the skin. Today, more Singaporeans are keen to maintain a young and fresh look, and many have turned to various procedures such as regular extraction facials, to minimise the appearance of wrinkles.
Here’s more on the science of wrinkles and how you can reduce them:
The Science of Wrinkles
Dermatologists say that wrinkles appear due to both intrinsic ageing and extrinsic ageing. Intrinsic ageing occurs over time regardless of any external influences. As the curtain falls on adolescence, many people experience significant changes in their physiology and an acceleration of the ageing process. At around the age of 20 years, the body produces less collagen, less elastin and there’s less GAG formation. This results in a thinner skin and a significant reduction of the skin’s elastic properties. Also, there’s a reduction in the activity of the sweat glands and oil glands resulting in accelerated ageing and onset of wrinkles. But the appearance of wrinkles due to intrinsic ageing is low.
Extrinsic ageing, on the other hand, is an acceleration of the ageing processes due to contact with external factors. Exposure to UV rays, contact with pollutants, and the use of substances such as tobacco results in a thickening of the cornified layer, precancerous changes, freckles and accelerated loss of the three essential proteins, collagen, elastin and GAGs. External factors, whether alone or in combination, make the skin appear rougher, have patches, thinner and have deep wrinkles.
Here are the steps on how to reduce wrinkles:
Protection
You can reduce wrinkles, by protecting yourself from direct sunlight. Dermatologists recommend regular use of sunscreen even if you are going to spend the entire day indoors. Scientists say that the sun’s UV rays have a cumulative effect on your skin and bits of exposure now and then result in significant damage.
Diet
Also, you should cut out of your diet processed foods, especially those that are high in processed sugar. The sugar bonds with the collagen, stiffening it and exaggerates wrinkles. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamin C promote the production of collagen.
Bad Habits
Another critical step in preventing wrinkles is to quit bad habits such as smoking which deteriorates the entire skin in various ways; chewing gum which is responsible for the development of wrinkles around the mouth and squinting which accelerates the formation of “crow’s feet” around your eyes.
Rejuvenate
Prevention measures are effective, but, there’s still some wrinkling that can occur. Therefore it is essential to rejuvenate your skin by having enough sleep and moisturise your skin. Many Singaporeans opt for extraction facials in singapore which is an excellent way to promote the rebirth of the skin.
Treatment
If you still want less appearance of wrinkles, you can consider various treatment regimens such as over the counter wrinkle creams. They often have mixed results which are also short-lived. There are also numerous medical options including surgical procedures such as dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, chemical peels.
Now that you know the science of wrinkles and how to reduce them, you can take appropriate steps to minimise their causes.