The appearance of wrinkles is the most common change brought on by aging. They are the the body’s natural creases, furrows, and lines. As we grow older, the skin loses its elasticity because of a number of reasons. When the skin ages, it becomes thinner and drier. Its ability to repair and replace itself decreases. This is why it is important to be aware about preventive measures, which can protect the skin from wrinkles.

Symptoms
Wrinkles can appear in the following forms:

• Folds or creases on the skin, especially those around the lips, eyes, and neck
• Loose or sagging skin
• Fine lines due to repetitive facial movements like smiling or frowning.

Causes
There are numerous factors that contribute to wrinkling of the skin:

Aging
As we age, cell division becomes slower. The dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin, becomes thinner. It contains a network of collagen and elastin fibers. Over a period of time, this network starts loosening up, which causes wrinkles. Additionally, aging skin can lead to wrinkles, as its ability to retain moisture and repair itself decreases.

Facial expression
Little muscular contractions cause lines to form around the corners of the eyes, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead. Facial expressions like frowning and smiling along with gravity are known to accelerate the development of wrinkles.

Sun exposure
Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can quicken the aging process of the skin. It can also break down collagen, leaving it rigid and less elastic.

Environmental factors
Air pollution can affect the skin’s pores, causing the break down of collagen and the appearance of wrinkles. Particulate matter and nitrogen oxide are among the most common environmental pollutants; they are a common cause of wrinkles.

Treatment
Wrinkles are a natural part of aging. They cannot be fully treated, but there are a few treatments that can help improve skin quality.

• Retinoids used in skin care products and anti-aging creams help improve the skin’s hydration, texture, and support.
• Fillers made of hyaluronic acid help in filling in or lifting up of wrinkles.
• Skin irregularities like wrinkles are caused by acne or excess sun exposure. They can be reduced using laser skin resurfacing.
• Premature skin aging can be repaired with procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and dermabrasion. Such techniques are used to remove layers of skin by sanding, scraping, and dissolving processes.
• Facelift surgery can be done to remove extra skin and fat from the face, tighten tissue layers, and restore the skin’s appearance.

Natural remedies
Listed below are a few safe and natural home remedies for wrinkle prevention:

• Reduce the amount of time spent in the sun. When outside, one should use sun protection such as sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, and wide-brimmed hats. Wear sunscreen outside, and if possible, reapply it every two hours.
• Moisturizing helps in hiding wrinkles and fine lines by allowing the skin to absorb more water.
• Regular gentle washing of the face keeps skin healthy by removing makeup, irritants, and other contaminants.

Foods to eat and avoid to prevent wrinkles
Avoid eating foods that are sugary, salty, or fried because they damage collagen, dry out the skin, and speed up aging. One should eat fruits and vegetables that are packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, E, and K. These include broccoli, spinach, and blueberries. They prevent the breakdown of collagen, and protect the skin.