Is it true that there are actually two types of "wrinkles"? Aim for a youthful appearance with care based on genetics and lifestyle habits!
Hello, I'm Jon, here to bring you easy-to-understand finance and health information!
Every time we look in the mirror, we worry about wrinkles, thinking, "Oh, there's a line here..." or "My face looks tired..." But did you know that wrinkles can be broadly divided into two types depending on their cause and where they tend to appear?
This time, we will explain in detail about the types of "wrinkles" and the appropriate care methods for each one so that even those with no beauty knowledge will understand. Learn the care that suits you and aim for skin you can be confident in!
The two main types of wrinkles: which one do you have?
First of all, there are two main types of wrinkles that appear on our skin:
1. "Genetic wrinkles" (intrinsic wrinkles)
this is,Wrinkles that naturally appear as we ageUnfortunately, the important components that keep our skin firm and elastic - "collagen" (like a bed spring that supports your skin) and "elastin" (a rubber-like fiber) - peak in our 20s and then gradually decrease. This causes the foundation of our skin to weaken, making it more susceptible to wrinkles.
It is also called "genetic" because the skin type and bone structure inherited from parents also affect it. For example, if you have skin that is prone to dryness or a bone structure that is prone to facial wrinkles in certain places, wrinkles may appear earlier or more deeply than others.
Typical genetic wrinkles:
- Fine, shallow wrinkles that appear around the corners of the eyes and mouth
- Nasolabial folds that deepen with age
- Wrinkles that appear on the forehead and between the eyebrows, regardless of facial expression
While it's difficult to avoid these types of wrinkles completely, there are steps you can take to slow their progression and reduce their appearance!
2. "Situational Wrinkles" (Extrinsic Wrinkles)
This is,Wrinkles caused by daily habits and external stimuliThey are also sometimes called "environmental wrinkles." In other words, they are wrinkles that you can control to some extent, depending on your own behavior and environment.
The main causes are:
- UV damage:The ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight are the biggest enemy that destroys collagen and elastin in the skin! Also known as "photoaging," they are a major cause of wrinkles and sagging skin. They are like an invisible attack that slowly damages skin tissue.
- dry:When your skin becomes dry, the stratum corneum on the surface hardens and loses its flexibility. When this happens, even the slightest facial movement can easily cause fine wrinkles (dryness lines).
- Facial expressions:Unconscious facial expressions such as furrowing your brow, pursing your mouth, or resting your chin on your hand can cause continued stress in the same areas, resulting in permanent wrinkles.
- smoking:Smoking produces a lot of "active oxygen" (bad stuff that rusts cells) in the body, accelerating skin aging. It also constricts blood vessels and reduces blood circulation, making it harder for the skin to get the nutrients and oxygen it needs.
- Lack of sleep and poor nutritional balance:Poor quality sleep and lack of nutrition disrupt skin turnover (the regeneration of new skin cells) and reduce the skin's ability to repair itself.
- Skin care mistakes:Scrubbing your face or using cosmetics that do not suit your skin can also put strain on your skin and cause wrinkles.
Because situational wrinkles have many different causes, you can tackle them from many different angles!
4 effective wrinkle care habits you can start today!
So, what kind of care should you take specifically? Here are four points that even beginners can easily start with.
1. Take thorough measures against UV rays all year round!
This is true for all types of wrinkles.The most important and basic careUV rays are not just in the summer, they are present all year round, and they can even get in through windows on cloudy days or indoors.
- Wear sunscreen every day:When you go out, of course, but even when you spend time indoors, you should apply sunscreen to exposed areas such as your face, neck, and the back of your hands. Check the SPF value (an index of effectiveness in blocking UVB rays) and PA value (an index of effectiveness in blocking UVA rays) and choose a sunscreen that suits the situation. For everyday use, SPF30 and PA+++ are often sufficient.
- Don't forget physical guards:Use hats, parasols, sunglasses, and clothing with UV protection to double your protection from UV rays.
As the saying goes, "Every little bit counts," so the way you protect yourself from UV rays every day will have a big impact on your skin years or even decades down the line. Keep doing it little by little, with the intention of "saving your skin"!
2. “Moisturizing” strengthens the skin's moisture barrier!
When the skin becomes dry, its barrier function (the ability to protect the skin from external stimuli) decreases, making it easier for fine wrinkles to appear and causing all kinds of skin problems. Make sure to moisturize your skin thoroughly to fill it with moisture.
- Moisturize immediately after washing your face:After washing your face, your skin is in a state where moisture can easily evaporate. Use toner to replenish moisture, then seal in the moisture with an oil-based lotion or cream to prevent moisture from escaping.
- Focus on moisturizing ingredients:Cosmetics containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (a sponge-like ingredient that holds a lot of moisture) and ceramide (a cement-like ingredient between bricks that fills the spaces between cells and prevents moisture from evaporating) are recommended as they enhance the skin's moisturizing power.
During seasons or places where dryness is a concern, it's a good idea to use a humidifier or frequently spray mist lotion on your skin.
3. "Review your lifestyle habits" to develop beautiful skin from within
To have beautiful skin, it is very important to care for it not only from the outside, but also from the inside. A healthy lifestyle will strengthen the foundation of your skin and make it less susceptible to wrinkles.
- Balanced diet:
- protein:Be sure to eat plenty of meat, fish, eggs, and soy products, as these are the materials that make up skin cells.
- Vitamin C:It helps produce collagen and suppresses the production of melanin, which causes spots. It is abundant in fruits (strawberries, kiwi, citrus fruits, etc.) and vegetables (paprika, broccoli, etc.).
- Vitamin A (beta-carotene):It keeps the skin and mucous membranes healthy. It is found in large amounts in green and yellow vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, spinach, etc.).
- Vitamin E:It promotes blood circulation and has antioxidant properties (the ability to protect the body from active oxygen). It is found in nuts, avocados, vegetable oils, etc.
- Quality Sleep:Growth hormone secreted during sleep promotes skin turnover and repairs damage sustained during the day. Make sure you get at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep and avoid using your smartphone before going to bed to improve the quality of your sleep.
- No smoking and drinking in moderation:Smoking is the enemy of beautiful skin! It increases active oxygen, destroys vitamin C, and impairs blood circulation. Drinking too much alcohol also robs the body of moisture, causing dryness and reducing the quality of sleep, so be careful.
- Moderate exercise:It improves blood circulation, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach every corner of your skin. It also helps relieve stress, helping you maintain a healthy mind and body.
4. Focus on your facial muscles and gently massage them
Unconscious facial expressions can also cause wrinkles to deepen. First, start by noticing your facial expressions. For example, do you frown when working on a computer, or do you turn down the corners of your mouth when looking at your smartphone?
In addition, massaging the facial muscles (facial muscles) also promotes blood circulation and helps prevent and improve wrinkles.Do not overdo it or rub too hardIt can damage your skin or even cause it to sag.
- When massaging, be sure to apply cream or oil to make the area slippery.
- The key is to use the pads of your fingers, gently and slowly, using just enough pressure that feels comfortable.
- Facial exercises that involve moving your mouth widely to say "a, i, u, e, o," or practicing consciously raising the corners of your mouth are easy and recommended.
Summary: How to live well with wrinkles
Wrinkles are evidence of the various experiences we have had as we age. It may be difficult to completely eliminate them, but by understanding their types and causes and persevering with care that suits you, it is entirely possible to slow down their progression and make existing wrinkles less noticeable.
The important thing is"Don't give up" and "Keep having fun"The care methods we introduced today are not special, but can be done with a little effort every day. Why not try incorporating at least one of them today and start "preserving your skin" for your future self?
While I was writing this article, I realized that I was tensing my brow while working on the computer (laughs). UV protection and moisturizing are especially important, they are the most basic of the basics. I would like to continue to do so together with you all!
This article is based on the following original articles and is summarized from the author's perspective:
Genetic Wrinkles vs. Situational Wrinkles (& 4 Ways
To Tend To Them