Does Dry Skin Lead to Wrinkles?

Dry skin can magnify the signs of aging and make you appear older than you really are, but does it lead to wrinkles? We’re breaking down this beauty myth, talking about dry skin and wrinkles, and giving you tips to help beat the signs of aging ahead!

It’s a widely accepted beauty myth that dry skin leads to wrinkles. But the reality is that the main cause of aging skin is predominantly sun exposure, followed by things such as smoking, pollution and genetics. Over time, such exposure breaks down the collagen that keeps the skin looking youthful and plump. But while dry skin doesn’t directly cause wrinkles, it certainly accentuates them. Contrarily, when skin is moisturized properly, wrinkles are less prominent because the skin is hydrated and smooth. 

But first what is dry skin? 

Dry skin doesn't produce sebum or oil. Because skin relies on oil to hold moisture in, without it, skin can appear rough and flaky — and wrinkles are more pronounced. Dry skin can lead to a damaged barrier function, increasing sensitivity and inflammation, and causing a breakdown of collagen. Look for skincare products with ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil to keep dry skin at bay and use a mild cleanser when washing.

So, if it’s not dry skin...

What causes wrinkles?

The following genetic factors and environmental aggressors are directly responsible for causing wrinkles.

Exposure to UV rays

Your quest for the perfect summer glow can leave you with long-lasting, negative skin side effects. The UVA and UVB rays accelerate the breakdown of collagen and the premature development of wrinkles and sagging. Be sure to lather your face in sunscreen daily, no matter the season.

Smoking cigarettes

Tobacco’s effects on your heart, lungs, and overall lifespan are well-known. Tobacco smoke contains more than 3,800 different chemical components, many of which can damage tissues directly or interfere with chemical processes necessary to keep those tissues healthy. The same chemicals cause wrinkles and other premature aging of your skin.

Pollution

Pollution can be a serious skin-stressor when it comes to aging, especially if you live in a city. From the smog to the pollution, free radicals contribute to clogged pores, breakouts, and loss of collagen. Sunscreen, antioxidant serums, and anti-pollution supplements all work to reduce the unwanted effects of city pollution. Try a skin clearing clay mask to detox your skin and help fight environmental aggressors like smog and pollution. 

Natural aging

As your skin ages with time, it loses moisture and decreases its collagen and elastin production— two key components that make skin appear plump and youthful. The result is an increase in skin’s sagging and wrinkling. Stock up on skincare ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid to combat the natural lines in your face becoming more prominent as you age.

Tips to prevent wrinkles

Reversing the appearance of wrinkles once you have them can be a challenge. But there are steps you can take and lifestyle changes you can make to slow down their appearance. Following are 8 tips to prevent wrinkles.

1. Use the right skincare products for your skin type. Pay attention to what kind of skin you have -- is it oily? Dry? Acne-prone? Using products that cater to those issues will keep your skin healthier overall. 

2. Always wash your face before bed. No matter what, you always have to wash off the day's makeup, oil, and bacteria. Before bed, you should cleanse, exfoliate, tone, and apply a serum with anti-aging properties under your moisturizer. These are all important steps in a natural skincare routine. 

3. Get regular facials. A monthly deep pore cleansing in the form of a facial is a great investment for your skin. Facials not only prevent aging, but destroy bacteria to prevent breakouts. 

4. Don’t skip eye cream. Using an eye cream can prevent the formation of wrinkles in the eye area, which is the first part of the face that shows signs of aging. 

5. Eat foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants not only fight aging from the inside, they're high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and a good source of vitamins -- hello superfoods! Load up on foods like leafy green veggies, fruits, salmon, avocados, and nuts. 

6. Drink lots of water. Water needs can vary according to your body weight, activity level, health status, and temperature outside, but a good rule of thumb to follow is 13 cups a day for men and 9 cups for women.

7. Always wear sunscreen. Sun protection is without question the best way to prevent aging. Use a mineral sunscreen sprayevery single day of the year, not just when it's sunny. 

8. Get your beauty sleep. Sleep is the time when your body repairs the damage from the day, and interrupting that process can slow down cell turnover and interfere with proper blood flow to the skin. Lack of sleep can also aggravate skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. 

Dry skin can make you appear older than you really are. As we age, dry skin tends to be more noticeable due to lower levels of oil and lipids in the skin. The support structure of the skin then breaks down, causing fine lines and wrinkles. If your skin is dry, it can make the signs of aging appear prematurely. It’s important that you keep your skin hydrated to slow down the signs of aging on the outside. Just a few simple changes to your daily skincare routine and your diet can help prevent wrinkles and make a huge difference in the overall appearance of your skin.

SHOP HERBAL DYNAMICS BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR DRY SKIN