Over the years, you will see some of the signs of aged skin, such as increasing wrinkles. They can appear in the form of creases, folds, lines, and ridges in the skin. You will normally see them around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. As you age, your skin becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic; the natural levels of collagen and elastin in your skin deplete. If your skin is dehydrated or lack of water, even subtle wrinkles and fine lines will look more pronounced.
The Common Causes of Wrinkles
Skin that lacks moisture can cause wrinkles. Although not the main culprit, dehydrated skin can accentuate common skin concerns related to premature aging, like wrinkling, creasing, sagging, and flaking. With a lack of plumpness, dehydrated skin makes these skincare woes more visible on the surface. On the other hand, people with well-balanced or oily skin might appear to have fewer wrinkles as they benefit from moisturised, fuller skin that shields signs of aging peeping through.
Want to learn more about combating wrinkles and slowing down the signs of aging early on? Here’s your ultimate guide.
1. Genetic (Intrinsic Aging)
Intrinsic or ‘chronological’ skin aging is an inevitable, natural genetic process that gradually affects your skin’s appearance. Over time, your skin loses elasticity and collagen, whilst hormone levels start shifting. This leads to unwanted wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. The rate at which this happens is mainly hereditary. Some people start to develop fine lines or crow’s feet in their 20’s and 30’s. Others may only notice these in their 40’s as their skin structure weakens, triggering deeper wrinkles, and a loss of volume to the cheeks, eye area, and neck.
If your skin DNA naturally has a thicker layer of the dermis (where collagen and elastin are stored), skin appears more supple, and wrinkles won’t be so prominent. Some experts believe that facial shape also plays a role in keeping a well-preserved look, based on the specific location of fat. For example, Asians have more fat around the eyes, which prevents wrinkles in that area.
2. Extrinsic Aging
Time to swap sugary treats with antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables like papaya, berries, spinach and beans.
Whilst your skin is going through intrinsic aging, extrinsic aging is occurring behind the scenes. Extrinsic aging is a result of external factors that break down the skin’s natural barrier and encourage the onset of aging.
Among the most damaging of these external factors are UVA and UVB sun rays. Exposure to them accelerates the aging process. Penetrating deep into the skin, they diminish the all-important fibres and proteins that we rely on for a radiant complexion.
Other factors contribute to extrinsic skin aging to a lesser degree. Smoking and nicotine’s effects decrease blood flow and oxygen to the skin, even when inhaled second-hand. A poor diet can also lead to wrinkles, which is why dermatologists advise us to swap sugary treats with antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables like papaya, berries, spinach, and beans. Another factor to consider is environmental pollution. Microscopic contaminants present in air pollution strip the skin’s lipid barrier, leading to premature aging and pigmentation.
Skincare Ingredients that Fight Wrinkles
Find good skincare ingredients to help slow down the signs of aging.
With so many products on the market claiming to treat wrinkles and skin aging, it can be a bewildering process to find the right ones for you. That’s why it’s essential to know which skincare ingredients to look out for when building your routine.
Here are some of the most effective anti-aging ingredients on the market you can find today:
Hyaluronic Acid
Organically present in the skin, hyaluronic acid is the holy grail of anti-aging ingredients. When applied topically it provides ultimate hydration, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. How? This anti-aging hero helps our skin attract and retain moisture, resulting in a natural plumping effect.
We love AHC Hyaluronic Dewy Radiance Toner, a clear, moisturising toner to provide moisture vitality with 10 types of hyaluronic acids. It gives better more perfect moisture care from the inner to outer layers of skin. The brightening effect of glutathione and white plants ingredients in the toner makes your skin clear and glowing. After cleansing, dispense an appropriate amount onto a cotton pad or your hand and gently pat for absorption.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can’t reverse the appearance of wrinkles, but it can reduce premature aging by protecting the skin against damaging free radicals. This powerful antioxidant also stimulates collagen production, the naturally occurring protein that keeps your skin firm and vibrant.
We love AHC 365 Red Serum with its Vitamin C-rich elixir proven to take care of wrinkles. Vitalising the skin and providing a healthy glow, the product contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and marine collagen to refine and smooth. The star ingredient, Egyptian red hibiscus flower, helps to remove active oxygen, an element which stimulates skin aging. Say hello to targeted wrinkle care that works.
Niacinamide
AHC Eye Cream for Face range is the No. 1 eye cream in Korea
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient providing myriad beauty benefits. It improves skin texture, tightens pores, and restores the skin’s natural barrier. What’s more, it softens fine lines and wrinkles. With all these benefits, niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient, helping to turn back the years and restore youthful-looking skin!
We love AHC The Pure Real Eye Cream for Face, Korea’s No. 1 eye cream, with one sold every three seconds. The hypoallergenic formula contains 91% natural ingredients to improve elasticity and fight free radicals. It comprises niacinamide with wrinkle-targeting raspberry extract and fibre-rich rice extract, which replenish the skin with moisture and nourishment. For best results, use after cleansing in the morning and evening.
Ceramides
Ceramides are the natural lipids (fats) in your skin that keep it moist and protected against sunlight and environmental pollutants. Starting in your 30’s, your skin’s ceramide levels tend to deplete, leading to wrinkles, irritation, and rough skin. Products containing ceramides help to rejuvenate and seal in hydration, making them a valuable addition to a skincare routine for dehydrated skin.
We love AHC 365 Red Cream, the wrinkle-busting cream that leaves skin smooth and refined. Best applied after serum, it instantly absorbs into your skin, providing long-lasting hydration. The winning combination of ceramides, red hibiscus, and bound water embeds moisture into the skin, restoring a youthful texture. The addition of Damask rose butter takes this product to the next level, forming a thin moisture seal to keep the skin hydrated and ward off premature aging.
So, now you know the truth about one of the world’s most prominent skin concerns! There are different skincare ingredients that you can use to reduce wrinkles – remember that hydration is vital, even in aging skin. Check out what AHC has to offer and kick start your new anti-aging routine to treat your wrinkles today.