Understanding the Science of Wrinkles
Understanding the Science of Wrinkles
Wrinkles – they are awful, unwanted, and an all together nuisance; they are also the reason that people flock in droves to an Austin medical spa to investigate fillers, facials and other cosmetic procedures. But before you decide the best route for repairing your skin, you might want to ask the question, why do those lines find their way to your youthful face? What makes wrinkles appear in the first place?
Before you can understand the science of wrinkles, you must first grasp the make-up of the skin. There are three main layers to the skin, as we know it. There is the outermost, visible layer, which is referred to as the epidermis. This is the portion of the skin that is left exposed to the elements as one goes about his day to day routine. The second layer is the dermis. This is protected by the epidermis and is home to elastin. This, of course, is the element that makes it possible for the skin to stretch and mold itself as one makes different expressions and just generally moves. Collagen is also found here and will play a vital role in how young the skin appears, as do the sebaceous glands, which secrete the oils that are meant to keep the skin and hair moist and healthy. Finally, beneath the dermis is the subcutaneous layer. This is the anchoring layer of the skin that holds it in place by remaining well connected to the tissue beneath it. It is also home to the roots of hair follicles. All hairs begin in the subcutaneous layer.
When it comes to wrinkle formation, it is the dermis layer that is feeling the majority of the attack. The reason that the lines of age begin to show in one’s later years is because it is as a person ages that the necessary elements of skin health begin to diminish. The sebaceous glands can begin to fall out of their natural rhythm, producing less natural oil, leaving the skin dry and flaky and more susceptible to signs of aging. In addition to this, collagen levels begin to ebb. Collagen is a group of proteins that naturally occur within the body, but the level of production within the body slows as a person ages. It is meant to keep the skin firm, yet elastic. Combined with elastin, which also deteriorates with age, collagen allows the skin to retain its shape even as the body moves in thousands of different ways throughout the day. As both of these elements decrease, the epidermis shows the effects in the form of wrinkles. This is the reason Botox injections are given in Austin TX and other cities around this country, as a means of reducing the visual effects of collagen reduction.
In addition to the changes in the dermis, the subcutaceous layer also loses fat mass, which means that the natural fullness of the face and other areas of skin are allowed to sag and may develop more deep set wrinkles. There are several things that one can do to rejuvenate the skin and there are things that can be done to prevent early signs of aging. One of the most important things to do is to avoid excessive sun exposure. The rays can be damaging to those elements needed to defend against wrinkles. If you long for the darker hue, opt instead for spray tan.
