How to prevent wrinkles

What can you actually prevent?

Wrinkles are creases in the skin. As skin ages, it becomes thinner, loses fat and holds less moisture, so it looks less plump and smooth. Healing can also take longer. Collagen, the protein that gives skin structure and support, becomes less plentiful, while the supporting network of collagen and elastic fibers loosens. Prevention focuses on limiting damage that brings these changes forward, especially sunlight and smoke. Normal aging is not a skincare failure, despite the ambitious job descriptions on cream jars.23

Protect your skin from the sun every day

Sunlight is a major cause of premature skin aging. Ultraviolet light, or UV, damages the fibers that support skin, including collagen. Repeated damage contributes to wrinkles. Sun protection belongs in an ordinary day of errands, not just a beach day.23

• Apply sunscreen every day to skin not covered by clothing. Choose broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.
• Wear protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Clothing with a UPF label identifies its ultraviolet protection factor.
• Seek shade and limit time in the sun when it is strongest.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. If you want a tan, use self tanner instead of tanning with UV.

Include exposed areas beyond your face. Wrinkles commonly develop on the hands, neck and arms too. Hats, clothing and sunscreen work together; facial skincare does not cover everything else merely by association.24

Build a gentle daily routine

1. 1Cleanse gently in the morning and evening, and after sweating. Avoid scrubbing, including when removing makeup.
2. 2Apply moisturizer after cleansing to keep skin hydrated. Oily skin needs moisturizer too.
3. 3Use sunscreen during the day. A moisturizer containing broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher can combine hydration and sun protection.
4. 4Remove makeup before going to sleep, then cleanse and moisturize.

Moisturizer traps water in skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. Hydration and wrinkle treatment are different jobs: a cream that improves dryness is not automatically a treatment for deeper folds. Many products promise to revitalize aging skin or reduce wrinkles, but only a few have FDA approval for sun damaged or aging skin. A crowded shelf of promises is still not the same thing as stopping time.13

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke

Smoking makes skin age faster, causing wrinkles and sagging. It also reduces oxygen reaching the skin, leaving the complexion looking dull. The amount smoked and the number of years spent smoking both contribute to wrinkling. Avoid secondhand smoke as well as smoking yourself.346

Quitting helps skin heal and look healthier. Blood flow improves within a few days, bringing skin more oxygen and nutrients. Wrinkles may become less noticeable, and your complexion can brighten. Those changes are reasons to stop even if lines have already appeared, rather than treating prevention as something you missed your chance to do.6

Which other habits help?

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Limited research suggests this may help prevent damage associated with premature aging; diets high in sugar or refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging. Drink less alcohol, which dehydrates and damages skin. Moderate exercise most days of the week may improve skin's appearance through better circulation. Sunglasses also reduce squinting, a repeated muscle movement that can eventually leave permanent lines.1

Does oily skin prevent wrinkles?

Oily skin tends to be thicker and have fewer wrinkles, and natural oil helps preserve skin. That does not make oily skin exempt from aging or sun damage. Keep moisturizing and wearing sunscreen rather than trying to dry away every trace of oil. For oily skin, choose products labeled oil free or noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores, and use a gentle face wash. A harsh cleanser can irritate skin and trigger more oil production.5

Do you need a wrinkle cream?

Wrinkle treatment is optional. Retinoid creams can improve skin texture and support collagen production; prescription tretinoin is one treatment for wrinkles. Creams containing alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, are another option. These treatments address existing wrinkles rather than replacing daily sun protection. Before starting treatment, discuss the skincare, medicines and supplements you already use with your clinician so potential interactions can be considered.24

Stop using nonprescription skincare that burns or stings: irritation can make skin look older. Some prescription wrinkle treatments can sting, so tell the prescribing dermatologist if that happens. Do not apply the same stop rule to a prescription without discussing it with them.1

What if you already have wrinkles?

Wrinkles usually do not need medical treatment. If skin seems to be wrinkling unusually early or faster than expected for your age, speak to a healthcare professional. If you want existing lines treated, a dermatologist can discuss creams and procedures. Options include resurfacing for early wrinkles, botulinum toxin for some muscle related lines, and injections that fill wrinkles or stimulate collagen. The choice depends on the type of wrinkle, not just how noticeable it is.4