Should You Blame Smiling for Wrinkles?
As repetitive muscle movements can cause the skin to wrinkle, many believe that avoiding certain expressions like smiling can prevent wrinkling. Is there any truth to this? Does this mean you should avoid smiling to prevent lines and wrinkles?
What contributes to wrinkles While it is true that repeated facial movements can lead to wrinkles, it is not the only thing to blame. The natural aging process, which causes the skin to become less elastic, can result in wrinkles. Also, facial fat diminishes with aging, causing the skin to look loose and saggy with more pronounced wrinkles. A number of factors (you can and cannot control) can also contribute to wrinkle formation:
UV exposure – UV rays damage the collagen and elastin fibers, which accelerate the natural aging process. You should also know that sun exposure is the primary cause of skin damage and wrinkling. Smoking – This reduces the blood supply to the skin and damages the collagen, which speeds up the aging process.