Fine Lines: What You Need to Know
Fine Lines: What You Need to Know
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The always-wise Dolly Parton once said (via her pivotal role as sassy hairstylist Truvy Jones in the classic chick flick "Steel Magnolias"), "Time marches on, and sooner or later you realize it's marching across your face." As depressing as that idea is, it's the truth. We can't stop the aging process from protruding on our lives in the form of fine lines and wrinkles. However, we can give aging a run for its money by educating ourselves on the factors that cause these dreaded cracks in our complexion and the solutions to keep them at bay for as long as possible. To help you put up a good fight, we're giving you the 411 on fine lines. 
1. They're equal-opportunity offenders. Have you heard the myth that claims that oily-skinned people don't get wrinkles as quickly as those of the drier variety? Not true. We're all at risk for developing premature lines and wrinkles, especially when we're not taking the proper precautions to keep the signs of aging at bay.
2. They're BFFs with the sun. Line formation can be accelerated by excessive sun exposure. So, while we love the sun and its warm, vitamin D-filled shine, it's no bueno for our mugs. Make sure to apply - and reapply - sunscreen every day. Your face will thank you.
Product Recommendations: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 40
3. They're a product of lack of elasticity and moisture. Over time, the production of elastin and collagen (the two things that keep our skin plump and supple) decreases, resulting in wrinkled, saggy skin. Don't panic. Equip yourself with a great night cream and/or serum and those not-so-cute effects will be kept where they belong: away from your face.
than our lung health. Those nasty little cigarettes can interfere with the blood flow in your skin and prevent important nutrients and oxygen from getting to your skin cells. Studies have also shown that smoking can negatively impact the fibers in your skin that give it elasticity and strength, therefore causing Turn that frown upside down! No really, you should. Facial movements like frowning, squinting and smiling can lead to wrinkles. Each time we make these expressions, they cause grooves in our facial muscles. Over time, our skin loses its ability to bounce back to place and these grooves become permanent marks on our lovely mugs. Try to be aware of constant squinting or frowning and remember the inevitable fate they carry. There is an exception to this rule: smiling. While excessive 4. Smoking can make them come sooner. We don't feel like we need to drive home the point that smoking is bad for you. We do feel we should let you know that they impact more premature fine lines. Moral of the story? Quit those cigs - as though we needed to tell you what you already knew!
5. Repeated facial expressions can cause them.smiling can also lead to wrinkles, we figure they're worth the formation of a line or two. Consider smile lines proof of a happy life.
Which of these fine-line facts was the most surprising? Tell us in the comments below!
Photo: thinkstock
