Does Dry Skin Cause Wrinkles? The Answer Might Surprise You

Newsflash: dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles. It’s a myth that’s been thrown around in the beauty world for quite some time. But, after our deep dive into all things aging, we can assure you that just because you don’t have an oily complexion by no means implies that you’re destined for a face full of fine lines in years to come. Ahead, we’re setting the facts straight on the connection between dry skin and wrinkles — plus, helpful tips on how to keep signs of aging at bay. 

WHAT’S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DRY SKIN AND WRINKLES?

While dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles, it certainly accentuates them. When skin is dehydrated, issues like wrinkling, creping, sagging and flaking appear exaggerated. Contrarily, when skin is moisturized or oily, wrinkles are less prominent because the skin is hydrated and smooth. 

If you suffer from dry skin just be sure to apply very generous amounts of moisturizer. We like Lancôme’s Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream for a burst of hydration overnight that leaves your skin looking healthier and plumper come morning. 

SO, WHAT DOES CAUSE WRINKLES?

While a dry complexion isn’t a culprit of wrinkle formation, there are a handful of genetic factors and environmental aggressors that can wreak havoc on your skin. Thankfully, being informed about the way your body interacts with the environment can give you a leg up on combating signs of aging.  

Cause #1: UV Exposure 

We know you love a sunkissed glow, but baking under the sun — even if it’s just for a few months a year — can leave long-lasting, negative effects on your skin. The UVA and UVB rays accelerate the breakdown of collagen and the premature development of wrinkles and sagging. Make sure you apply (and reapply!) generous amounts of sunscreen to your face every day, no matter the season. We’ve been loving La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Clear Skin Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 60 and Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen. If you’re not willing to give up your summer tan just yet, reach for L’Oréal Paris’ Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Serum or Tan Luxe Illuminating Self Tan Drops. 

Cause #2: Pollution

Pollution can be a serious aggressor when it comes to aging, especially if you live in the city. From urban smog to second-hand smoke, pollution — specifically free radicals — can contribute to clogged pores, breakouts and a loss of collagen. Sunscreen, antioxidant serums and anti-pollution supplements all work to reduce the unwanted effects of city pollution. We also recommend using Kiehl’s Cilantro and Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Mask to help strengthen skin against environmental aggressors. 

Cause #3: Natural Aging

It’s a fact of life: you get older every day. And as time passes, your skin loses moisture and decreases its collagen and elastin production— two key components that make skin appear plump and youthful. Menopause can also cause many women to experience a deficiency in their main estrogenic hormone, B-Estradiol, which can cause a break down in the supportive fat that lies beneath the skin’s surface. The result is an increase in skin’s sagging and wrinkling. Laugh lines and smile lines will become more prominent with aging, which isn’t a bad thing! That being said, you can stock up on anti-aging formulas, retinol creams, like SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0,  and products that pack high levels of  hyaluronic acid. 

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