As skin ages, collagen and elastin, fibers that keep the skin firm, weaken. The skin looks loose and lax, becomes thinner, and loses fat, so that it looks less plump and smooth. While all these changes are taking place, gravity is also at work, pulling at the skin and causing it to sag.

Can Wrinkles Be Avoided?
The sun is the major cause of unwanted changes in the skin with aging. How wrinkled your skin becomes depends largely on how much sun you have been exposed to in your lifetime. Cigarette smoking can also contribute to wrinkles. Wrinkles also depend on your parents - the tendency to wrinkle is inherited.

The good news is that many wrinkles can be prevented. Beginning in childhood, to avoid wrinkles caused by the sun:

·         Always wear sunscreen with SPF of at least 15

·         A hat with a brim and other protective clothing

·         Don't deliberately sunbathe

·         Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Remember that sun exposure as a child or teenager makes a big difference to the appearance of the skin at the age of 30, 40, or 50. If you have already sun-damaged your skin, you will still benefit from beginning sun protection as an adult. It's never too late.

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