There is so much conflicting information out there when it comes to skin care, making it difficult to know what you should actually believe. 

When it comes to skin aging, and the wrinkles that accompany this, here are some of the most common myths that you should definitely stop believing.

‘I have oily skin, so I don’t need to worry about wrinkles’

In theory, it is easy to see why people believe this myth…

If your skin is being kept naturally moisturized and hydrated, then surely this will keep wrinkles at bay? 

Unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that…

Wrinkles will develop no matter your skin type. However, those with oily skin tend to have a thicker and heavier dermis than those with dry skin. While you may not experience the same amount of crinkly fine lines as those with dry skin, the wrinkles that do develop are likely to be deeper, due to your thicker skin.

So, while your oily skin may save you from a few extra fine lines, wrinkles are still going to appear. 

‘I can’t control my wrinkles since they are genetic’

So much of your skin is determined by genetics, but is this the case for wrinkles too? 

Well, while your genetics may play a small role in determining the age at which your wrinkles start to develop, wrinkles are mostly influenced by environmental factors. 

Sun exposure is the main factor responsible when it comes to wrinkles, with experts believing that up to 90% of facial wrinkles is caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays. 

How come the sun is so influential? 

Because sun exposure leads to the breakdown of the collagen and elastin in your skin. These two proteins are responsible for your skin’s firmness and elasticity, meaning that a loss of these results in fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and more. 

Research shows that people who use sunscreen regularly are 24% less likely to develop deep wrinkles than those who don’t use sunscreen in the correct way.

Other studies have been carried out on twins, to determine once and for all how big a role genetics play when it comes to aging. 

The results? 

Again, environmental factors were shown to have the biggest influence over this. In addition to sun exposure, other environmental factors that lead to wrinkles include: 

• Smoking
• Weight 
• Depression 
• Stress 
• Poor diet 

Want to overcome what your genetics say about your wrinkles? 

The answer is to lead a lifestyle that is as healthy as possible. 

‘I spend most of my day indoors, so I don’t need to worry about the sun causing wrinkles’

Many people are already well aware of the fact that sun exposure leads to wrinkles, which is why sun protection is so important. 

However, many also believe that if they spend the majority of their day indoors, then sun exposure isn’t something that they need to worry about. 

Unfortunately, this isn’t true…

Unless you are spending your days in a dark room, without any windows to let in light, then sun exposure is still something that requires your attention. 

The sun’s UVA rays are able to penetrate through glass, and these are the rays that target the deeper layers of your skin and cause a more permanent level of destruction to your collagen and elastin. 

If you spend your days sitting at a desk by a window, then you will likely notice, at least in your later years, that the side of your face exposed to the sun is the side that has developed more, and deeper, wrinkles. 

The best way to prevent this from happening and fully protect your skin from the sun’s rays is by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, even if you plan on staying indoors.

If you often forget to apply a sunscreen, it could be worth opting for a day moisturizer that also contains SPF, so that you can be sure that your skin is always able to enjoy a certain level of protection. 

‘I should wait until wrinkles appear before starting to use anti-aging products’

Anti-aging products can be so effective, but many are confused about when they should begin to use them. 

Should you be waiting until you actually have wrinkles before starting an anti-aging skin care routine? 

No, you should start using these products as early on as possible. 

Why? 

Because although your skin produces plenty of collagen, elastin and more while it is young, the rate at which it does so begins to slow down as you age, with this decline beginning in your mid 20’s. 

By the time you reach your 30’s or 40’s and start to see wrinkles appearing, this means that a significant amount of your collagen and elastin has already been lost. 

As you probably already know, prevention is better than cure, and this applies to anti-aging products too. 

In order to really keep wrinkles at bay, you need to start using anti-aging products in your 20’s. This will help to keep your collagen and elastin levels elevated, meaning that not only will you be able to delay the onset of wrinkles, but you will also prevent them from forming deeply. 

‘Sunbeds cause fewer wrinkles than tanning under the sun’

So many people strive to achieve a more tanned complexion, believing that sunbeds are a safer way to go about doing this than tanning the skin under the sun, especially when it comes to preventing wrinkles. 

Is this true? 

No, both sunbeds and the sun’s UV rays damage the collagen in your skin, resulting in wrinkles. 

The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, while tanning beds differ depending on the bed you choose. Some also emit both types of rays, while others only produce UVB rays. These are the sunbeds that are now being touted as the healthier alternative to tanning under the sun. 

However, even if a sunbed only emits UVB rays, which are the ones that are known for causing skin cancer, the rate at which you develop wrinkles will still be accelerated. 

No matter which method you choose, tanning your skin will lead to premature skin aging. 

What should you do if you are desperate for a tan? 

There are so many safe, sunless tanning options out there that you can opt for instead. From tanning wipes to tanning lotions, new formulas mean that these products are now more effective than ever, so give these a try before heading off for your next sunbed appointment. 

‘If I don’t smile, I won’t get wrinkles’

This is a myth perpetuated by many celebrities, all of whom say that smiling causes wrinkles. 

To a certain extent, this is true…

Just about every facial expression you make results in grooves forming in your skin. From frowning leading to forehead lines to smiling causing lines to appear down from your nose to your mouth, every time your facial muscles move, you will see some lines. 

When you are still young, these lines vanish as soon as your facial muscles relax again. However, as you get older, these lines end up sticking around, slowly turning into deeper wrinkles. 

However, it isn’t really the smiling that is causing this…

The wrinkles are all down to your skin losing its elasticity, which would have happened anyway. 

Rather than keeping a permanently serious look on your face, you would be better off investing in products and treatments that increase your skin’s elasticity, so that you can smile to your heart’s content without having to worry about wrinkles forming. 

‘The more expensive a wrinkle treatment is, the more effective it will be’

It is easy to believe that the skin care products accompanied by soaring price tags are better than cheaper alternatives, but this isn’t necessarily true. 

While some pricey products are definitely higher in quality, others can actually be pretty useless. 

So how do you know whether a wrinkle treatment is any good or not? 

The key is to take a look at the list of ingredients within each product.

Ideally, a wrinkle treatment should contain a few potent active ingredients, as well as other proven anti-aging ingredients. 

Ingredients to look out for when it comes to treating wrinkles include: 

• Niacinimide – also known as vitamin B3, this antioxidant helps to maintain the skin’s moisture levels and boost elasticity 
• Vitamin C – protects the skin from damage while healing damaged skin cells. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant 
• Retinol – a form of vitamin A, retinol is one of the most effective ingredients out there for clearing away wrinkles
• Peptides – help to form bonds between collagen fibers, keeping the skin smooth and firm 
• Green Tea – packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Coenzyme Q10 – protects the skin while minimizing fine lines and preventing the formation of deep wrinkles

As long as a product contains a high concentration of powerful anti-aging ingredients, then it is likely to be effective. Always make sure that you choose a product based on its ingredients rather than its high price tag. 

‘My diet has nothing to do with the formation of wrinkles on my skin’

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and the food that you eat is what feeds it. Your diet and your skin are directly linked, meaning that an unhealthy diet will more than likely result in accelerated skin aging.

This is especially true for foods that contain high amounts of sugar, along with items such as white bread and pasta. 

Why? 

Because when the sugars from these foods enter into your bloodstream, they bind with the collagen and elastin in your skin, causing them to break down. This then leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, along with sagging skin. 

All of this also has the effect of making your skin more susceptible to sun damage, which, once again, will accelerate the rate at which your skin ages. 

On the other hand, a healthy diet will help to keep your skin wrinkle-free for longer. 

What does a healthy, skin-boosting diet consist of? 

Try incorporating more of the following ingredients into your meals: 

• Kale and spinach – both of these leafy greens contain phytonutrients, which are antioxidants that help to protect the skin from sun damage, while also improving skin elasticity 
• Blueberries – higher in antioxidants than just about every other food out there, blueberries give the skin so much protection from environment damage, helping to prevent against the loss of firmness and elasticity 
• Oily fish – fish such as salmon and sardines are packed with omega fatty acids. These strengthen the skin’s layers, helping with moisture retention, while also reducing inflammation 
• Green tea – not only is green tea a skin care powerhouse when used topically, but drinking this brew will also help to counter sun damage and clear away wrinkles
• Healthy oils – from avocado oil to olive oil, these healthy oils are another fantastic source of omega fatty acids. Just make sure the oil you choose is cold-pressed, as this enables it to retain the majority of its nutrients

Making dietary changes can be difficult, especially if you have been eating a certain way for your entire life. 

The key is to start off small, replacing an unhealthy component of your meal with one of the above skin-boosting ingredients. Do this each week, slowly adding in more healthy ingredients until your plate is one that you can be truly proud of! 

When it comes down to it, aging, as well as wrinkles, are an inevitable part of life. However, while you may not be able to completely stop wrinkles from appearing, the rate at which they do appear, as well as how deep they are, is all under your control. By making the right lifestyle and skin care choices, you will be able to keep wrinkles at bay for longer, giving you the chance to enjoy your youthful complexion for years to come.