DOES DRY SKIN CAUSE WRINKLES?

Experts explain the connection between dryness and aging.

In addition to applying sunscreen daily and cleansing morning and evening, keeping your skin moisturized is one of the most important things you can do for your complexion. Not only does a hydrated, moisturized face have a stronger barrier—making it less susceptible to damage—but it can directly impact your appearance. Even if your skin is only mildly dry, you’re apt to notice more dullness, laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles. For a quick explainer on why this happens and what you can do about it, read on.

Does Dry Skin Cause Wrinkles?

Dry skin won’t directly cause wrinkles to form, but it can make them more noticeable. 

“Wrinkling represents over years of repetitive skin folding and moving as we use the muscles of facial expressions,” explains Anar Mikailov, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder of Skintensive. “In parallel, as UV damage accumulates, collagen and elastin production slows down and the extracellular matrix that provides structural support for our skin is damaged.” 

However, when skin isn’t properly hydrated and moisturized, it can exacerbate the appearance of any existing fine lines and wrinkles. Further, Dr. Mikailov explains that dull, dry, and flaky skin won’t reflect light as well, which can highlight textural issues such as wrinkling. Plus, your complexion won't look as radiant!

Why Moisturized Skin Looks Younger 

When skin is dry, skin cells that hold onto moisture become depleted and contract. For a visual, think of a balloon that was once full and taut that, over time, deflates and shrivels. When you hydrate your skin, you help plump up these cells which can make fine lines and wrinkles less apparent. It can even help with the appearance of firmness and overall brightness. 

“Hydration is a key factor in minimizing the appearance of wrinkles,” notes Sage Hallman, an aesthetic nurse specialist at SkinSpirit. “It can replenish skin’s tissues and provide a more plump, hydrated appearance, and can make fine lines or wrinkles less noticeable. It also allows skin to be more soft and supple during movement, which can also make fine lines or wrinkles less noticeable.” 

Dr. Mikailov agrees, adding that the change is actually pretty remarkable. You’ll see and feel a difference right away, and with consistent hydration over time you’ll see an even bigger difference in your skin’s youthfulness. That’s not to say every single wrinkle will disappear, but you’ll definitely see improvement. 

How to Moisturize Skin to Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles 

When we talk about moisturizing skin, there are actually three different components at play: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. 

Humectants, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, attract moisture to the skin while emollients provide a boost of moisture to the skin’s surface. Occlusives lock in all the above to reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), which helps keep skin plump, bouncy, and supple for longer.

You need all three types to tackle the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A good example of what this looks like includes cleansing your face, applying a hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin (flooding), applying a non-active moisturizer, then a thin layer of petroleum jelly (slugging) on top.

Dr. Mikailov says that if you do this consistently—at least once or twice per day—you’ll see a difference. “Within a week the skin should be able to retain hydration and moisture better, and the skin should also experience less transepidermal water loss,” he says. 

More Tips to Prevent Dry Skin

The above moisturizing routine can help your skin look more youthful in a matter of a week or two. It’s also important to protect and nourish your skin in other ways to prevent damage, dryness, and irritation. 

• Wear Sunscreen: Wear and SPF of 30 or higher every single day and reapply once every two to four hours. Make sure to get your neck, ears, chest, and anywhere else that’s exposed. Hallman says, “Skin should also be protected from the sun and moisture loss that can occur through sun-exposure and heat. Protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and most importantly, sunscreen are of utmost importance.”
• Cleanse Daily: Wash your face with a gentle, hydrating cleanser in the mornings and evenings. This nixes dirt, grime, product, and oil, and provides a blank slate for the rest of your skincare regimen. Dr. Mikailove recommends cleansing milk, oil, cream, or balm over foams and gels. 
• Exfoliate Weekly: As we get older, our bodies become less proficient in skin cell turnover. This means we can accumulate lots of dead skin cells on the surface of our skin, which can exacerbate dullness and wrinkles. It can also make it more difficult for other products, including moisturizers, to absorb. Exfoliating weekly with a chemical or physical exfoliant makes a huge difference. 
• Avoid Drying Ingredients: Avoid drying and potentially irritating ingredients in your skincare, like fragrances and dyes. “Also, avoid using really hot water to cleanse your skin as that can strip the skin naturally of its moisture,” Dr. Mikailov says.

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2023-06-07T19:38:40Z dg43tfdfdgfd