One of the biggest myths about dry skin is that it causes wrinkles. Newsflash, it doesn’t — and that’s why we’re setting the facts straight on the connection between dry skin and wrinkles. Keep reading to find out where the skincare misinformation comes from and get some helpful tips on how to prevent signs of aging, including the best serums and moisturizers to hydrate your skin.  

Is There a Connection Between Dry Skin and Wrinkles?

Here’s the deal: dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles. The reason why it’s a common misconception is because dry skin can accentuate common skin concerns related to aging. When skin is dry, skin concerns like wrinkling, creping, sagging and flaking appear exaggerated because the skin lacks moisture. 

“People with dry skin may show the signs of aging earlier than their oilier skin friends because dry skin needs hydration and moisturizers to soften the fine lines from aging,” says Dr. Susan Van Dyke, a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona. When skin is moisturized or oily, wrinkles are less prominent and the skin appears plump and smooth. 

If you have dry skin, it’s important to apply generous amounts of moisturizer. Also, try using thick formulas, which tend to be more moisturizing. We like the Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Cream for Face and Neck, which contains hyaluronic acid to soak up moisture and vitamin A to help soften existing wrinkles and lines. 

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, including the below. 

UV Exposure

We know you love a sun-kissed 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 love the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid because it leaves skin hydrated while it protects with broad-spectrum SPF 30. 

If you’re not willing to give up your summer tan just yet, reach for a self-tanner, like the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops, which give you a gorgeous glow without the sun damage. 

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 and antioxidant serums, such as the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dullness Vitamin C Serum, work to reduce the unwanted effects of city pollution.

Natural Aging

Aging is a natural part of life. 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 breakdown 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 also become more prominent with aging. That being said, you can stock up on anti-aging formulas and retinol creams like SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Face Cream that improve the appearance of visible signs of aging and pores.

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

Read More:

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