Wrinkles are often associated with old age. However, certain factors can contribute to early aging of the skin, thus leading to wrinkles. Sometimes people as young as 20 can see wrinkles forming on their skin. Thankfully, it is possible to control the environmental factors that lead to the early signs of aging on the skin. With some precautions, it is possible to slow down the process of skin aging and avoid wrinkles. However, before that, it is essential to know about the factors that increase the risk of premature aging and lead to the development of wrinkles.

Exposure to the sun
The sun emits UVA and UVB rays which can be harmful to the skin. Overexposure to these rays can have the same effect on the skin as superficial thermal burns. The amount of exposure it takes to cause damage to the skin depends on various factors like age, skin color, and the total time of exposure. Excess exposure to these rays breaks the collagen fiber under the skin and leads to wrinkles. Covering the skin with sufficient clothing and applying ample amounts of sunscreen before stepping out in the open are some of the most effective ways to reduce the effects of the sun’s harmful rays on your skin.

Hormones
Some studies show that changes in the levels of hormones in men can be linked to the development of wrinkles. Although hormones are a factor that contributes to the development of wrinkles, there’s not enough evidence to show the effects of testosterone on the aging of the skin. Limited studies show that testosterone is responsible for maintaining the facial skin’s thickness in men. However, as the testosterone levels decrease with age, the elasticity of the skin also does down. Thus, it can lead to the formation of wrinkles.

Dehydration
People who drink less than 12 glasses of water a day put themselves at the risk of dehydration. A hydrated body keeps the skin moisturized. However, when the body is deprived of adequate hydration, it dries the skin up. Dry skin, eventually, becomes one of the main contributors to wrinkles.

Smoking
People who smoke face a high risk of developing wrinkles. Smoking hampers the production of the skin’s connective tissue and reduces the supply of blood to the skin. Thus, it accelerates the aging process of the skin, leading to wrinkles.

The color of the skin
Melanin is the pigment responsible for the coloring of the skin. This pigment is also responsible for protecting the skin from the damage caused by sun rays. People who have lighter skin tones have lesser melanin in their body as compared to people with darker skin. Therefore, people with light skin tones face a risk of developing wrinkles faster than people with darker skin tones.

Genetics
The genes that your family passes down to you will play a major role in the development of wrinkles. You can check your family history to see how and when different family members have developed wrinkles on their skin. It is possible to delay the appearance of fine lines, but there’s nothing you can do to stop their appearance.