Combating the signs of aging: reducing wrinkles and restoring a healthy, youthful look

Forehead wrinkles are one of the common signs of skin aging

Fine lines, forehead wrinkles, nasolabial folds, eye wrinkles… Wrinkle is one of the first visible signs of skin aging and it inevitably makes you look older. It is easy for makeup products to settle into wrinkles and make them even more noticeable. In this article, we are going to explain the causes of wrinkles and share anti-aging skincare solutions.

What causes wrinkles?

The causes of these folds or creases in our skin can be broken down into internal and external factors. The dermis layer of our skin is composed of collagen, fibroblast, elastin, hyaluronic acid etc., these key components are what make our skin elastic and bounce back to its original state after pressure. As we age, the elastin and collagen break down, resulting in a loss of hyaluronic acid and thinning of the dermis. This is when skin loses its firmness and becomes saggy with wrinkles.

Apart from the above internal factors, there are several external factors causing wrinkles:

1) Ultraviolet (UV) rays: constant exposure under the sun will result in what we call as “photoaging”. The UVA rays in the sun will damage collagen and elastin in skin cells, causing wrinkling of the skin. Studies show that among the factors of skin aging, 80% is attributed by the exposure to UV rays¹.

2) Dehydration: the itchiness, the flaking, the cracked skin… we all have experienced the troubles brought by dry skin, but actually dry skin is also one of the reasons for wrinkles and fine lines to develop. Therefore, it is essential to replenish thirsty skin in your daily skincare routine to strengthen the skin barrier and lock the moisture in. Drinking sufficient water everyday is also an important and effective way to hydrate your skin.

3) Pollutants: just like the UV rays, the free radicals in polluted air will damage the collagen and elastin in skin cells. The results are visible – wrinkles, fine lines, saggy skin and so on. To protect your skin from the pollutants, develop a habit of cleansing your skin everyday, apply skincare products with anti-pollution function is also a good idea.

4) Daily habits: wrinkles do not develop overnight but are results of unhealthy lifestyle and undesirable habits. Lack of water intake during the day and lack of sleep during the night will result in skin dullness and dryness. If you have a sweet tooth, avoid having too much sugary food as the collagen in your skin will break down easily because of glycation, which results in wrinkles and sagginess. In addition, facial expressions such as squinting, frowning or laughing will cause creases that deepen overtime. Also be gentle on your skin when removing make-up or taking off contact lens – rubbing or pulling your skin vigorously will cause fine lines to develop as well.

At Kiehl's, we formulate anti-aging products with powerful ingredients proven to be effective in combating the signs of aging. Incorporating them in your daily regimen to restore the youthful look and healthy glow of your skin.

Source of moisture - Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in moisturizers. It can penetrate the skin to nourish and lock in the moisture, and also stimulate the regeneration of collagen to improve the appearance of wrinkles. Kiehl's anti-aging serum Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum is formulated with 11kDa Hyaluronic Acid. Compared with normal-sized hyaluronic acid, this star ingredient has 20% stronger penetration ability which reaches up to 8 skin layers deep to restore skin's firmness and bounciness from within. Together with the Adaptogenic Herbal Complex which consists of Holy Basil, Red Ginseng and Schisandra Berry, it helps to soothe redness, stimulate the resurfacing of skin cells as well as reinforcing skin elasticity and resiliency. This serum corrects 8 signs of aging, including texture, radiance, dehydration, fine lines, pores, skin tone, elasticity and firmness. - an ideal choice for urban women who live a busy life.

Hyaluronic acid effectively removes forehead wrinkles

Booster of Skin Elasticity & Firmness - Pro-Xylane

Pro-Xylane is a notable ingredient when it comes to anti-aging. Derived from xylose, it is a sugar-molecule which stimulates collagen synthesis and improves the elasticity and resiliency of skin. It can also reduce wrinkles. Formulated with Pro-Xylane , the Super Multi-Corrective Cream adopts a targeted approach for firmer skin and lifted contour. Added with PhytoMimetic Vitamin A and Chaga Mushroom, it is clinically proven to reduce forehand wrinkles and nasolabial folds, skin becomes smoother and skin tone becomes more even and radiant.

The anti-aging ingredient ProXylane which is helpful in remove wrinkles.

Combat Dark Circles – Pure Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known for its power in strengthening the immune system. When used in skincare formulation, it serves as a brightening anti-oxidation agent. Vitamin C has an array of benefits, including brightening skin tone, boosting collagen production to reduce wrinkles and plump up the skin. It can also protect your skin from the damage of the free radicals and environmental stressors. In addition to the above serum and moisturizer, try our Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum formulated with 10% Pure Vitamin C to pamper your eye area! Apply it in the morning and night to visibly reduce fine lines, dark circles and puffiness . Embrace your youthful glow with brighter-looking eyes!

Pure Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, smoothes wrinkles and makes skin appear plumper.

There is one last step not to be overlooked. As UV rays speed up skin aging, applying sunscreen is important in your anti-aging efforts. As the last step of your daytime skincare routine, apply the Dermatologist Solutions Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA++++ to defend against UV rays, environmental pollutants and oxidative damage. On top of the triple defence, the Vitamin E in the formula neutralizes the effect of free radicals. Continuous usage also brings extra benefits – forehead wrinkles, marionette lines and nasolabial folds can be reduced.

Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Ultra Light Daily UV Defense can effectively improve forehead lines.

¹ Amaro-Ortiz, Alexandra & Yan, Betty & D'Orazio, John. (2014). Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 19. 6202-6219. 10.3390/molecules19056202.