As we get older, the collagen in the dermis — the next-to-the-top layer of the skin — changes character, so the skin feels thinner and stiffer.
Sun causes collagen to break down at a higher rate than with just chronologic aging. Sunlight damages collagen fibers and causes the accumulation of abnormal elastin. When this sun-induced elastin accumulates, enzymes called metalloproteases are produced in large quantities. Normally, metalloproteases remodel sun-injured skin by manufacturing and reforming collagen. However, this process does not always work well and some of the metalloproteinases actually break down collagen. This results in the formation of disorganized collagen fibers known as solar scars. When the skin repeats this imperfect rebuilding process over and over wrinkles develop.
Fine wrinkles form around the mouth and across the cheeks. Sun exposure is also the main cause of crow's feet, the wrinkles at the outside corners of the eyes.
Protecting your face from the sun is the single best way of keeping it youthful, so you need to put on sunscreen that protects against it and UVB light, which causes sunburn. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea.
A study completed recently by a group of scientists at the University of Michigan Medical School, investigated the effect hyaluronic acid has on individuals suffering from sun damaged skin.
The conclusions were that hyaluronic acid did appear to fill spaces in the skin’s structure. Not only that but injectable collagen fillers also appeared to stimulate the natural production of collagen as well.
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Sources: Harvard Health About.com University Michigan.