Does Moisturizing Prevent Wrinkles and Skin Aging?

Laugh lines. Crow’s feet. Frowny furrows. These are all lighthearted phrases given to one less-than-desirable trait: wrinkles. 

As we age, our healthy skin starts to lose collagen, which is the protein responsible for the skin’s ability to bounce back and remain taut. The skin’s natural oils also decrease production over time. As a result, elasticity diminishes, and wrinkles form [1]. 

But as the elixir of life is the key to so many other health factors, so too is water, one of the keys to wrinkle-free, healthier skin. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of hydrating for the prevention and treatment of wrinkles and answer the question, does moisturizing prevent wrinkles?

Moisturizing Habits to Prevent Wrinkles

Let’s face it. Regardless of your generational identity, it’s natural to dread changes when you look in the mirror. If you see a few extra facial crinkles that you could swear weren’t there before, your first thought might be, “how do I get rid of these?”

You may have heard that moisturizing is a miracle worker. The hard truth is, moisturizing alone won’t necessarily prevent wrinkles [2]. But, much can be done to minimize the appearance of fine lines, and keep them at bay for as long as physically possible.

That said, moisturizing does play a significant role in battling wrinkles [3].

Here are some recommended actions for preventing the progression of wrinkles and having smoother, brighter skin at any age:

• Moisturize – One of the main causes of wrinkles is not enough moisture in the skin [4]. Using products that aim to moisturize, or draw moisture back into dehydrated or unmoisturized skin, may help prevent or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 
• Drink lots of water – One of the best ways to hydrate skin layers and flush out toxins is by drinking a healthy dose of water every single day [5].
• Follow a daily skincare routine – Create a personalized skincare set for your skin’s type and needs to deliver vital nutrients that your skin needs to repair and thrive.
• Consume antioxidants – Routinely incorporate vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene into your diet, supplements, and products to help fight free-radical damage [6].
• Eat healthy foods – Fish, nuts, and seeds are natural sources of healthy fats and hydration that help boost the skin’s protective barriers [7].
• Avoid hot showers – Bathing in water that is too hot can dehydrate healthy skin, which can lead to the dehydrated state wrinkles thrive in [8].
• Stay out of the sun – Use makeup and skincare products with SPF, and wear shades to protect the thinner areas around your eyes from damaging UV rays [9].

The H2O Duo: Hydration and Moisturization

Let’s go into a little more depth on two main wrinkle-fighting strategies—hydrating and moisturizing—and iron out why they are so vital to the treatment of wrinkles. 

Hydration

• Absorb moisture and nutrients [10]
• Nourish the outer layer of the skin [11]

Adequate hydration helps minimize fine lines by nourishing the skin and keeping skin cells corpulent and moist. When your skin is sufficiently hydrated, it can carry out and support its necessary functions. Drinking plenty of water on a daily basis also promotes skin cell growth and improves blood flow [12].

Conversely, when skin is dry, it becomes flaky and dull. Wrinkles are most often found in drier skin conditions. But when there is enough moisture in the skin, it becomes more supple, rendering wrinkles less prominent [13].

Moisturization

• Fortify a protective barrier [14]
• Prevent them from losing water [15]

When you use a night cream with hydrating ingredients, it revives your dry skin by trapping the water and encouraging plumper skin cells [16]. For maximum benefit, moisturize not only your face, but also other areas of your body where the skin is prone to dryness and wrinkling, like your:

• Neck
• Décolletage
• Hands
• Shoulders
• Forearms
• Legs and feet 

Cleansing, exfoliating, using sunscreen, and moisturizing as part of a daily routine will make your skin appear smoother, feel more pliable, and have a healthy glow [17]. When your skin feels and looks radiant, you can rest assured that the underlying tissues, muscles, and organs are also benefiting from the replenished hydration and moisture reserves.

Uncover Smoother, Glowing Skin with PROVEN Skincare

Although wrinkles may feel like an unwelcome guest in your morning mirror session, they are a mark of the zest and emotions of life. But we understand that you want to balance these signs with the healthy glow hiding beneath the creases—and feed your skin the nourishment it craves. 

For that, turn to PROVEN Skincare. With clean, pure, scientifically formulated ingredients customized to your skin’s needs, you can look forward to seeing smoother, more resilient, vibrant skin the next time you look in the mirror. (Go ahead and smile. A few laugh lines are worth keeping.) 

Want to learn how to keep skin looking young? Take our personalized skin quiz today and receive a curated daily skincare routine with our clean-ingredient products made just for you.