For all the focus we put on our facial skin care routines, it’s all too common to forget about other areas of the body. But, the chest and décolleté can show the signs of aging just as easily as the face can. The first step in combatting a sign of aging is to discover its source. We share five common causes of chest wrinkles below. Intrinsic AgingThe hands of time stop for no woman. So, it should come as no surprise that chest wrinkles can be caused by the same factor that causes wrinkles on other areas of the body: age. The natural aging process of the body causes a gradual decrease in collagen and elastin, leading to more visible fine lines and a loss of firmness. SmokingResearch shows that smoking causes skin all over the body to show premature signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration. If you smoke, cut the habit ASAP. DrynessAs we age our skin slows its process of creating natural oils. Since these natural oils—called sebum—help to hydrate the skin, lack of them can lead to dryness. When dry, skin can appear more wrinkled. Don’t forget to extend the moisturizers you use on your face down past your neck to your décolleté—or use products specifically created for this delicate area like this one from SkinCeuticals. Sleeping Habits“Sleep lines” are a result of years of repeating certain sleeping positions—on your side, specifically. Often these creases are temporary and will go away as the morning progresses, but after years and years of sleeping in the same position, they may make a more permanent home on your chest. To avoid crinkles on your décolleté, try sleeping on your back whenever possible. Sun ExposureWhile natural aging can gradually cause wrinkles, external factors can speed up the process. The number one external factor? The sun. Ultraviolet rays are one of the primary causes of early skin wrinkling. To avoid this, be sure to wear a broad spectrum SPF on any exposed area of skin each and every day.
