Fine lines and wrinkles may sound like interchangeable terms, but they’re actually entirely different. So, what are fine lines? Fine lines are small, shallow creases that form on thin, delicate skin. Fine lines on your face are caused by repetitive movements you do every day, like frowning, smiling, squinting, or laughing. These lines often show up around your eyes and mouth first because you constantly use these facial expressions throughout the day.  From a scientific viewpoint, a fine line is less than two millimetres deep and is considered an early sign of ageing. However, these fine lines can deepen and develop into wrinkles as time passes.

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Wrinkles are essentially deeper versions of fine lines or, in some cases, untreated fine lines. Once a line goes deeper than two millimetres, it is officially a wrinkle. Unlike fine lines that are a product of repetitive movement, wrinkles result from decreased skin elasticity. And by the constant muscle contractions under your skin — making not just your face vulnerable to wrinkles but also your neck, chest, hands, knees, and elbows.  Even tiny muscle contractions can eventually pull your skin out of its natural position, and the connective tissue network gradually disappears with age.

Here at Vitruvian, we don’t subscribe to the messaging that younger is better or that ageing skin is a problem to be dealt with. Instead, as a skincare brand, we embrace the natural course of life while encouraging you to take care of and understand your skin. So how can you put your best face forward while ageing? Follow these six steps to care for maturing skin.

1. CLEANSE AND TONE

Wash your face daily with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat dry using a gentle motion and a soft towel. Follow cleansing with a toner. Toners help balance the pH of the skin, fight acne, brighten dull skin, and shrink pores. To streamline your routine, try a combination product like our Anti-Pollution Cleanser and Toner.

2. MOISTURISE

Your skin generally needs topical help to stay hydrated throughout the day. By moisturising, your skin can maintain a smooth and healthy glow, which keeps fine lines and wrinkles at bay. We recommend applying moisturiser to your skin in the morning and at night.  Try our All Day Hydrator, light and fast-absorbing gel cream plumps skin with our plant-based hyaluronic acid. For extra protection, especially in the eye area, use our lush and lightweight Supreme Eye Cream, which nourishes the fine lines around the eyes, and prevents early sagging. One note to remember, moisturisers are no miracle cream, and it requires the persistence of daily use to protect the skin structure.

3. SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN

As you may have read and heard extensively, sunscreen is essential to your daily skincare item. One of the most effective things you can do to prevent fine lines and wrinkles is to wear sunscreen.  Not only does the sun’s UV A & UVB speed up the production of wrinkles, but it also causes sunspots and dries out your skin.  Our award-winning Resurrection Cream offers both moisture and SPF 20 to protect your skin.

4. COLLAGEN INTAKE

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Only protecting the skin from the outside may not be enough. Make sure you hydrate your skin inside out by consuming collagen. There has been a lot of hype around the topic of collagen supplements, and it is definitely not a sales gimmick. Collagen accounts for 30% of your body’s protein. It provides structure, support and strength to your skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Your body produces less collagen with age; hence supplements can be beneficial for your skin health. From wrinkles to dryness, research shows it can even help resolve multiple dermal health issues. Taking a supplement can combat the effect of ageing and ensure that your skin can maintain its health. So, consuming collagen in its supplement form does have a positive impact on fine lines and wrinkles, adding elasticity back to your skin.

5. EAT WELL & STAY HYDRATED

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Not everyone is into supplements; another way to maintain a healthy glow is to make sure your diets consist of nutrient-dense food. You are what you eat and what you put in your body does affect your skin! Try to think about eating the rainbow every day. Include leafy greens, berries, avocados, and lean meat and fish. This will be the easiest way to maintain a balanced diet. Also, don’t forget to consume at least 3L of water a day. Not only will this keep your skin healthy, is one of the easiest ways to detox naturally and aid bowel regularity.

6. SLEEP & REST

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They don’t call it ‘beauty rest’ for nothing.  Your body gets a chance to heal itself at night. As you sleep, your body produces human growth hormones that increase cell production and turnover. The results of that are slower ageing skin!

The bottom line is that we will all get fine lines and wrinkles if we are privileged enough to grow older.  Embrace these changes. Follow these six easy steps to look and feel your best along the way.  We look forward to growing smile lines together! For a full look at our Vitruvian Man Grooming products, click here.