Does Dry Skin Cause Wrinkles? Debunking Skincare Myths

That dry skin causes wrinkles is one of the biggest misconceptions; you can exhale now. You could say dryness is a characteristic of aging skin, but dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles. Yet, there is a connection between dry skin and wrinkles. Read on to find out what is all about.

The connection between dry skin and wrinkles

So here’s the thing: dry skin appears more wrinkled due to a lack of moisture, giving off the appearance of lines, sagging, flaking, and creping.^[1] But that doesn’t mean dry skin is the cause of wrinkles. These characteristics are actually the results of dehydrated skin and could be as well prevented by keeping the skin moisturized. 

Compared to oily types, dry skin gives the impression of more wrinkles and a dull appearance because it lacks the sebum that keeps it moist and plump. As scuch, to avoid that happening, you should never skip on moisturizer (twice daily!). Even if dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles, hydrating and moisturizing your skin properly can reduce the chances of wrinkles’ appearance^[2]. Feeling twisted? Because here’s where it gets tricky. 

Dry skin is a characteristic of aging since sebum production, the oil that naturally moisturizes skin, decreases with age.^[4] Therefore, using moisturizers consistently is vital for preventing fine lines and wrinkles appearance. Don’t let your skin dehydrate, as when that happens, any fine line or wrinkle you’ve got appears exaggerated.

How to prevent wrinkles if you have dry skin

1. When the skin gets dry and dehydrated, you need an occlusive moisturizer to form a protective layer on the surface, creating a barrier that hinders moisture loss. In turn, this makes wrinkles look less visible, bringing up that bouncy, plump, and dewy appearance. 
2. Always use sunscreen to protect your skin against UV. Since 80% of facial wrinkles are caused by UV exposure, keeping your skin defended helps keep early wrinkles away.^[3]
3. Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrance, SLSs, or other dying compounds as they can make your skin even thirstier, not to mention irritations. Instead, you can opt for alcohol-free moisturizers. 
4. Add antioxidants to your daily routine. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, the primary culprits that damage skin and prematurely ages it.

The verdict

Although dry skin causing wrinkles is just a myth, there’s still a strong connection between dry skin and wrinkles. If by nature, your skin is dry and you don’t moisturize properly, you may experience wrinkles earlier than oily skin folks. Last but not least, when skin is dry or dehydrated, any amount of wrinkling or flaws look more exaggerated. The conclusion? Keep your skin moist.