Getting older is hard. I’m not going to lie. But every day I remind myself that I’m lucky to be alive, so I don’t let little things like wrinkles get me down. That doesn’t mean I don’t try to keep them at bay, either. I’m OK with slowing down the aging process of my skin and I’ll use whatever lotions, creams, and other topical means possible to do it.
But beyond trying to slow the process, it’s important to know what’s causing it in the first place. It isn’t all about the number of years I’ve been on the planet. It’s also about what I’ve subjected it to while I’ve been doing that living. I think we all know that sun damage is a primary cause of the destruction of youthful looking skin. But it turns out it’s not the only environmental factor responsible. Where you live and the amount of smog and stress you’re subjected to also adds to the decay.
Second Annual Wrinkle Ranking Reveals the Underlying Factors That Contribute to Aging Skin
RoC® Skincare and Sperling’s Best Places performed a meta-analysis, which combined their original research findings with related research that exists in the field of the study. Criteria, directly and indirectly, related to skin damage were used including, lifestyle, occupational and environmental and factors, which were weighted by relevance to skin damage risk. The data was adjusted with the current population data to arrive at “per capita” figure which provides an accurate comparison between states of varying sizes. States received points for each of the criteria based on their relation to the other state’s scores in that data category. Category scores were weighted and aggregated to determine an overall “Wrinkle Index” score which was used to rank the U.S. states.
Some of their findings are below, and most are not surprising. I did find it interesting that the top contribution factor to wrinkles in Washington State is the length of our commute. Granted, for the last ten years I’ve worked from home, so my face should be baby soft, but the first 20 years of commuting were brutal. It’s only gotten worse with rush hour now beginning at 7 am and ending at 7 pm, there’s no time of day that’s not stressful to drive.
The same survey found that because Washington State residents generally enjoy a healthy lifestyle, our likelihood of having wrinkles is less than states like New York, which is number one on the list of how your state impacts wrinkles. Ironically, Hawaii which is high on the sun list is low on the stress, so they come out at the bottom of the wrinkle ranking which is interesting.
No matter where you live, you can benefit from lessening your sun exposure, stress, and environmental factors and by using great skincare products that help you retain what you have and head off what’s coming down the line. Read the entire Second Annual Wrinkle Ranking Reveals the Underlying Factors That Contribute to Aging Skin
How are you reacting to growing older?
Comment my friends who want to not worry about so many wrinkles.
Oh no! I live in the 2nd oldest looking state. I have tried the Roc eye Cream before. I need to start using it regularly.
RoC sounds like a fantastic skincare line. I will have to pick some up to try. I have been looking for something to try.
Lots of sunny days to be found here in Florida! Staying hydrated and wrinkle free can be tough with the sun’s rays
Ugh, it’s true that the sun in Kansas will give you all kinds of issues! I made the mistake of not wearing sunscreen today running errands…and now my shoulders are blazing red. :/ I wonder if they have anything to help keep skin hydrated, and not just for wrinkles?
Yikes! Take care of yourself! Get some Aloe Vera on those shoulders stat! 🙂
I went from an extremely sunny state to an extreme weather state. I can’t really say one or the other has contributed to wrinkles. I think for 40, I really don’t have many, just a few small ones, compared to some people my age.
I never thought about how where I live may affect my wrinkles. I live in TN where it says extreme temperature changes occur.
Fantastic product. Taking care of your skin is so important.
That info graphic map is so interesting. I knew the sun cause wrinkles, but hadn’t considered things like elevation.
I am getting wrinkles around my eyes that I wish would take a hike. I could use a good serum to help.
We’ve got to take care of our skin! It’s the only one we ever get!
I am starting to see the fine lines creep up around my eyes. I think I need a little ROC in my life!
The desert definitely does a number on my skin. My mom always tells me to start using anti-wrinkle products now since prevention is key.
What a helpful product for the daily routine. It would be nice to reduce some of my wrinkles.
Girl, I’m only 35, but the wrinkles around my eyes are starting already. I try not to stress, but I’m not against trying products to help reduce the appearance. This is such a touchy area, with so many products to try! Glad to see your experience, looks like it’s worth a try. Thanks!
What a cool article! I love that infographic on states and wrinkles. Very interesting indeed!
This was a super interesting read. I think it’s amazing that so many different things can affect your level of wrinkles!