Busting myths about chest wrinkles
Swimsuit season is coming up! But with all that sun exposure, you should make sure you’re protecting your skin from premature aging and wrinkling. Aside from the face, one of the most prevalent areas where we first start to notice wrinkles is the décolletage (also known as the neck and chest). But how can we show off this area while still being protective and not exposing your skin to more damage? We’re here to “bust” the myths about chest wrinkles and give you the best tips for keeping a delicate décolletage.
TAKE YOUR VITAMINS
Oftentimes, a simple change in diet can yield amazing results for your skin. Try adding in foods rich in Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen synthesis and may also actively protect your skin from UV rays when applied topically. Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli and kiwi.
Another skin-healthy vitamin is Vitamin A1, also known as retinol. This can also be applied topically and is a common ingredient in many anti-aging skin creams. It’s also something you can add into your diet, and those of you that aren’t big fruit and veggie fans will be happy to hear that cheese, eggs, oily fish, milk, yogurt and other animal products are all high in retinol. It's true that too much dairy can cause acne, but in moderation, the retinol it contains can help increase skin production and unclog pores.
SPF 100 OR BUST!
ENEMY #1
But the best way is to root out wrinkles at the source. According to Dr. Rachel Nazarian, “Volume loss and repeated folding of the skin are the two biggest causes [of chest wrinkles].” In a standing position, gravity acts on the breasts, pulling them downward. While sleeping on one side, the same force acts “laterally” as one breast folds over the other, creating vertical creases that run up the cleavage line towards the neck. If you’re younger than 30 or have a smaller cup size, these wrinkles may smooth out after you wake up. But in time, they’ll grow deeper and start being more noticeable.
But you don’t need to train yourself to sleep on your back to prevent sleep wrinkles (although if you’re interested, there’s a pillow for that). Instead, try using a pillow bra—a cushion that sits between the breasts, gently holding them in place and preventing chest wrinkles from forming while you sleep. Be on the lookout for natural, breathable fabrics that will wick away sweat and promote air circulation for maximum comfort.
