People who live in areas where the earth's protective ozone layer is thinning, namely in southern climates and at high altitudes, are more likely to have sun-damaged skin. Ethnicity also influences a person's susceptibility to aging skin. Individuals with fair complexions, and those who have blue, green, or gray eyes, and red or blond hair, are more susceptible to photoaging than are darker-skinned persons. Overall, African Americans develop fewer wrinkles, have fewer lesions, and experience less sagging of facial skin than do whites, presumably because the larger amount of melanin present in their skin helps block the penetration of UV radiation. Nonetheless, premature aging from sunlight can affect all ethnic groups.
Cigarette smokers are more prone to wrinkles and skin cancers.
According to one study, heavy smokers are almost five times as likely to have wrinkled facial skin than nonsmokers. In fact, heavy smokers in their 40s often have facial wrinkles more like those of nonsmokers in their 60s. Skin Wrinkles . All rights reserved.