Kim Kardashian recently posted a photograph of herself smiling and laughing on Instagram, with the caption: “See I do smile… even laugh on occasion. Not too often though because it causes wrinkles.”
and while you may laugh at her statement, scientifically, there may some truth to this.
It is a common myth that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. However, in his book, How Many Muscles Does it Take to Smile?, Tom Scheve explains that it actually takes more muscles to smile than to frown.
According to Dr. David Song (University of Chicago Medical Centre), the average frown requires 11 muscles while the average smile requires 12.
Research shows that muscle movement in your face may contribute to wrinkling. A crease will usually form on your face as you move any facial muscle. Over time, some of those creases do not disappear, even when you stop smiling.
In his book, Sheve explains that the two most prominent areas for wrinkling on your face are the eyes and the check/mouth area. Wrinkling is not caused by smiling or frowning alone, but also by your skin’s diminishing elasticity. Other factors that contribute to wrinkling are your genetic make-up, oil production and UV sun rays.
Dr Robin Ashinoff, a dermatologist at the Hackensack University Medical Centre, outlines the the best natural ways to prevent wrinkles. Based on dozens of studies, the number one cause of wrinkles is the sun. The best way to beat this is to avoid the sun or wear sunscreen daily (even when you are inside). Smoking is also a factor that increases wrinkles.
Along with sun lotion and a daily skin care regime, getting a good night’s sleep can also help delay these signs of aging – our bodies produce more the hormone HGH (human growth hormone) which helps keep the skin thick and more elastic meaning, it is less likely to wrinkle.