Does Moisturizing Prevent Wrinkles?

Let’s be real—skincare advice is everywhere, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One of the most common questions? “Does moisturizing actually prevent wrinkles?” It sounds simple, but the answer’s a little more nuanced.

Let’s unpack why wrinkles show up, what makes them worse, and what you can actually do to keep your skin looking fresh.

To be clear: moisturizing alone does not prevent wrinkles, but it can definitely help keep your skin looking smooth and hydrated, making those wrinkles a little less noticeable. Dry skin magnifies fine lines and wrinkles, even in your 20s, so applying a topical face serum is a key step in a holistic skincare routine that nourishes your skin from the inside out.

Before we dive deeper, it’s important to understand what causes wrinkles and the factors that might magnify them. Then, we’ll take a look at the most effective ways to minimize the signs of aging and boost overall skin health.

Why Do Wrinkles Even Happen?

Wrinkles aren’t just about age. Sure, the years count, but your habits do too. Think: poor nutrition, skipping sunscreen, dehydration, smoking, drinking, and chronic stress. All of those speed up the breakdown of collagen and elastin—aka the good stuff that keeps skin snatched.

When we’re young, our skin is rich in collagen, which gives it a plump, bouncy, smooth appearance. But over time?  Our skin gradually loses this valuable protein, especially in delicate areas like under the eyes, neck, and around the mouth. At the same time, our skin isn’t as skilled at keeping moisture in or bouncing back from damage.

These natural changes are worsened by lifestyle habits that weaken elastin fibres, making it harder for your skin to bounce back.

Are Some Skin Types More Prone to Wrinkles?

Short answer: yep. People with a fair complexion are more vulnerable to wrinkles because they tend to be susceptible to sun damage. On the other hand, those with oily skin usually have fewer visible wrinkles since their skin is naturally thicker and more resilient.

Wait- Is Your Skin Dry or Just Dehydrated? 

They sound the same, but they’re not. 

• Dry skin lacks oil and needs lipid-rich skincare products to replenish moisture.

• Dehydrated skin lacks water and needs extra hydration. 

Not sure if you are dehydrated? Try the pinch test!

Gently pinch a small area of skin on your arm or cheek. If it bounces back quickly, your skin is likely well-hydrated. If it takes a while to return to its original position, your skin might be dehydrated.

 If you’re feeling flaky or tight, level up your water intake, load up on hydrating foods (hello, cucumbers and watermelon), and layer in a serum like our Skinbeam Milky Serum. Small changes = big results.

Dehydration Lines vs Real Wrinkles

If you’re noticing fine lines around your eyes or forehead, especially after a long night or skipping your skincare, they might just be dehydration lines. The good news? Those can totally fade with the right care.

 But if left untreated, they can deepen into permanent wrinkles, so it’s important to address any concerns while you’re young and your skin is resilient.

Expression lines (like crow’s feet or laugh lines) are a little different—they come with age and lots of facial movement, and they’re more common when your skin has lower elasticity. Still, you can soften them with the right skincare and habits.

So, How Do You Actually Prevent and Reduce Wrinkles?

Let’s keep it real: there’s no instant fix. But the combo of smart skincare and healthy habits? That’s the glow-up plan.

You’ll want to:

• Stay consistent with skincare.
  
  

• Hydrate like it’s your job.
  
  

• Use SPF like your life depends on it.
  
  

And play the long game. Results take time, but your future self will be grateful. In ten years, your future self will thank you for taking action now.

Must-Have  Ingredients for Smooth, Bouncy Skin

If you’re introducing new skincare products into your routine, scan labels for these heavy hitters—aka the ones that actually do something for wrinkles. 

Sidenote: Many of these ingredients can be found in our Skincare and Healthy Pixie Supplements —helping to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

• Hyaluronic acid: A hydrating humectant that helps the skin hold moisture and appear visibly bouncy.

• Vitamin C: A vital nutrient that stabilizes collagen production and reduces hyperpigmentation.

• Peptides: A group of amino acids that help visibly smooth and firm skin.

• Ceramides: A family of lipid-rich extracts, sourced from olive oil, that helps maintain the skin barrier.

• NAD+: An orally bioavailable booster that supports smoother, younger-looking skin from the inside out.  This study showed that our source for NAD+ Booster is able to make the skin appear eight years younger within 42 days.

• Resveratrol: A powerful antioxidant that visibly rejuvenates skin by protecting collagen and elastin.

• Niacinamide: A form of B3 that promotes and maintains skin elasticity.

• Electrolytes: An electrically-charged collection of essential minerals found in our Bounce Mode Healthy Pixie [link] that maintains hydration levels.

Wanna geek out more? Head to our ingredient Glossary to see what else your skin might love.

Natural Ways to Keep Wrinkles in Check

Good skincare is only half the battle. Here are some simple habits to back it up. 

• Always remove makeup before bed to remove build-up from the day and prevent clogged pores.

• Stay hydrated and drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily.

• Apply sun protection (the higher SPF, the better) to prevent UV damage.

• Sleep on your back to avoid facial creases from your pillow.

• Eat a balanced diet with antioxidants and vitamins that support collagen production. While there aren’t any miracle foods that prevent wrinkles, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables do have an impact, especially those packed with vitamin C and collagen. Top tip: eat your collagen, don’t apply it to your face because it can’t be properly absorbed.

• Prioritize sleep and exercise to align with your body’s natural circadian rhythm to reduce stress and improve circulation.

The Real Deal on Wrinkles

As you can tell, there isn’t one quick-fix product that will vanish your wrinkles overnight. It’s about embracing a holistic routine to keep your skin looking younger for longer.

Layering facial serums and creams is often a process of trial and error. To see real results, focus on the key ingredients best for your skin concerns and choose formulas that protect the skin barrier to support your skin for the long haul. Timebeam is rooted in these values, while also advocating for a well-rounded approach to skin health, inside and out, for skin longevity.

 Want help building your routine? Hit us up anytime at hello@timebeam.com

Sources

• Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Wrinkle creams: Your guide to younger looking skin. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/in-depth/wrinkle-creams/art-20047463

• MDPI. (2017). The role of multi-ingredient anti-aging moisturizers in skin hydration and wrinkle reduction. Cosmetics, 4(2), 16. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/4/2/16

• Center for Science in the Public Interest. (2023). Do any moisturizers or creams get rid of wrinkles? Retrieved from https://www.cspinet.org/article/do-any-moisturizers-or-creams-get-rid-wrinkles

• British Journal of Dermatology. (2023). Intrinsic aging and the role of hydration in wrinkle formation. British Journal of Dermatology, 189(S1), i17–i30. https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/189/Supplement_1/i17/7333865

• Healthline. (2023). Dry vs. dehydrated skin: What’s the difference? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/dry-vs-dehydrated#Extra-tips-for-misting-up-your-skin-health