Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, especially for the face, neck, hands and forearms. But some people are more prone to wrinkles based on sun exposure and other factors. Although genetics mainly determines skin structure and texture, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially for fair-skinned people. Pollutants and smoking also contribute to wrinkling.

While some people welcome their wrinkles, as a sign of character, if your wrinkles bother you there are things you can do to minimize developing them.

>> Protect your skin from the sun. Protect your skin — and prevent future wrinkles — by limiting the time you spend in the sun and always wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses. Also, use sunscreen when outdoors, even during winter. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad- spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring.

>> Use products with built-in sunscreen. When selecting skin care products, choose those with a built-in broad-spectrum sunscreen — meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

>> Use moisturizers. Dry skin shrivels plump skin cells, which can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles. Though moisturizers can’t prevent wrinkles, they can temporarily mask tiny lines and creases.

>> Don’t smoke. Even if you’ve smoked for years or smoked heavily, you can still improve your skin tone and texture and prevent future wrinkles by quitting smoking.

>> Eat a healthy diet. There is some evidence that certain vitamins in your diet help protect your skin. More study is needed on the role of nutrition, but it’s good to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Many over-the-counter wrinkle creams and lotions promise to reduce wrinkles and prevent or reverse damage caused by the sun. But these products are not likely to make a noticeable difference in your skin.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies these creams and lotions as cosmetics, which are defined as having no medical value.

COMMON INGREDIENTS

The effectiveness of anti- wrinkle creams depends in part on the active ingredient or ingredients. Here are some common ingredients that might result in some improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.

>> Retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A compound, the first antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles.

>> Vitamin C. Another potent antioxidant, vitamin C might help protect skin from sun damage.

>> Hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid) and poly hydroxy acids are exfoliants — substances that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin.

>> Coenzyme Q10. This ingredient might help reduce fine wrinkles around the eyes and protect the skin from sun damage.

>> Peptides. This ingredient has been used in products for wound healing, stretch marks and now wrinkles.