In terms of the skin, it stretches in various ways to accommodate muscle and body movement. When a specific facial expression or movement is done repeatedly, the skin begins to “memorize” its location relative to the movement and lines and wrinkles eventually develop. Facial lines and wrinkles resulting from mimicry are very common among people whose work causes continual facial contortions that they are not normally aware of. People who work outdoors are a good example, because of the natural tendency to squint in bright sunlight.
The Problem of Elasticity
As it relates to the skin, elasticity is the ability of the skin to return to its normal position after being stretched. Think of it like a rubber band. As you stretch a rubber band out it conforms to whatever direction you are manipulating it in. But it will return to its normal shape and position when you stop stretching. Our skin works the same way. However, good skin elasticity requires two things: collagen and vitamin C. Collagen is naturally produced by the body while vitamin C comes from external sources.
As the body ages it slowly stops producing collagen at the same levels it did it its younger years. Additionally, overall health and environmental factors combine to rob the body of necessary vitamin C. As both collagen and vitamin C are reduced, the skin loses its ability to “snap back” into place. Thus, the lines and wrinkles that temporarily result from facial expressions can become permanent in the underlying facial tissue if those expressions are repeated frequently.
Avoidable Versus Unavoidable Mimicry
Some forms of mimicry can be avoided without remaining completely expressionless for the majority of our lives. Since that’s not possible, working on avoidable mimicry is the best way to reduce wrinkles and lines caused by it. Using the previous example of a person who works outdoors, wearing sunglasses and a hat works very well in stopping the squinting reflex.
Artists, craftsman, and others who work with small or detailed objects can avoid job-related mimicry as well. A headset magnifying glass makes it easier to see small objects and can, like the sunglasses and hat, put an end to the squinting reflex.
Regardless of the cause of mimicry, its effects can be reduced by understanding what repetitive facial expressions apply to your daily routine and changing what you can to reduce their frequency. With the addition of wrinkle creams and other natural health supplements, lines, wrinkles, and age spots can be totally eliminated for many people.
