Lines and creases on the forehead, corners of the eyes and around the mouth can become visible as early as our mid-20s. So whether you’re at the prevention stage or need treatment for ironing out existing wrinkles, read on.
First, let’s look at the different types of wrinkles, what causes them and the easiest ways to slow the ageing process down. Then we’ll dig into the latest anti-ageing technologies and therapies available.
The static and dynamic of it all
As we age, our skin sags and becomes more fragile. On top of this, a decrease in oil production dries out the skin, making it appear more wrinkled. The fat in the face also diminishes, causing loose skin and more noticeable lines.
We can separate wrinkles into two different categories, dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles form because of repetitive facial movements, like frowning or laughing. Dynamic wrinkles become static as we age, causing lasting expression lines. Static wrinkles are there regardless of facial movements. They develop and worsen due to things like genetics and poor skin care.
Premature ageing
Too much sun, smoking, dehydrated skin and age are the biggest causes of wrinkles. The result is premature epidermal thinning, loss of elasticity, and skin fragility.
Managing our UV exposure and not smoking can significantly reduce the ageing process. These two things break down collagen and elastin fibres in the deeper layers of the skin. As a result, they cause the skin to sag and wrinkle.
Wrinkles you are likely concerned with
Wrinkles can appear anywhere on our bodies. But the most common areas are on the face, neck and decolletage. This is because there are 42 individual muscles to maintain on the face alone and that’s also where we have the most sun exposure.
Crow’s feet
Thanks to sun damage and the skin around our eyes being so thin as well as lacking in collagen and elastin, this is one of the first places on the face to wrinkle.
More than any other wrinkles, though, crow’s feet around the eyes are expressive. We connect these lines with joy, making them an important feature and tolerable for many. But, on the other hand, we associate other lines like those between the brows with negative emotions.
Laugh lines are another example of dynamic wrinkles. But they aren’t caused by laughter alone. And they often become even more pronounced because of sagging skin and a loss of subcutaneous fat as we age.
Glabellar Lines
The vertical lines between the eyebrows, also known as the “11’s”, are generally caused by brows furrowing and this can be caused by a myriad of emotions. They are an example of dynamic wrinkles that worsen as we age. When deepened with age and lifestyle choices they tend to make us look angry and irritable
Forehead Lines
Raising your eyebrows can cause horizontal lines across your forehead. They can be more pronounced depending on genetics and lack of sun protection. Forehead lines are the most popular treatment area in modern skin care. It’s one of the most accessible areas to treat and one of the most responsive to treatment.
Nasalis Lines
“Bunny lines” are those that extend from either side of the nose. They are caused by repetitive facial movements such as wrinkling of the nose and laughing. The lines themselves vary between horizontal and vertical and affect people individually. For example, if you are a nose wrinkler or naturally have a big smile or laugh you are more likely to notice these lines forming earlier.
Every day anti-aging products
It’s possible to delay or improve the appearance of wrinkles by using good skincare products.
Retinoids or retinol
Vitamin A derivatives stimulate cell turnover and boost collagen production. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Retinoids include retinol, which you can find over-the-counter. Or the more powerful Retin-A is available with a prescription.
Retinoids soften skin, even out texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You may also find them helpful for diminishing sun spots. However, retinoids vary in potency, and some can cause irritation. To avoid redness and skin flaking, use a retinol twice a week and follow with moisturiser. Then, slowly increase application to three days per week.
It’s also important to note that retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. So it’s essential to use only at night and apply proper sun protection during the day.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as niacinamide, or resveratrol, work to neutralise free radicals. Free radicals damage skin cells and cause wrinkles. Balancing them can boost collagen production. Cleanse and apply an antioxidant-packed serum immediately to make the product effective. Apply sunscreen after five minutes, so you cannot dilute the formula.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is your best defence against premature wrinkles. UV rays are one of the most significant causes of premature ageing, so use sunscreen every day for a youthful complexion. Sun protection is the most important thing you can do to maintain healthy, youthful skin. It helps prevent wrinkles and slows down the worsening of pre-existing ones. It can also help prevent some skin cancers, saving your life.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHAs increase skin cell renewal and collagen production, such as citric acid. As a result, using AHAs reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. You can find AHAs in lower concentrations in cleansers and at-home peels. There is a higher concentration of AHAs in the form of chemical peels applied by your skincare specialist. Glycolic acid can penetrate the skin much easier. Because of this, there’s also a chance of irritation. Those with sensitive skin might opt for milder lactic or citric acid instead.
Wrinkle treatments and therapies
Here are some of the most popular treatments you should chat about with your skin care specialist.
Fillers
Fillers are any soft and gel-like substance that can be injected into or under the skin for plumpness. For smoothing deep under eye circles, lift cheekbones, volumize lips, and even-out nasolabial folds. Hyaluronic acid fillers can last up to two years, and are reversible. Fillers have become very popular in the last few years.
Some swelling for a couple of days is a common side effect of fillers and allergic reactions are rare. In addition, irregularities to the surface and firmness of the skin may occur, as well as the possibility of damage to the blood vessels.. Although these side effects are uncommon, it’s a reminder to always visit a qualified skin care practitioner.
Lasers
Lasers that heat deeper dermis layers without damage improve many signs of ageing at once. This targeted heat triggers a healing response in the skin. In turn, this stimulates collagen production, which firms the skin. Lasers can also improve the appearance of pores, dark spots, texture, and skin tone. Depending on the treatment, you may need some downtime and several days of healing.
Microneedling
Micro-needling is a relatively new treatment in the skincare world but already has a solid fan base. Fine needles that create tiny holes across the complexion. The healing process that follows regenerates the skin. There are at-home options, but a skin care clinic or spa offers a professional machine. There can be some easily solved discomfort, but its growing popularity speaks of how well it works.
Neurotoxins
Injections to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are safe when administered by a professional and are an extremely popular anti-aging treatment. These treatments relax the facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles.
The neurotoxin can be injected across the forehead, along crow’s feet, and in the “elevens”. But are also used to smooth lines in other areas, like the neck and around the mouth. It takes up to a week to see the full effect. Generally, the results last up to four months in the forehead.
Wrinkle reduction isn’t the only benefit of cosmetic injections. These anti-aging treatments improve the skin’s texture, giving a nice healthy glow. Yet, it’s important to note that there are some risks. For example, toxins can drift into the muscle that raises and lower the upper eyelid. This can cause eyelid droop for several weeks or longer, though it will wear off. There can also be some temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site. This is why it’s so important to find a specialist skin care practice.
The Bottom Line
A face entirely devoid of wrinkles expresses no emotions. So think about what treatments you want and how much of an effect you are looking for. Reducing the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles has never been more accessible, and there are many options. Remember, it’s a skincare journey. So be informed and try new things but make sure you work with only the best people and proven, most effective treatments available.
