All about wrinkles – What causes them, how to get rid of them, and everything else in between!

Aging is a natural process that we just can’t fight. In fact, we should all embrace aging! But one inevitable part of aging is the onset of wrinkles. Before we dive into the causes, symptoms, and resolution of wrinkles, let’s first understand what exactly are wrinkles.

Wrinkles are folds or creases that are formed on the skin. Wrinkles are most visible on the face. This is a very common issue that occurs as you get older. Wrinkles form around the mouth, forehead, and eyes the soonest because these areas are the most active when we are being expressive. 

Over time, skin tends to lose its elasticity and becomes stretchy and less elastic. Now that we know what wrinkles are let’s jump into the most common causes of wrinkles.

What causes wrinkles?

Many different reasons can cause wrinkles, some being internal and some due to external factors. Although some causes can’t be managed, there are many other causes that we can be cautious about and protect ourselves from.

The internal causes of wrinkles are – 

• Cellular aging

As you age, the rate at which your cells work on renewing and rejuvenating themselves also slows down. When this renewal process slows down, it directly impacts collagen and elastin production. When our skin has low collagen and elastin, this means loose, saggy skin, eventually causing wrinkles.

• Changes in our hormonal chemistry

When our hormonal chemistry changes as we get older, there is a reduction in oil production in the skin. The skin becomes dry and hence, more prone to wrinkles. To avoid this, you can externally compensate for the oil by regularly moisturizing your skin.

• Subjecting our body to oxidative stress

Oxidative stress occurs when the body is directly exposed to toxins. This exposure damages the DNA of our skin and depletes the collagen and elastin.

Some of the external agents causing wrinkles are – 

• Too much sun exposure

Remember, always put on sunscreen when you step out! It protects your skin from harmful UV radiation especially in New Zealand!

• Poor and unbalanced diet

When your body does not receive adequate vitamins and minerals, it can hamper collagen and elastin production.

• Not drinking enough water

Hydrate to keep your cells plump and fresh!

• Not taking care of your skin

Since the oil production in your skin slows down with age, you must compensate by externally providing moisture and nourishment to your skin.

• Smoking

It is a significant agent of oxidative stress.

What are the different types of facial wrinkles?

• Expression/dynamic lines

These types of wrinkles can occur even in your 20s, especially if you are an extremely expressive person. That’s why they are aptly called expression lines. They are also called dynamic lines because they can occur from muscle movement.

• Forehead wrinkles

If you lift your eyebrows or are constantly in a worried expression, you probably will have forehead wrinkles. Don’t be so worried!

• Crow’s feet/Smile lines

Crow’s feet are rather endearing wrinkles that occur near the corners of the eyes. The onset of crow’s feet starts quite early as the skin here is fine and rests directly on the muscle

• Barcode wrinkles

Smokers mostly have these types of wrinkles. They occur on or above the upper lips. If you want to steer clear of these wrinkles, put down that cigarette immediately!

• Eleven’s wrinkles

Another type of wrinkle is a direct impact of frowning, and these appear between the eyes and nose.

Fine lines and wrinkles – What’s the difference?

Some people might use the term fine lines and wrinkles interchangeably, but this is your chance to educate them! Fine lines are thinner and superficial. Fine lines do not necessarily link with old age, but they can happen due to making expressions on your face like smiling, frowning, and laughing. If you are not mindful, these fine lines will not be so fine anymore!

Wrinkles are deeper set than fine lines and are a significant sign that old age is officially knocking on your door! If you are negligent of the fine lines, they will convert into wrinkles. Tackling wrinkles is way more difficult than tackling fine lines.

What is the best treatment for deep wrinkles on the face?

If you are a victim of wrinkles on the face, don’t worry! Many anti-wrinkle treatments are available, specially designed for the face because that’s the part of our body that’s most easily visible to the outside world. These treatments are non-invasive, non-surgical and very safe for your skin. Some of these treatments are – 

• Dysport injections – This injection smoothens the skin by relaxing it. This is a treatment that is used by people suffering from deep wrinkles. Make sure you consult your Aesthetic nurse for this treatment.

• Dermal fillers – This gel-like substance is injected into the skin to replace volume loss and plump the skin for a smoother and hydrated appearance.

• Dermal needling – Also known as micro-needling, involves treating the skin with tiny needles. This aids the production of new collagen and skin tissue, resulting in fresh, firmer and younger-looking skin. It works amazingly well on wrinkles. 

• Factor 4 – This new age technique is known for repairing wrinkles by increasing elastin and collagen production in the body. It is also called the Vampire Facial. It uses a very unique substance; your own blood!

• PRP – PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is a skin rejuvenation treatment in which a blood sample from the client is taken, and platelet-rich plasma is extracted, activated, and injected into treatment areas.

• HIFU – HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a high-intensity non-invasive ultrasound treatment that is growing in popularity for its anti-ageing properties, tightening and stimulating collagen production for a more youthful skin.

About Accent on skin Clinic, Wellington, NZ

Cosmetic medicine has an important therapeutic role in building individual self-esteem and confidence. For anyone considering treatment, the first step involves being well-informed and having total confidence in your clinician. That’s why at Accent on Skin we begin with a complimentary, no obligation consultation – so you can get to know us while we discuss your concerns and together determine the best treatment plan to address these. You may contact us @ 04 473 6258 for an appointment.