Wrinkles
- May 15
- 5 min read
As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, along with the effects of time, gravity, and lifestyle factors, leads to wrinkling. Some wrinkles manifest as small, fine lines, while others form deeper ridges or folds, often referred to as 'furrows'.
Treatments:
FAQ - WRINKLES
Why do we get wrinkles?
As our faces age, we lose collagen and elastin in our skin. This combined with the effects of time, gravity and lifestyle factors, leads to wrinkles.
Wrinkles can manifest as small, fine lines or develop into deeper ridges or folds, known as 'furrows'. They can be 'dynamic', caused by facial movements and visible only when the face is moving, or 'static', resulting from a loss of skin elasticity and external factors such as sun exposure or smoking, and are visible even without facial movement. Some dynamic lines may eventually become static, remaining visible even when the face is at rest.
What causes wrinkles under the eyes?
Wrinkles develop as we age because our skin loses its elasticity and fullness. The skin around the eyes tends to age earlier due to its thinness.
Wrinkles are categorised into two types: static and dynamic. The area around the eyes is more susceptible to dynamic wrinkles (like crow’s feet or laughter lines), which occur from repetitive facial expressions.
Sun damage is a major factor in premature skin aging and wrinkling, as the delicate eye area is often more exposed. We often neglect to apply sunscreen around our eyes, or we quickly rub it off. Frequent squinting can also contribute to wrinkles, so wearing sunglasses on bright days is advisable to protect your eyes.
When does skin start to wrinkle?
From around the age of 25, our skin begins to show signs of ageing. While external factors can influence the severity and speed of wrinkle formation, it is an inevitable process.
The primary indicators of ageing include a reduction in volume, decreased skin elasticity, and the development of lines and wrinkles.
What are the different types of wrinkles?
Wrinkles and lines can develop all over our face, especially in specific areas. The most common types of wrinkles include:
Marionette lines – These lines run from the mouth down to the chin.
Nasolabial folds – These lines extend from the nose to the mouth and are often called “smile lines.” They are referred to as “gravitational folds” because they result from volume loss in the cheeks.
Glabella lines – These appear on the upper bridge of the nose and are also known as “frown lines.”
Forehead lines – These lines form on the forehead due to muscle contractions when raising or lowering the eyebrows. They are also called “worry lines.”
Crow’s feet/laughter lines – Crow’s feet are fine lines that appear around the eyes. Since the skin around our eyes creases when we smile or laugh, they are also known as “laughter lines.”
Lip lines/smoker’s lines – These are fine vertical lines above the top lip, also known as ‘lipstick lines’ because lipstick tends to bleed into them. They are more common in smokers due to lip pursing and are often called ‘smoker’s lines.’
How do I get rid of deep wrinkles around my mouth?
Deep wrinkles around the mouth are referred to as nasolabial folds (the lines extending from the nose to the upper corners of the mouth) or marionette lines (which run from the corners of the mouth to the chin). These lines can develop into noticeable folds, often making individuals feel as though they appear sad or "down in the mouth".
There are various treatments available to reduce and address wrinkles. For deep wrinkles around the mouth, dermal fillers are among the most popular options, as they can lift the lines, restore lost volume, and smooth their appearance. Other effective treatments include those that stimulate skin repair, such as microneedling and peels.
What is the treatment for wrinkles on the face?
Wrinkles are a prevalent concern for individuals visiting aesthetic clinics, and numerous treatments have been developed to address them.
Injectables – Treatments involving injectables for lines and wrinkles include anti-wrinkle, dermal fillers, and collagen stimulators like skin boosters.
Anti-Wrinkle functions by inhibiting muscle activity responsible for dynamic wrinkles and are very popular in the upper face areas such as the forehead, frown lines and around the eyes. By targeting specific facial muscles, these treatments temporarily relax the contractions that lead to the formation of wrinkles. When injected into the targeted muscles, these substances block the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscle contraction. As a result, the muscles become less active, leading to a smoother appearance of the skin above them.
Dermal Fillers are designed to restore lost volume and enhance the structural integrity of the skin at deeper levels. As we age, our skin undergoes various changes, including a decrease in collagen production and the natural loss of fat, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and an overall reduction in facial volume. The application of dermal fillers can significantly rejuvenate the appearance of the skin by replenishing this lost volume, effectively smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, and providing a more youthful contour to the face. They can be strategically injected into specific areas, such as the cheeks, lips, and nasolabial folds, to achieve a balanced and harmonious look. The results are often immediate, allowing individuals to see the effects of the treatment right away.
Skin Boosters are innovative treatments designed to enhance skin quality by stimulating collagen production. These advanced procedures work by utilizing the body’s natural repair mechanisms, effectively rejuvenating the skin from within. As we age, the natural production of collagen decreases, leading to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of skin elasticity. Skin boosters address these concerns by introducing micro-injections of hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible substances into the dermal layer of the skin.
Radiofrequency – Wrinkles are also a primary focus for many energy-based devices, such as radiofrequency. This method uses heat energy to induce a wound healing response in the skin, promoting new collagen production.
Microneedling – Microneedling is a type of collagen induction therapy involving tiny needles to create small punctures in the skin using a dermapen. Also known as 'collagen induction therapy' (CIT), it stimulates collagen and elastin production. This minimally invasive procedure can enhance the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars.
Chemical Peel – Even if lost volume is restored, the skin's texture may still appear crepey with fine lines and wrinkles. Peels operate on multiple levels. A peel removes the outer dead skin layer, revealing a smoother, more youthful complexion beneath and certain peels can penetrate deeper layers to stimulate collagen production. There are various types of peels, with deeper peels offering more dramatic effects but also requiring longer downtime.
How can I make my skin look younger from home?
Taking care of your skin begins at home. Applying daily SPF is your best defense against premature ageing caused by sun damage. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration significantly affects your skin's appearance. Cleanse your face and remove makeup regularly. Investing in a good skincare routine will also aid in maintaining your skin at home. With a wide range of products available, we can assist you in finding the most effective ones for you. Protection is crucial, so SPF and an antioxidant will help minimise sun damage, while hydrating serums are excellent for keeping your skin moisturised.
What is the best alternative to Botox?
Botulinum toxin is unique in its mechanism of action, and nothing else can replicate its effects. Be cautious of products claiming to be ‘botox in a bottle,’ as they are unlikely to deliver the same results. Botox functions as a neurotoxin by blocking the nerve signals to the muscles, preventing the injected muscle from contracting.
Some topical products, especially those containing vitamin A/retinols, are very effective in rejuvenating the skin.
If you wish to reduce fine lines and wrinkles without injections, microneedling might be a suitable option. Chemical peels can also rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines without injections, but treating deeper and more pronounced wrinkles and folds is challenging without injectables.
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