Wrinkles
What are Wrinkles?
Wrinkles are visible lines or folds that develop as the skin gradually loses its strength, elasticity, and ability to repair itself. Their appearance is influenced by a combination of intrinsic ageing, facial expressions, environmental exposure, and lifestyle factors.
As collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid naturally decline over time, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient. Repeated facial movements, such as smiling, frowning, or squinting, further contribute to the formation of lines or wrinkles.
What Causes Wrinkles?
Wrinkles are more than lines on the skin’s surface. They develop as a result of progressive biological changes occurring across different layers of the skin. As collagen declines, facial muscles repeatedly contract, and the skin gradually loses its ability to repair and support itself, fine lines can become deeper and eventually develop into permanent wrinkles.
Collagen & Elastin Breakdown
Within the dermis, collagen and elastin form the structural framework that keeps the skin firm, smooth, and resilient. From our twenties onwards, collagen production gradually declines, while existing collagen and elastin fibres become fragmented. As the skin loses strength and elasticity, wrinkles become more noticeable and persistent.
Reduced Skin Hydration & Barrier Function
The outer layers of the skin gradually become thinner and less able to retain moisture with age. Reduced hydration weakens the skin barrier and makes fine lines more visible, while dry, fragile skin becomes less capable of recovering from daily mechanical stress.
Slower Skin Repair & Regeneration
As skin ageing progresses, the activity of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, are gradually declined. The skin’s ability to repair microscopic damage slows, leading to thinner skin, reduced structural support, and the progressive deepening of wrinkles over time.
The Difference of Dynamic and Static Wrinkles
Dynamic Wrinkles
Dynamic wrinkles are lines that appear with facial movement. It will be visible during facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, or raising the eyebrows. These lines commonly affect areas such as forehead, frown lines (between the eyebrows), and crow’s feet around the eyes. Early treatment can help slow the progression of visible skin ageing and maintain before lines become permanent static wrinkles.
Static Wrinkles
Static wrinkles are lines that remain even at rest. As collagen and elastin continue to decline, dynamic wrinkles may gradually become static wrinkles. These lines remain visible even when the face is relaxed because the skin has lost some of its structural support and elasticity. Static wrinkles often require treatments that improve skin quality and stimulate collagen regeneration.
