Wrinkles & Fine Lines

Wrinkles are creases, folds, or ridges in the skin. They normally appear as people get older, the first wrinkles to appear on a person’s face tend to occur as a result of facial expressions.

Wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process. As people get older, their skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic, and less able to protect itself from damage. This leads to wrinkles, creases, and lines on the skin.

Facial expressions, for example, repeatedly smiling, frowning, or squinting can lead to fine lines and wrinkles at a younger age.

According to the Mayo Clinic, each time a person uses a facial muscle, a groove forms under the surface of the skin.

When a person is young, the skin springs back, but as they get older, the skin loses its flexibility. Springing back becomes harder and less frequent, resulting in more permanent grooves.

A number of avoidable, environmental factors also contribute.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, for example, through sunbathing, tanning booths, and outdoor sports increases the chance of developing wrinkles earlier.

UV light breaks down the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. These fibres form the skin’s connective tissue. They are located under the surface of the skin, and they support the skin. Breaking down this layer causes the skin to become weaker and less flexible. The skin starts to droop, and wrinkles appear.

Clothes that cover the body, such as hats and long sleeves, may delay the development of wrinkles.

People who work in sunlight have a higher chance of early wrinkles. Jobs that involve this type of exposure include fishing and farming. Sailors, golfers, beach lifeguards, and gardeners may also be more prone to skin ageing.

Regular smoking accelerates the ageing process of the skin, because of the reduced blood supply to the skin. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, and dry skin is more likely to wrinkle.