Skin naturally develops fine lines and wrinkles with age, usually starting with faint fine lines over the age of 30. Starting around the eyes, mouth or forehead, these shallow lines are one of the first signs of ageing and may develop into deeper, more visible wrinkles over time.
Wrinkles can be described as deeper folds or creases in the skin, typically most visible on the face and hands. Wrinkles are usually first visible as expression lines on the face, particularly when the patient smiles, laughs or frowns. Patients may also see sleep wrinkles form in other areas on the face, depending on their sleep position.
Dynamic wrinkles are lines that appear with facial expression but soon disappear when the face is neutral. Static wrinkles are lines which are always visible, even without facial expression. Usually dynamic wrinkles will become static wrinkles as the skin ages and loses elasticity.
What causes fine lines and wrinkles?
As we become older, skin naturally loses elasticity and becomes more fragile. The level of fat in the skin diminishes and this creates looser skin which can appear saggy or wrinkled, with a distinct lack of firmness.
Fine lines on the skin are a natural part of ageing but there are lots of factors which affect the rate at which they will appear.
- Fine lines can appear earlier if the skin has a high level of exposure to the sun and harmful UV rays.
- Air pollution in the local environment can also be a trigger for skin ageing.
- Patients who smoke or have smoked in the past are likely to see fine lines appear sooner.
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, hydration and fitness will have an impact on the skin and the speed at which fine lines appear.
- Certain skin types are prone to premature ageing, while others (particularly oily skins) may stay wrinkle-free for longer.
- Hereditary factors also play a large part in how and when skin will start to show fine lines.
How to improve fine lines and wrinkles
The basics of good skincare start with reducing exposure to the sun and reducing the risks of premature wrinkles with healthy lifestyle choices.
However, fine lines and wrinkles will appear naturally with age and cannot be permanently reversed. A dermatologist can advise on the best skincare regime for older or ageing skin, to help delay the severity of the wrinkles.
To improve the appearance of emerging fine lines or existing wrinkles and make them less visible, there are various non-surgical treatments to consider.
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Treatments for fine lines and wrinkles
Chemical Peels
- Chemical peels are used to treat fine lines around the eyes and mouth, as well as wrinkles caused by sun damage or hereditary factors.
- Peels work by removing the top layer of skin which reveals smoother, younger-looking skin underneath.
- Patients may need repeated treatments depending on the depth of the lines, and many patients choose to have regular treatments as part of their ongoing skincare regime.
- The type of chemical peel needed would depend on the skin type and the severity of the lines.
Mesotherapy
- Mesotherapy is used to help fade lines or wrinkles and tighten loose skin.
- The process stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to create firmer, smoother skin which looks more full and plump.
- This treatment penetrates the skin with multiple needles so it’s more effective than topical skin creams.
- Treatments need to be repeated every few months to maintain the results.
Microneedling
- Microneedling helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by penetrating the skin with multiple tiny needles.
- It works by producing new skin cells to make fine lines less visible and skin look smoother.
- It typically penetrates further than Mesotherapy so may be suitable for deeper lines and wrinkles.
- Patients may see results after the initial session, but repeated treatments are usually required every 4-6 weeks.
PRP
- PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma treatment is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating tissue repair and regeneration.
- Sometimes known colloquially as the ‘vampire facelift’, PRP helps to diminish fine lines by using the patient’s own blood. The platelets in the blood are separated from red blood cells and then injected into the skin.
- The wrinkles look replenished and volumized, creating a smoother appearance.
- Usually 3-4 rounds of treatment is recommended for the best results.
These dermatological treatments work in different ways so it’s important to choose the right process for your skin needs. Book a free consultation with our team to discover which treatments are best for fine lines or wrinkles.