Fine Lines & Wrinkles

“Fine lines” are small, superficial crinkles that can develop on your face, neck and other areas of your body, whereas “wrinkles” are more deep-set lines.

As you age, many fine lines may turn into wrinkles as skin loses elasticity and firmness. Fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck are one of the earliest and most obvious signs of ageing, and one of the most common reasons individuals seek cosmetic treatments.

What are fine lines and wrinkles?

For many, fine lines are the first visible signs of ageing. They generally develop around the eyes (“crow’s feet”), forehead and sides of the mouth. These fine lines and wrinkles can range from small, shallow lines to deeper-set wrinkles. Over time shallow lines often deepen and become more visible. Of course, ageing is a natural, normal process. However, many people seek cosmetic treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, particularly when they feel the lines are making them appear older than their age, or when these lines become emotionally distressing (which is far more common than you might think).

What causes fine lines and wrinkles?

Fine lines and wrinkles are caused by both internal and external factors.

Internal Factors:

• Genetics: The natural ageing processes can be influenced by genetics. Some people may appear younger than their age well into their twilight years, while others may develop wrinkles quite early on. Different skin types age differently as well.
• Decreased collagen and elastin production: Collagen and elastin are proteins that give skin its structure, firmness and elasticity. As we age, the production of these proteins decreases, leading to the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin.
• Cellular senescence: As we age, the ability of our skin cells such as fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin decreases as the fibroblasts become dysfunctional, or go dormant. Treatments to target cellular senescence are the new frontier in cosmetic medicine.
• Decreased skin cell turnover: Skin cell turnover slows down as we age, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This can accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

External Factors:

• Sun exposure (UV radiation): Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the biggest cause of the appearance of ageing skin. UV radiation damages collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, leading to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. We see this very commonly, with many of us growing up under the harsh Australian sun. Your eyes cannot see UV rays, but your skin can feel it. Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB and needs to be applied daily to prevent the damage inflicted by UV rays.
  • UVA rays are more responsible for the signs of ageing as they penetrate your skin more deeply.
  • UVB rays are largely associated with burns.
  • Both UVA and UVB can cause skin cancers.
• Smoking: Smoking accelerates the ageing process of the skin by reducing blood flow to the skin and depleting it of oxygen and nutrients. It also damages collagen and elastin fibres, leading to wrinkles. Smokers often have unevenly textured and dry skin, or a grey and dull complexion. Additionally, smoking contributes to many chronic diseases which, in turn, can have a huge impact on our appearance.
• Pollution: Environmental pollutants, such as airborne particles and chemicals, can generate free radicals in the skin, which can accelerate ageing and lead to the formation of wrinkles.
• Poor skincare habits: Neglecting proper skincare, such as not using sunscreen, not moisturising regularly, and using harsh or fragranced skincare products, can contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Unhealthy lifestyle: Factors such as poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress can all contribute to premature ageing of the skin and the formation of wrinkles.

Addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors through lifestyle management, skincare routines, and, in some cases, medical cosmetic interventions can help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This might include wearing sunscreen daily, adopting a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, managing stress, and using skincare products containing ingredients like retinoids, Vitamins B, C, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acids.