What are Fine Lines and Wrinkles?

Fine Lines and wrinkles are the creases and folds that develop on the skin as a result of age or skin damage caused by environmental factors. As we get older our skin begins to lose elasticity and volume which causes the skin to sag and fine lines and wrinkles to develop. There are also outside agents that can cause damage to the skin and weaken the collagen fibers that are responsible for giving the skin its smooth and firm appearance. Excessive sun exposure, smoking, stress, poor diet, and a lack of exercise, are all contributing factors that can cause premature aging and wrinkles.

Fine lines and wrinkles commonly appear on the forehead, in between the eyebrows, around the eyes, and around the nose and mouth. Wrinkles are classified as static or dynamic:

Dynamic wrinkles

These types of wrinkles form whenever we make a facial expression. When we are younger our skin is more flexible and is able to easily spring back into its original state. However as we age our skin weakens and is no longer able to recover from these facial muscle contractions. This causes a permanent or static wrinkle.

Static wrinkles

These wrinkles appear when our face is at rest and in its normal position. Static wrinkles are due to the natural aging process and skin damage caused by environmental factors. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and we lose collagen and elastin which causes the skin to droop and fine lines and wrinkles to develop.

There are a number of effective treatments for fine lines and wrinkles that can help you regain the youthful and radiant appearance you once had. Ask your skin care specialist about which treatment is best suited to your needs.