Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Types of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Just to add insult to injury, several different types of fine lines and wrinkles can wreak havoc on your skin (depending on the cause of your wrinkles). Most of these wrinkles are named after their causes (like laugh lines and worry lines). 

Some of the most common types of wrinkles include:

• Atrophic wrinkles (thinning skin)

• Bunnies (bridge of the nose)

• Compression wrinkles

• Crow’s feet (corners of eyes)

• Elastic creases

• Expression lines

• Forehead lines

• Gravitational folds

• Laugh lines

• Lip lines

• Marionette lines (around the jowls) 

• Worry lines (between eyes)

Some people may only experience one type of wrinkle or fine line, but it’s common to develop a combination of several types. 

Causes of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

A wide variety of factors can cause lines and wrinkles. The most common reason for wrinkles is the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Essentially, old age does this to us.  As we grow older, our bodies stop producing collagen, and our skin loses the collagen we’ve got. Collagen is the stuff that makes skin elastic, so it’s important to keep skin looking smooth. 

One of the other common causes of wrinkles is using facial expressions. Yes, you read that correctly folks, being happy, sad, or mad can cause wrinkles. The good news is that if your wrinkles are caused by excessive happiness, you probably don’t need to worry too much. 

Some of the most common facial expressions that lead to lines and wrinkles include smiling, laughing, and frowning. 

Also, the thinner your skin, the more likely you are to develop wrinkles early on. People with lighter skin tones often have dryer, more delicate skin that contains less melanin and is more prone to wrinkles. 

Other causes of wrinkles include:

• Dehydration 

• Pollution

• Genes

• Medication side effects

• Sun exposure

• Smoking 

• Alcohol

The above lifestyle choices can break down the collagen and elastin in the skin, which means they can all lead to fine lines and wrinkles. 

Dehydration 

Dehydration is one of the leading causes of fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, it’s the common denominator in nearly all the other reasons on this list.  Our skin cells need water and hydration to stay plump and firm. They also need plenty of hydration in order to regenerate.  When our bodies are dehydrated, they reserve what water we do have for our most vital systems. Meaning, our bodies send all available hydration to our major organs (such as the liver and kidneys) instead of our skin. Collagen can’t do its job without water, and it starts to break down.

This is why hydration (both internal hydration from water, supplements, and food and external hydration from moisturizer) is essential. 

Pollution

Pollution, heavy metals, chemicals, and otherenvironmental stressors can wreak significant havoc on our skin cells, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. 

Pollutants can dehydrate skin (yes, we’re back on hydration again!) by breaking down the dermis, leaving it susceptible to irritation, infection, and evenacne.

If you live in a city or metro area, there’s a higher likelihood that you’ll need to protect your skin from pollution. Other air pollutants that are likely to make their way into the skin's delicate layers are heavy metals (small metallic particles that become airborne that often come from motor vehicles, trains, or other major transportation). 

Even common chemicals, like hairspray, pesticides, and cleaning products can damage our skin cells, causing wrinkles and fine lines. 

Sun Damage

One of the most common causes of fine lines and wrinkles is sun damage. Most of us are exposed to the sun for at least a few hours a day. 

If you live in a sunny climate, you’re probably exposed to the sun for long hours. Other lifestyle factors may also contribute to the overall time spent in the sun and average sun exposure. 

Add a hole in the earth’s ozone layer to the mix, and we are all at higher risk for sun damage. To avoid sun damage, it’s crucial that you wear sunscreen with a high SPF and long, layered clothing.  

Genes

Our genetics play a massive role in our overall skin health. In fact, you’re more likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles if another family member has them, too. 

While we can’t necessarily control our genetics, there are some factors we can control. Our likelihoods of developing premature wrinkles and fine lines are higher if this condition runs in our family. Yet, lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure, dehydration, smoking, and alcohol consumption, can drive the likelihood of developing wrinkles through the roof. 

A good rule of thumb is to control what you can and not worry about what you can’t when it comes to fine lines and wrinkles. 

Medications

Some medications are known to lead to dehydration and may cause premature fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re taking such medications, you may want to chat with your doctor about your dosage and/or consider switching to a different medication.

*It’s important to always talk to your doctor before you switch or stop taking medications.* 

Smoking 

Smoking is one of the leading causes of fine lines and wrinkles. It dehydrates the skin and is a form of pollution. Nicotine can break down collagen’s structure and weaken it. The good news is that collagen breakdown from nicotine is usually reversible.

Alcohol

Alcohol is another lifestyle factor that can lead to dehydration. Consistent overindulging in alcohol can lead to dehydrated, red, irritated, inflamed skin. It can also lead to enlarged pores and more common breakouts. 

Signs of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Obviously, you’ll know when you start developing fine lines and wrinkles: when you see the writing on the wall (or your face, as it were). 

Yet, wrinkles often appear first near the eyes, nose, lips, and forehead. They usually start as fine lines and deepen over time.

Fine lines and wrinkles are also often marked by dry skin, dull skin, or discolored skin. Since this condition is also a symptom of other skin issues, you may experience more than just deep wrinkles on your dermis. 

Other signs of fine lines and wrinkles include:

• Large pores/open pores

• Dark spots

• Acne

• Patchy skin/discolored skin

• Melasma

Preventing Fine Lines and Wrinkles

When it comes to wrinkles, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. 

If you haven’t already started seeing evidence of fine lines on your face, you should still watch for some of the most common causes. And if you already see crow’s feet, laugh lines, or other wrinkles? You might want to check out these prevention tips to ensure your fine lines don’t multiply. 

If you want to prevent more wrinkles (or all wrinkles), we recommend a few lifestyle choices, including:

• Drink plenty of water

• Eat fruits and veggies loaded with antioxidants

• Get at least eight hours of sleep each night

• Lower stress and anxiety

• Protect yourself from the sun 

• Stop Smoking

• Use a moisturizer that’s tailored to your skin type

Balance Nutrition

What we put into our bodies is just as important as what we put on our bodies. Drinking plenty of water, eating antioxidant fruits and vegetables, and takingsupplements are just as important as treating your skin right. Also, try not to overdo it with caffeine and other stimulants. 

If you're unsure if you're getting the right amount of nutrients in your daily diet, you can now easily discover what you're lacking through Vessel Health's At-Home urine test kit. It's super simple and literally gives you results in a matter of two minutes. 

Get More Sleep

Getting at least seven hours of sleep each night is key to preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Your body regenerates cells while you sleep and can’t focus on rebuilding collagen while other systems (such as your digestive system) are still activated.

Do you have trouble sleeping, but don't want to take prescribed sleep aids? You're in luck, Rae Wellness has just what you're looking for in their vegan dietary supplement, cleverly named, Sleep.

Lower Stress/Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are directly linked to skin issues, like wrinkles, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Lower your stress levels to keep your skin looking plump, hydrated, and fresh. We recommend downloading ameditation app or tryingonline therapy. 

Use Sun Protection

Sun exposure is known to speed up the aging process. Cover your skin when you’re out in the sun, and wear sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent premature aging. 

Avoid Nicotine and Alcohol Use

Avoiding nicotine altogether is one sure-fire way to prevent wrinkles, as this stimulant is a free radical that breaks down collagen cells. If you’re already a smoker, you may want to considerquitting smoking. While you don’t need to avoid alcohol altogether, you may want to consider capping consumption at two drinks per day max.

Use Moisturizer

If you want to prevent deep wrinkles and hydrate dry skin, use a good moisturizer. Opt for a good, thick daytime moisturizer that contains sunscreen. At night, wear one that won’t clog pores while you sleep. You also want to look for a nighttime moisturizer that boosts collagen production and cell turnover. 

Treatments for Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Suppose you are already starting to notice fine lines and wrinkles, fear not! There’s plenty you can do to reverse the signs of aging, turn back the hands of time, and prevent future damage to your skin. Some products may take a few weeks to a few months to begin showing results. Beauty takes time! 

Prescription Skincare Treatments

Luckily, there are plenty of prescription skincare products formulated to minimize the ​appearance of wrinkles. The best anti-wrinkle products are available by online dermatologist consultation and are specially formulated for each individual’s skin type.

Neck and Chest Cream

Got wrinkles and fine lines on your neck and chest? You’re definitely not alone. 

Many people suffer from wrinkles on the neck’s delicate skin and the décolleté that there are products designed just for this area of the body. Most people that suffer from wrinkles on the neck and chest sit hunched over the computer for several hours a day. 

If you suffer from wrinkles on the neck and chest, this cream is for you.

Best Neck and Chest Cream:Musely Neck and Chest Cream

Night Cream

A hydrating night cream can reduce the appearance of fine lines while you sleep. These creams contain prescription-strength retinol that helps skin cells regenerate overnight. 

These creams also boost collagen production and won’t clog pores while you sleep. 

Best Night Cream:Rory Nightly Defense

Skincare Sets

If you suffer from fine lines and wrinkles, we recommend contacting an online dermatologist for a prescription for a skincare routine. These sets usually come with a day cream, night cream, and cleanser. They boost collagen production while attacking free radicals. This all-in-one solution also lightens dark circles while getting rid of dead skin cells.

Skincare sets include:

• Cleanser

• Day cream

• Night cream (see above)

• Spot treatment (see above)

Cleanser

Wash away dead skin cells, excess sebum, dirt, and debris with a cleanser that won’t strip away essential oils from your dermis. Prevent acne and blackhead outbreaks while shrinking pores. 

Day Cream

Day creams are ultra-hydrating lotions that contain sunscreen to protect your dermis from the harmful UV and UVB rays of the sun. They usually contain vitamin C for elasticity and to boost cell regeneration. 

Best Skincare Set:Musely Skin Regeneration Set 

Over-the-Counter Skin Care Treatments

Over-the-counter (OTC) creams are available at most drugstores and big-box retailers. They cost less than most prescription treatments but often don’t contain high levels of active ingredients and aren’t effective long-term. And while these products may be a bit cheaper on the front end, you might need to buy them monthly, bi-monthly, or indefinitely. 

OTC products also aren’t formulated for each individual’s skin type. Meaning they may contain too much of one active ingredient and not enough of another. This can lead to imbalance pH levels in the skin or even further skin issues, such as acne, large pores, blackheads, dry skin, or oily skin. 

In-Office Dermatology Treatments

If your fine lines and wrinkles are incredibly severe, you may want to couple your prescription skincare treatment with in-office dermatology treatments to speed up skin cell regeneration. 

The most significant downsides to these treatments? They tend to be costly, require monthly or annual upkeep, and are sometimes painful. 

The most common in-office dermatology treatments for wrinkles include:

• Botox* (prevents muscles from tightening)

• Chemical peels* (removes the top layer of skin to allow new skin to grow)

• Fillers* (fat, collagen, or hyaluronic acid that’s injected into the skin to smooth wrinkles; these are not intended to be a permanent fix)

• Laser resurfacing* (removes the top layer of the skin like an extreme exfoliation)

• Light source treatments*

• Microdermabrasion* (similar to laser resurfacing)

• Photodynamic therapy

• Radiofrequency treatments*

• Surgery**

• Ultherapy*

*Denotes a procedure performed in a hospital or dermatologist’s office.

**Denotes a procedure that may require an overnight stay or may not be considered an ‘out-patient’ procedure. 

Side effects of invasive treatments may include itching, burning, redness, and/or dryness — but usually go away after a few days to a few weeks. Other side effects may include swelling, redness, and bruising. Any in-patient surgery will result in extended downtime and/or recovery time. 

If you’ve started developing fine lines and wrinkles or simply want to prevent skin issues before they start, contact a dermatologist to get prescription skincare — right from the comfort of your own home. You may also want to make a few lifestyle changes to prevent further damage and help you keep your skin glowing and smooth.