Wrinkles

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Skins Over 50 develop deeper lines and wrinkles due to changes in the skin which are visible with the naked eye. Wrinkles consist of retractions of the upper skin layers, which are limited by a bulge in a linear way. The formation of wrinkles throughout the body and face are a well-known sign of skin aging. In general, facial wrinkles appear on both sides of the face. They are symmetrical.

Two main forms of wrinkles are distinguishable: permanent and temporary wrinkles. As for permanent wrinkles, wrinkles related to facial expression and wrinkles which are linked with gravity are to be diffentiated.

Wrinkles of facial expression are a result of the repeated tractive force of all facial muscles so that the skin gradually loses its tone in predestined areas. Wrinkles of expression occur in the regions around the eyes, nose, mouth and cheeks.

Wrinkles on flaccid skin develop with growing age. In this context, there is a decrease of subcutaneous fat cells depots. Gravity exerts its effects on sagging skin, especially in the area of the cheeks and the throat.

Temporary wrinkles are fine, less deep and disappear when stretched. In dependence of skin aging and localization they may more or less quickly develop into permanent wrinkles.

All types of wrinkles and lines are a main topic in dermocosmetics. They are influenced by numerous intrinsic factors such age, gender, genetic disposition, race, and - in exposed zones - by extrinsic factors such as UV light, nutrition, tobacco and alcohol abuse. Naturally, the formation of wrinkles may be influenced by appropriate skin care measures.

An example of the formation of lines and wrinkles in particularly exposed skin zones are ocular wrinkles, so-called crowsfeet. In our illustration the skin around the eye marked by fine lines and wrinkles in the right box is contrasted with smooth skin in the left box. In the enlargement, the retraction of the upper skin layers becomes obvious.



WHAT IS A WRINKLE?

The specific treatment of wrinkles is related to the cause and location of the wrinkle. Filling the wrinkle, smoothing the tissue next to the wrinkle, or weakening the muscle that causes the wrinkle are all methods to decrease skin irregularities.

There are three types of wrinkles: dynamic wrinkles, static wrinkles, and wrinkle folds.

DYNAMIC WRINKLES: caused by contraction of muscles attached to the overlying skin. Each muscle contraction causes the skin to bunch together, forming lines between the bulk of the muscle. The most common locations for dynamic wrinkles are between the eyebrows, across the forehead, and on the cheeks near the outer corners of the eyes, referred to as “crow’s feet”. It follows, then, that weakening these muscles will cause a reduction in the severity of the facial wrinkles, or can prevent them altogether when muscle weakening is done before wrinkles form.

STATIC WRINKLES: due to lack of elasticity of the skin caused from sun damage, smoking, genetics, poor nutrition, or from prolonged dynamic wrinkling. Static facial wrinkles are visible regardless of muscle contraction; they stay (hence the name “static”) even when the muscles are not contracting. This leads to the classic “crepiness” and multiple cross-hatching as is often seen in wrinkles on the cheeks and around the eyes. Techniques that increase the thickness of the skin or that remove the damaged skin are effective wrinkle treatments. Laser skin resurfacing and deeper chemical peels remove the damaged skin and stimulate new collagen formation to improve the skin’s appearance, elasticity and thickness.

WRINKLE FOLDS: due to sagging of the underlying facial structures, most notably causing the deep grooves between the nose and mouth known as the naso-labial groove. Surgical procedures such as midface lifts, cheek lifts, and neck lifts offer the best corrective measures for these problems. Alternatively, the folds can be camouflaged temporarily by plumping up the groove from beneath with substances like collagen Fat transfer, whereby your own fat is removed from one area and then injected into the area where fullness is desired, is an excellent alternative, and is one of the more permanent wrinkle treatments.

Most people have a combination of all three types of facial wrinkles, especially with advanced age.

WHAT CAUSES WRINKLES?

GENETICS: The most common cause of wrinkles is a loss in the elasticity of the collagen layer. Collagen is a connective tissue layer that supports the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). As we age, there is a loss of collagen elasticity and support of the overlying skin. This causes facial wrinkling. Although our genetic make-up predisposes us to have either relatively smooth or wrinkled skin, we clearly can do things to affect our skin texture, hydration, and overall health.

ENVIRONMENT: There are many detrimental environmental agents that negatively affect the health of our skin. Smoking clearly decreases the microcirculation to the skin and increases the amount of facial wrinkles. Many chronic tobacco users have a marked increase in the number wrinkles around their mouth (particularly on their upper lip). Exposure to the sun or in tanning beds also decreases the elasticity of the skin, dehydrates the skin, and increases wrinkles in the skin. Harmful UVA and UVB solar rays deplete the skin of moisture and thin the dermal layer of the skin. Ultraviolet radiation also injures the cells that produce elastin and collagen fibers, causing wrinkles. It over-stimulates pigment cells, creating irregular coloring, including the brown blotches, erroneously called liver spots that appear on faces, forearms, and hands.

INAPPROPRIATE CARE: Lack of proper and consistent exfoliation and moisturization. Skin must be stimulated and cared for on a regular basis. We want the thinnest layer of dead skin cells with a thicker layer of live skin. All with deep nourishing moisturization and protection from UV rays, at all times.