What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles and fine lines form on your face mainly due to a combination of factors including:
- Aging: As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes drier, making it more prone to wrinkling.
- Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight accelerate the loss of elasticity and destroy collagen production, leading to premature aging.
- Smoking: Smoking also contributes to wrinkles by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the skin.
- Facial expressions: Repetitive facial movements, such as squinting or smiling, can cause wrinkles to form over time.
3 common types of wrinkles on the skin
Dynamic wrinkles:
Dynamic wrinkles, also known as expression wrinkles, are formed from repetitive facial movements and when you express emotions, such as fear, anxiety, sadness, joy, or surprise. "Over time, these wrinkles tend to appear around the eyes, forehead, neck, and mouth. They are part of the natural aging process and are related to decreased skin elasticity," explains dermatologist Dr. Rinky Kapoor.
Research in the Journal of Aesthetic Surgery shows that dynamic wrinkles can also form during sleep due to facial distortions from sleeping positions, accelerating the signs of aging. They can form due to genetics, poor diet, or regular smoking. Dynamic wrinkles only appear when you use your facial muscles, and are often found in:
- Wrinkles between the eyebrows
- Laughing wrinkles
Crow's feet
- Forehead wrinkles
Static wrinkles:
Unlike dynamic wrinkles, static wrinkles remain on your face even when your facial muscles are relaxed and you're not making any expressions. "Static wrinkles are caused by a decrease in collagen and elastin production, loss of skin elasticity, and long-term exposure to UV radiation and pollution," says Dr. Kapoor. "They're usually deeper, more pronounced, and are seen in areas like the corners of the mouth, on the cheeks, and along the neck."
Gravity Wrinkles:
Gravity wrinkles are caused by the downward pull of the skin over time. As you age, your skin loses elasticity, which can cause the lower parts of your skin to sag, including your cheeks, jawline, and neck. Factors like smoking and sun exposure can also lead to these types of wrinkles.
