Wrinkles: Causes, Treatment, Prevention

Ageing is the only cause of wrinkling that is absolutely natural. As explained before, the dermis layer of the skin is composed of elastin and collagen fibers that provide the skin with support and elasticity. As you age, the skin cells divide more slowly and the network of collagen and elastin loosens and unravels. This creates depressions and crinkles on the skin surface which easily transition into wrinkles. Similarly, the skin’s ability to retain moisture, secrete oils, hold on to essential fatty acids and heal is also affected with age. All of these factors contribute to the natural development of wrinkles as you age.

(Read more: How to get glowing skin)

Exposure to the sun, especially ultraviolet radiation from the sun, can cause sunburns and premature ageing of the skin. This is also known as photoageing. Photoageing occurs when the ultraviolet rays break down the collagen fibers in your skin or lead to the abnormal production of elastin. The skin cells also produce an enzyme called metalloproteinase that aids in the production of collagen. Ultraviolet rays can damage this process of metalloproteinase production and damage collagen fibers, which can, in turn, result in the disorganization of collagen fibers called solar elastosis. If solar elastosis occurs repeatedly due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, then wrinkles are bound to appear.

(Read more: How to treat sunburns naturally)

Whenever you move your muscles, especially facial ones, it leads to the contraction of the muscles and therefore your skin. The contractions that occur in your face are known as small muscle contractions and lead to lines on the forehead, frown lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet around the corner of the eyes. Micro- and macro-expressions like smiling, frowning, squinting and even winking can lead to these wrinkles becoming more prominent with time. Gravity also exacerbates the effects of these expressions and the muscle contractions they result in.

(Read more: Brow lift)

The skin regenerates itself constantly, taking approximately 27 days to regenerate completely. Collagen plays a very important role in skin regeneration. Studies show that smoking and smoking addiction causes a marked reduction in the production of new collagen, thereby slowing down the regeneration process and the development of wrinkles. Research also shows that nicotine may cause blood vessels to narrow, which reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. Other chemicals in cigarettes can also damage skin cells and affect their elasticity. Smoking causes people to repetitively purse or lick their lips, which contributes to wrinkles and lines around the mouth.

(Read more: How to quit smoking)

Exposure to pollutants like ground-level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter can cause oxidative stress. According to research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, a peer-reviewed journal, in July 2019, "O3 (also) depletes the reserves of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the skin and decreases vitamin C and E levels." The same research goes on to say that exposure to O3 decreases the level of sirtuin 3 protein in the body which helps to eliminate free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to the cells and hasten ageing.

Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, which can make fine lines appear on your skin. Dehydration also causes the skin to appear thinner and dryer, making it look more crepe-like with triangular fine lines. It also affects the ability of the skin to hold onto moisture, which affects the skin’s ability to look plump and bouncy. It is therefore very important that you drink enough water to prevent wrinkles.

Topical retinoid creams with vitamin A may reduce wrinkles, pigmentation and skin roughness. Vitamin A increases the production of collagen in the skin, thereby improving your skin health. However, using retinoids may cause your skin to be more damaged when exposed to the sunlight. So, applying a good sunscreen with retinoids is important. Many anti-ageing creams contain varying concentrations of retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, kinetin, coenzyme, copper peptides and antioxidants - all of which may be effective against wrinkles.

Chemical peels are recommended by dermatologists for a number of skin problems, including acne and wrinkles. A chemical peel involves the use of chemical solutions like alpha-hydroxy acid, trichloroacetic acid and glycolic acid on the affected areas of the skin. The application of the chemicals removes dead skin and the skin that regenerates anew is smoother than the old skin. It is, however, recommended that you get a chemical peel under the guidance of a certified dermatologist only. This is because the administration of any chemical can irritate your skin and therefore the practised hand of a professional is needed.

(Read more: Exfoliation)

Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that involves controlled abrasion of the upper layers of the skin through a rapidly rotating device. This procedure is considered to be effective in removing fine wrinkles, acne and other types of scars. This procedure may, however, cause scabbing, swelling and changes in skin colour. Usually, these symptoms fade away after about a few weeks but you should consult a doctor if they persist or get worse. Microdermabrasion is a less invasive procedure than dermabrasion and equally effective. It may take a couple of sessions of microdermabrasion to make the skin feel firmer and appear more refreshed.

Getting botox for wrinkles is one of the most popular therapies known across the world. Botox is derived from botulinum toxin and is injected into the facial or affected muscles. The botox injection blocks the chemical signals which cause the muscles to contract, thereby preventing further wrinkling. It also smooths out the skin completely too. The effects of a botox injection may last for three to four months. In extremely rare cases, botox may have adverse effects like drooping. Only get botox injections from a certified dermatologist.

A rhytidectomy or facelift is a type of cosmetic surgery that is supposed to make you look more youthful. A facelift usually involves the removal of facial skin or fat and may even involve the tightening of the underlying tissues depending on the procedure recommended to you by the doctor. Although there are no major side effects of getting a facelift, it may be more expensive and the healing time after the procedure may take weeks. It is also believed that the effects of a facelift last a long time - over five years at least - but may lose effectiveness around the neck.

Fillers are synthetic chemicals, usually hyaluronic acid - a natural sugar polymer - used to treat the folds around the mouth, nose, chin and other facial areas prone to wrinkling. These depressed parts of the face are filled up with the fillers to lift up the skin. These fillers are usually temporary, which means their effects may last for four to six months before you need another round. There are a few side effects associated with fillers, including bruising, swelling and pain - all of which are likely to go away in just a few days. In case they don’t, you should call your doctor and get yourself checked again.