Your skin is unique, and dynamic! So naturally there are plenty of factors that go into how lines on your face might develop. Let’s review the common reasons behind wrinkles by examining how they form in the first place, and what we can do to minimize and prevent them!

Wrinkles, what are they actually?

Wrinkles are visible creases or folds in the skin, of which there are two distinct types: static and dynamic.

Those forehead lines you get when you’re surprised? Those are dynamic wrinkles. The lines on your face that are always present, even when you’re not expressing? Those are static wrinkles. And without proper treatment, both will become more pronounced over time.

So what causes wrinkles?

Genetics are a deciding factor in the structure and texture of your skin, as are lifestyle and environmental exposure. When it comes to wrinkles and lines, UVA and UVB rays from the sun are big-time culprits. In fact, premature aging from sun exposure, or “photoaging,” begins within five minutes of being outside – long before you’d notice a sunburn forming.

Another contributing factor is physiological aging. For our skin, this means fundamental changes at the cellular level for essential tissue like collagen and elastin, which give skin strength, elasticity, and hydration. 

Other lifestyle contributors beyond aging and sun damage:

  • Smoking
  • Dietary health
  • Facial muscle movement
  • Repeated expressions

It can help to think of each in terms of day-to-day exposure for skin, which over time will lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

The science behind wrinkle formation

As you age, your skin produces less collagen and loses its elasticity. Collagen is responsible for skin renewal and repair and keeps your skin moisturized, soft, and supple. It’s also responsible for preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

Wrinkles are also formed by the muscles in your face repeatedly contracting. Dynamic lines (the non-permanent ones) are what you will see when you smile, furrow your brows, squint, or make other facial movements. Deep, static wrinkles, on the other hand, are always present and result from the breakdown of collagen, elastin and other dermal components.

How to minimize your wrinkles?

Permanent lines manifest over time through repeated muscle contractions, leading to the gradual breakdown of skin tissue. By directly targeting and relaxing specific muscles in your face, botox helps to prevent the formation of these lines. 

This is important to know because once self-correcting dynamic lines become static wrinkles, they can only be rectified by other, more invasive treatments. In the long-term, routine botox treatment dramatically slows this aspect of the aging process if not halting it altogether.

At Peachy, botox is a core part of our proprietary three-step approach to soften the appearance of wrinkles. A tailored regimen of botox, Retinoids, and SPF in a targeted and personalized manner means your fine lines and wrinkles can be both treated and prevented. 

How does botox work to prevent and treat fine lines?

Botox is an FDA-approved neuromodulator that works to gently relax the muscles in your face that specifically cause wrinkles. The targeted resting of these muscles can prevent the transition of dynamic lines from becoming static wrinkles. It also helps you look refreshed and rejuvenated, without altering or changing your natural appearance.

How do retinoids reduce static wrinkles? 

Prescription retinoids work for lessening deep-set wrinkles while further preventing them before they occur. They are a great option for all skin types and anyone with complexion goals!

Retinoids work on a cellular level to increase collagen production and slow collagen breakdown to reverse photoaging and reduce physiological aging.

How does sunscreen prevent fine lines?

Another integral product working on a cellular level is SPF. Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 30–50 SPF protects the delicate skin on your face from the harsh rays of the sun. 

Daily-use sunscreen helps combat and reverse photoaging – which is crucial since sun exposure is responsible for 80% of facial aging!  

Your skin and its needs are unique. Book your complimentary consultation at one of our studios today to find the wrinkle treatment plan that’s right for you.