What are the most common wrinkles and how to correct them?
Wrinkles are part of the natural skin aging process. However, they don't all appear in the same way. We mainly distinguish between dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repetitive facial movements, and static wrinkles, which appear due to the loss of collagen and skin elasticity. Understanding these different types of wrinkles allows for adopting the best strategies to reduce them and slow their appearance.
The different types of wrinkles
1. Forehead wrinkles
Forehead wrinkles are horizontal lines that appear on the skin above the eyebrows. They first appear when frowning or expressing emotions, then gradually become permanent with age. This phenomenon is amplified by the decrease in collagen and elastin, prolonged sun exposure, and insufficient skin hydration.
To reduce them, you can use botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections, which relax forehead muscles, skincare products enriched with peptides and collagen to firm the skin, and daily sun protection to prevent them from worsening.
2. Frown lines (glabellar lines)
These vertical lines between the eyebrows can sometimes make you look worried or stern. They result from repeated contraction of forehead muscles and are made worse by stress and fatigue.
Botox injections help limit these contractions and soften the skin. Regular exfoliation and using retinol-based skincare products also help improve cell renewal and smooth these signs of aging.
3. Crow's feet
These fine lines that appear at the outer corners of the eyes are often associated with smiling and eye expressions. They are caused by repeated movements, the natural thinness of the skin in this area, and a lack of hydration.
To reduce them, it is recommended to use eye contour creams enriched with hyaluronic acid and retinol, regularly apply specific hydrating masks, and wear sunglasses to protect this delicate area from external aggressors.
4. Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
Nasolabial folds, which run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, deepen with age due to facial volume loss and skin sagging. The effect of gravity worsens this situation.
To correct them, hyaluronic acid injections help restore lost volume, while treatments like radiofrequency and ultrasound stimulate collagen production. Facial exercises, by strengthening the muscles of the lower face, can also help limit their appearance.
5. Marionette lines
These lines, which extend from the corners of the lips down to the chin, can sometimes give a sad or displeased appearance. They are mainly due to progressive skin sagging and a decrease in natural collagen reserves.
To restore volume and smooth this area, hyaluronic acid injections are effective. Techniques like radiofrequency lifting also help firm the skin. Finally, regular facial massage stimulates microcirculation and promotes skin elasticity.
6. Neck and décolleté wrinkles
The skin on the neck and décolleté is particularly thin and delicate, making it more prone to horizontal and vertical wrinkles. Prolonged sun exposure, lack of hydration, and decreased collagen production worsen this phenomenon. To prevent and reduce these wrinkles, it is recommended to daily apply hydrating and firming skincare products containing vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Laser and radiofrequency treatments can also stimulate cell regeneration, while strict sun protection helps limit photoaging.
Factors contributing to wrinkle formation
The appearance of wrinkles is influenced by many factors, both internal and external.
- With age, the production of collagen and elastin naturally slows down, making the skin thinner and less firm.
- UV exposure is another major factor, as it degrades collagen fibers and accelerates skin aging.
- Dehydration also makes the skin more vulnerable, while free radicals generated by pollution, tobacco, stress, and an unbalanced diet accelerate the oxidation of skin cells.
- Furthermore, repeated facial expressions engage certain facial muscles, which promotes the appearance of expression lines.
- Finally, glycation, a phenomenon linked to excess sugar in the diet, stiffens collagen fibers and accelerates their degradation.
How to prevent and correct wrinkles?
To prevent and correct wrinkles, it is essential to adopt a suitable skincare routine.
Daily application of sunscreen helps protect the skin from external aggressors, while using skincare products enriched with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants stimulates cell renewal and maintains good hydration.
Additionally, consulting a dermatologist or aesthetic specialist can provide personalized advice and access to advanced treatments like chemical peels, lasers, or microneedling, which deeply revitalize the skin.
Finally, a healthy lifestyle is essential: drinking enough water, adopting a diet rich in antioxidants, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol help preserve the skin's youth and vitality.
Conclusion
While wrinkles are an inevitable part of skin aging, many solutions exist to prevent and reduce them. A comprehensive approach combining skincare, aesthetic treatments, and a suitable lifestyle can slow their appearance and maintain younger, more radiant skin. By incorporating these good practices today, you can preserve your skin's youthfulness and firmness for longer.
Sources
1 Varani, James, Michael K. Dame, Laure Rittie, Suzanne E.G. Fligiel, Sewon Kang, Gary J. Fisher, and John J. Voorhees. "Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin." The American Journal of Pathology 168, no. 6 (June 2006): 1861‑68. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302.
2 Sebbar, El-Houcine, Imane Naji, Imane El Mezgueldi, and Mohammed Choukri. "Oxidative Stress, a Cellular Aggression." Actualités Pharmaceutiques 62, no. 626 (May 1, 2023): 36‑37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpha.2023.03.016.
3 Oresajo, Christian, Sreekumar Pillai, Megan Manco, Margarita Yatskayer, and David McDaniel. "Antioxidants and the Skin: Understanding Formulation and Efficacy." Dermatologic Therapy 25, no. 3 (2012): 252‑59. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01505.x.
4 Reynolds, J. J. "Collagenases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases: A Functional Balance in Tissue Degradation." Oral Diseases 2, no. 1 (March 1996): 70‑76. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.1996.tb00206.x.