Wrinkles

What is the structure of the skin?

There are three main layers of skin, each serving a slightly different purpose.

The Anatomy of Aging Skin

At the top lies the epidermis, which contains your melanocytes, or skin pigment-producing cells. Next comes the dermis, containing fibroblasts for collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are two critical proteins for skin structure. Collagen provides the latticework on which the body builds its tissues. Elastin gives the skin its elastic, snap-back abilities. Finally, the hypodermis contains connective tissue and fat tissue. Skin cells are constantly being lost and replicated-the average person loses hundreds of thousands of skin cells an hour.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles occur as skin collagen and elastin break down over time from aging, daily wear and tear from pulling on the facial structure by facial muscles, sun exposure, environmental factors, and skin damage. Fine lines appear first, usually around areas of high use like the mouth and eyes. With time, these fine lines evolve into deeper creases called wrinkles.

Crepey Skin

This type of skin appearance is associated with a loss of elastin fibre integrity. When elastin stops functioning properly, the skin loses its ability to snap back, resulting in a papery appearance. Thin, wrinkly skin primarily affects older individuals. However, genetic predispositions, sun exposure and damage, dry skin, poor sleep or diet, and significant weight changes can contribute to crepey skin at any age.

What causes the fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin to appear?

Fine lines and wrinkles can appear as the skin gradually loses elasticity, strength, and firmness over time. Elasticity is lost due to the loss of collagen, which helps to keep our skin plump and firm. As a result, our skin becomes saggy, dull, and wrinkles start to appear. Environmental factors along with lifestyle choices can further influence how we age.

As with anything in life, when the foundation starts to go, so too does the overlying structure. Fine lines and wrinkles will happen to everyone as they age. Crepey skin will as well; however, crepey skin is more likely to occur in younger individuals with certain risk factors. Skin damage, sun exposure, weight changes, stress, poor sleep and diet, and certain medications and medical conditions can contribute to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin.

What are the most common types of fine lines and wrinkles?

Bunny Lines

These are the wrinkles that appear triangularly and horizontally at the corner of each eye and spread down the nose when you scrunch your nose.

Crow’s Feet

These are the lines that form on the outside corners of the eyes and spread towards the temples.

Glabellar Lines (a.k.a. Frown Lines)

Often called “11 lines” or frown lines, these are vertical creases between your eyes.

Forehead Lines

These are the large horizontal creases running across the forehead between the temples.

Lip Lines (a.k.a. Smoker’s Lines or Lipstick Lines)

You don’t have to have been a smoker or worn lipstick to develop the vertical lines running across the lips.

Marionette Lines

The vertical lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin.

Nasolabial Folds (a.k.a. Laugh Lines)

These are the parenthetical lines running from the base of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Who may wish to seek treatment for fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin?

Fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin are common concerns that develop over time. Some people choose to seek wrinkle treatment; others do not. If this is something you would like to discuss, a consultation with our practitioner can help you understand the options available.