What Causes Wrinkles?
You’ve probably read or heard the expression “fine lines and wrinkles” more than once when it comes to anti-ageing skin care. But do you know the difference between the two? Or what causes them? Or how you can prevent them in the first place? If you answered “no” to any of those questions, then you’re in luck, as NIVEA skin care expert Annie Yuen has shared with us her knowledge and tips when it comes to these sneaky signs of aging.
What is the difference between fine lines and wrinkles?
Fine lines are also called “expression lines”, which are lines that may be caused by the movement of facial muscles when smiling or frowning. A wrinkle is deeper than a fine line and can be caused by the natural process of ageing, as well as exposure to environmental factors or repetitive facial movements such as smiling, frowning or squinting.
What are the causes of fine lines and wrinkles?
Skin ageing is caused by multiple intrinsic and external factors. Intrinsic skin ageing is the biological effect of time upon skin and ‘wrinkling’ as a result of your genes and biological age. External skin ageing is significantly influenced by environmental factors such as exposure to UV light, lifestyle, drying effects of the wind, using an inappropriate mix of skin care products, diet and cigarette smoke. The parts of our body which are more exposed to the external environment, such as our face, neck and hands, tend to be more prone to ageing and wrinkling compared to other parts of our body.
What can you do to prevent fine lines and wrinkles forming?
Ensure a toner is used post-cleansing. Toners usually contain calming agents, which help to neutralise any leftover cleansing agents and restore a natural moisture balance to the skin. They also usually contain small amounts of vitamins, which help the skin to regenerate.
What skincare ingredients are great at preventing and correcting lines and wrinkles?
Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays a key role as an antioxidant to prevent skin ageing.
UV filters
UV filters - offer protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays to prevent sun.
Q10
Q10 is a naturally occurring vitamin-like substance in our skin. It works to support energy production in our skin and make it look more youthful.
A brief rundown on when and where fine lines and wrinkles will start to appear in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond:
In your 20’s
The body’s own production of Q10 slows down and your skin will start to feel naturally less moisturised and the first lines may begin to appear.
In your 30’s
The energy levels of your skin decline. The first wrinkles on your forehead may appear.
In your 40’s
Dry skin becomes more pronounced, wrinkles around the eyes may appear and the processes within the skin, which keep it young and fresh, slow down. Blood circulation reduces to the skin, limiting the nutrients it gets. This is the time when premature ageing starts to show its effect.
In your 50’s
Around this time, the most noticeable skin ageing processes are decreased cell metabolism, decreased blood flow, and decreased energy, all of which is further complicated by a hormonal imbalance brought about by menopause. In a microscopic cross-section of the skin, these factors can be observed as a thinning of the epidermis and dermis, loss of collagen mass and flexibility, and a loss of functional elastic fibres.
60’s and beyond
The top layer of skin thins out. What were once minor bumps now cause bruising and bleeding. Your skin loses its natural ability to protect against UV and is prone to age spots.