Wrinkles
At a Glance
Wrinkles are visible creases, folds, or ridges that develop in the skin as part of the natural aging process. Fine wrinkles are less than 1 millimeter in width and depth, while coarse wrinkles are 1 millimeter or more. As skin ages, collagen and elastin are lost and production decreases by approximately 1% each year, causing the dermis to thin and lose its supportive network of fibers. Combined with repeated facial expressions, gravity, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors, these changes result in the permanent lines and folds that characterize aging skin.
- Photoaging from UV exposure is responsible for approximately 90% of visible changes to the skin[3]
- Collagen and elastin synthesis decreases by approximately 1% each year as skin ages[7]
- Fine wrinkles are less than 1 mm in width and depth, while coarse wrinkles are 1 mm or more[7]
- Botulinum toxin injection has been shown to be more effective than placebo at improving wrinkles for up to 120 days[5]
- Visible signs of skin aging may begin to appear after age 25[3]
What are the symptoms of Wrinkles?
- Fine lines appearing around the eyes (crow's feet)
- Horizontal lines across the forehead
- Vertical lines between the eyebrows ("eleven" lines, frown lines or glabellar lines)
- Lines extending from the corners of the mouth (marionette lines)
- Creases running from the nose to mouth corners (nasolabial folds)
- Thin, less resilient skin texture
- Loss of skin elasticity and firmness
- Skin appearing looser or more saggy
When should you seek care for Wrinkles?
- Concerns about skin changes that may indicate a medical condition
- Desire for professional evaluation of cosmetic treatment options
- Sudden or unusual changes in skin appearance
- Skin lesions or growths that appear alongside wrinkles
- Interest in prescription-strength treatments like retinoids
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What causes Wrinkles?
- Decreased collagen and elastin production with age
- Slower skin cell division causing dermis thinning
- Repeated facial muscle contractions from expressions
- Loss of collagen and elastin from photoaging due to cumulative UV radiation exposure
- Reduced skin moisture retention capacity
- Decreased oil gland secretion
How are Wrinkles treated?
We offer a service to help manage this condition: Botox.
Prognosis
- Wrinkles are a natural part of aging and cannot be completely prevented
- Consistent sun protection, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate skincare may slow the development of new wrinkles
- Treatment results vary based on wrinkle severity and type
- Many treatments require ongoing maintenance for sustained results
- Combination approaches often yield the most noticeable improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wrinkles and why do they form?
Wrinkles are visible creases or folds in the skin that develop as part of the natural aging process. They form because skin cells divide more slowly with age, the dermis thins, and the network of collagen and elastin fibers loosens. Combined with repeated facial expressions, gravity, and sun exposure, these changes create permanent lines and folds in the skin.
What are the earliest signs of wrinkles?
The earliest signs of wrinkles typically include fine lines around the eyes (crow's feet), horizontal lines across the forehead, frown lines of the glabella, and subtle creases that appear when making facial expressions. These may begin appearing after age 25, though they become more prominent with age and sun exposure.
What causes wrinkles to develop?
Wrinkles develop from multiple factors including natural aging, which reduces collagen and elastin production by about 1% per year. Sun exposure causes approximately 90% of visible skin aging. Other contributors include smoking, repeated facial expressions, genetics, and lifestyle factors like dehydration and poor nutrition.
When should I see a dermatologist about wrinkles?
Consider seeing a dermatologist if you want professional evaluation of cosmetic treatment options, are interested in prescription-strength products like retinoids, or notice unusual skin changes accompanying wrinkles. A dermatologist can recommend treatments based on your skin type, wrinkle severity, and cosmetic goals.
What treatments are available for wrinkles?
Treatment options range from topical products to procedures. Over-the-counter options include retinol, moisturizers, and peptides. Professional treatments include botulinum toxin injections for expression lines, dermal fillers for volume loss, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and microneedling. A dermatologist can recommend the most appropriate approach.
Can wrinkles be prevented?
While wrinkles cannot be completely prevented, their development can be slowed. Dermatologists recommend daily sun protection with SPF 30 or higher, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and using products containing retinoids. Starting protective measures early may help delay the onset of visible aging.
What is the recovery time for wrinkle treatments?
Recovery time varies by treatment type. Botulinum toxin injections require no recovery time. Microneedling and dermal fillers typically require one to three days. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing may require one to three weeks of recovery depending on treatment intensity.
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Sources & References
This article draws from 7 peer-reviewed sources.
Government & Research
Medical Institutions
Educational & General
Medically reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Last reviewed: 2026-02-20