Why do wrinkles happen

Many people go to great lengths to prevent or treat wrinkles including intricate skincare routines, injections or surgeries. Here are five myths about wrinkles, debunked. Fact: You may have inherited your eyes or your humor from your parents, but probably not your wrinkles. Since when you start getting wrinkles is not completely dependent on genetics, skincare is not a lost cause, especially when a regimen is started early and consistently maintained throughout life. There are ways to slow down the process of aging in your skin, including:.

As you get older, fine lines are inevitably going to appear, whether or not they seem to run in your family. However, you can keep those lines from forming earlier than normal if you take care of your skin early on to prevent further damage. Fact: Your sister, best friend, mother, neighbor — everyone has a different skincare routine. The question is: Does someone have the secret to a perfect skin routine that avoids wrinkles and everyone else is just wasting their time? It is probably a multi-factorial process of intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging.

Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process that takes place over the years regardless of outside influences. After the age of 20, a person produces about 1 percent less collagen in the skin each year. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age. There is also diminished functioning of the sweat and oil glands, less elastin production, and less GAG formation.

Wrinkle formation as a result of intrinsic aging is inevitable, but it will always be slight. Extrinsic aging occurs in addition to intrinsic aging as a result of sun and environmental damage tobacco use and exposure to pollution, for example. Extrinsic aging shows up as thickening of the cornified layer, precancerous changes such as lesions called actinic keratosis, skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, lentigo maligna melanoma , freckle and sun spot formation, and exaggerated loss of collagen, elastin, and GAGs.

Alone or in concert, these processes give the skin the appearance of roughness, uneven tone, brown patches, thin skin and deep wrinkles. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light from sunbathing, tanning booths, and outdoor sports increases the development of wrinkles. UV light breaks down the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. These fibers form the connective tissue that supports the skin. As this layer breaks down, the skin becomes weaker and less flexible.

The skin starts to droop, and wrinkles appear. People who work in sunlight have a higher chance of early wrinkles. Wearing clothes that cover the skin, such as hats or long sleeves, may delay the development of wrinkles.

Regular smoking accelerates the aging process of skin because it reduces the blood supply to the skin. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, and dry skin is more likely to develop wrinkles. There are many treatments available to help reduce fine lines on the skin. For deeper creases, a person may require more aggressive techniques, such as plastic surgery or injections of fillers. Topical retinoids derive from vitamin A.

They aim to reduce fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation , and skin roughness. They do this by increasing collagen production in the skin. Possible adverse effects include:.

The active ingredients in wrinkle creams vary in type and concentration. Concentrations in an over-the-counter OTC wrinkle creams will be significantly lower than a prescription one. The concentration will affect how well they work.

Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that involves the controlled wearing away, or abrasion, of the upper layers of skin with a rapidly rotating device. Dermabrasion aims to remove fine wrinkles, moles , tattoos, acne scars, and other types of scar.

This procedure may cause scabbing, swelling, and changes in skin color. These symptoms generally fade after 2 weeks, but some signs may remain for several months. A person will not achieve their desired results immediately and may not see any improvements for several months.

Microdermabrasion is a less invasive procedure. Also, use sunscreen year-round when outdoors. Choose a skin-care product with a built-in sun protection factor SPF of at least Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring. Wrinkles care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Wrinkles Open pop-up dialog box Close. Wrinkles Wrinkles, especially around the eyes, mouth and neck, are common with aging as the skin in these areas gets thinner, drier and less elastic.

Deep, coarse wrinkles Open pop-up dialog box Close. Deep, coarse wrinkles With repeated sun exposure, wrinkles can become very pronounced and deep, especially on the back of the neck. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Soft tissue fillers and other injectables adult. Mayo Clinic; Laser resurfacing adult. Facelift adult.