What Causes Wrinkles/Fine Lines?

As we age, our skin develops wrinkles and fine lines. Wrinkles can be dynamic (from facial movements) or static (due to aging and collagen loss).

Over time, the collagen in our skin starts to break down, which impacts the skin’s elasticity abilities, causing fine lines and wrinkles. The most commonly targeted for an improvement in skin aesthetics are dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles. Lines with movement are called dynamic wrinkles. For example, a person who may be frustrated often could be making certain facial expressions like raising the eyebrows or squinting the eyes, resulting in frown lines around the eyebrows or crow's feet by the eyes. What's happening is that these muscles are constantly being contracted, thus resulting in dynamic wrinkles.

On the other hand, static wrinkles are different from dynamic wrinkles. Static wrinkles are noticeable at all times, even while the face rests. They emerge from sun damage, strong facial muscular contractions, aging and lifestyle. Static wrinkles can appear in different forms, like fine lines and folds, and most commonly occur in some places, like the cheeks or jawline. These wrinkles are best referred to as a natural aspect of aging. With the gradual use of neuromodulators such as Botox, the injections can work towards smoothing the skin while preventing new lines from forming.