Wrinkles are grooves on the surface of the skin, which are primarily formed on the neck, face and hands due to damage to the connective fibers containing the two most important components of the skin — elastin and collagen.
The content of the article:
Types of wrinkles
Causes of wrinkles
Prevention of wrinkles
Methods of wrinkle removal
Hardware methodology
Wrinkles
The most unpleasant phenomenon is age-related wrinkles as a result of natural processes occurring in the human body. It is known that with age, the skin ceases to be elastic, losing moisture and being subject to failures in metabolic processes. The latter leads to a change in the structure of the dermis and the appearance of wrinkles of different sizes.
It must be said that not only time affects the skin, but also our attitude towards it. As you know, the first wrinkles can appear at the age of 17, and this does not mean that we have started to age, but it means that we are just used to wrinkling our forehead or eyes. At an early age, facial wrinkles appear.
Types of wrinkles
Depending on the depth of the skin lesion, there are three types of wrinkles:
Superficial (or epidermal) wrinkles. They affect only the surface layer of the skin (epidermis). This type of wrinkles is very small and often has the form of “grids”. If there are a large number of such wrinkles on the surface, then the skin looks like parchment. Often, the appearance of surface wrinkles is affected by the lack of the necessary moisture inside the skin or thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, which can be caused by a slow process of peeling the surface of the stratum corneum, as well as slowing down the rate of cell renewal.
Medium depth (or dermal) wrinkles. Such wrinkles affect the middle layer of the skin — the dermis — and are a consequence of the development of superficial wrinkles. Their appearance is first affected by damage to collagen production due to the presence of free radicals, which slows down the synthesis of fibroblasts.
Deep mores. Such wrinkles affect all layers of the skin, their formation is influenced by subcutaneous fat. First of all, deep wrinkles occur in the area of natural folds on the surface of the skin (for example, in the area of nasolabial folds). A significant role in their appearance belongs to the developing gravitational ptosis of facial tissues, when there is a decrease in muscle tone.
It should be said that the formation of deep wrinkles is nothing more than a genetic predisposition, which also depends on the individual characteristics of a person. The degree of manifestation of deep wrinkles will depend on the action of various negative factors affecting the appearance of each type of wrinkles.
Depending on the causes of all wrinkles can be divided into two classes: dynamic and static.
Dynamic appearance of wrinkles
The dynamic appearance of wrinkles occurs due to the frequent contraction of facial muscles. Of course, facial expressions are our best ability to express our emotions, especially since each person has their own characteristic facial expressions, which allows you not to confuse a person with another: some often raise their eyebrows, expressing their surprise, while others like to frown or squint. It is such an active facial expression that leads to the fact that due to frequent facial movements, permanent skin folds appear, which can no longer be completely straightened out by the age of 20, thereby forming dynamic wrinkles. Often the very first facial wrinkles appear on the forehead, and then in the corners of the eyes. By the age of 30-35, wrinkles appear on the surface of the upper eyelids.
Static appearance of wrinkles
Another type of wrinkles is called static (or gravitational). Such wrinkles occur after 40 years. Unlike the first type, dynamic, static wrinkles are not formed because of the active work of our facial expressions. Their occurrence is influenced by the processes of age-related skin aging, which can be natural or artificial (for example, due to smoking or excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays).
It is known that during the aging period, blood circulation slows down in the skin, collagen becomes less, the level of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to a noticeable decrease in the elasticity of the skin surface. Over time, the skin becomes noticeably flabby. Loss of tone also occurs in the facial muscles: due to gravity, the facial tissues sink, losing their former strength. The omission of the tissue occurs unevenly, thereby leading to the appearance of static wrinkles. Their appearance can even be affected by impaired posture or incorrect body posture during sleep or sitting at a table.
Combined appearance of wrinkles
The third type of wrinkles in this classification is a combined type, which has signs of static and dynamic types. Combined wrinkles include:
Creases — occur with age, most often spreading on the surface of the cheeks or near the eyes, as well as in the decollete area.
Nasolabial wrinkles (or nasolabial wrinkles) — stretch from the nose to the corners of the mouth, often occur in people with active facial expressions. Pronounced wrinkles of this type noticeably age the face.
Periorbital wrinkles (“crow’s feet”) are small wrinkles that appear in the outer corners of the eyes. Such wrinkles occur due to the tension of the eye muscles (for example, when smiling). The formation of wrinkles in this particular area is explained by a very thin skin located around the eyes. Such wrinkles give a tired look to their owner.
Mentolabial wrinkles — spread from the corners of the mouth to the chin, contributing to a sad facial expression (such wrinkles are also called “wrinkles of sorrow”).
Perioral wrinkles are a small type of wrinkles located between the nose and upper lip. The formation of such wrinkles is associated with a significant exposure of the facial area to the mimic load of the lips.
Brow wrinkles (or “anger wrinkles”) are a vertical type of wrinkles located between the eyebrows. Such wrinkles occur due to the frequent movement of the eyebrows in a moment of anger or excitement. These wrinkles give the face rigor.
Frontal wrinkles (or “anxiety wrinkles”) are horizontal and transverse wrinkles located in the forehead area, and occur during periods of anger or excitement. It is the horizontal type of wrinkles that becomes deeper and deeper in the future.
Wrinkles on the neck or in the decollete area — with age they become more and more noticeable due to the loss of skin elasticity and elasticity.
Causes of wrinkles
Early wrinkles are not the result of aging of the skin, but the consequence of the incorrect location of the head and neck in a sitting or lying position. For example, some people prefer to sleep with a pillow raised high under their head, while others find it convenient to tilt their head on their chest and sleep in this position. In any case, the formation of wrinkles on the neck and face with their incorrect position will be inevitable.
In addition, the cause of early wrinkles may be a sharp weight loss: stretched after losing weight, the skin is not able to quickly “become” in its place, therefore it is covered with noticeable wrinkles. Facial wrinkles are another type of early wrinkles, the cause of which is the habit of wrinkling the forehead or squinting the eyes.
Another common cause of wrinkles are transmitted infectious diseases, diseases of the endocrine or nervous system, gastrointestinal or gynecological diseases — all this weakens the possibility of resistance of the body, reducing the elasticity of the skin, which is why it shrinks.
Among the natural causes that explain the appearance of wrinkles, one can distinguish: prolonged exposure to scorching rays or in the wind, sharp fluctuations in air temperature, excessively dry or humid weather, frequent stays in stuffy or smoky rooms.
Interestingly, improper use of cosmetics can cause the opposite effect, affecting the appearance of wrinkles. Very often, young girls with still good elastic skin begin to abuse decorative cosmetics, very often washing with special means or using powder that dries the skin, thereby creating an ideal environment for the formation of wrinkles.
Perhaps the most common cause affecting the appearance of wrinkles is age. The first wrinkles appear at the age of 20, thereby indicating the beginning of skin aging. In the interval between 30 and 40 years, wrinkles become even more, and by the age of 60 they appear in their maximum amount. The skin of the elderly is characterized by lost elasticity and density due to thinning of subcutaneous fat. In addition, in the body of the elderly, most elastic fibers die, which are characterized by stretching and drooping. The noticeable appearance of the zygomatic bones and pronounced nasolabial folds are additional characteristics of skin aging.
Prevention of wrinkles
Special exercises
To prevent the appearance of premature wrinkles, you should perform a set of exercises for the muscles of the face and simultaneously take care of the skin with cosmetic methods.
The position of the head should be correct
So, to get rid of the second chin, eliminate flabby skin and prevent wrinkles on the neck, you should get rid of your bad habit of pressing your chin to your chest. It will be much more useful to keep your head raised. During the sleep period, the face should be in a free position, do not bury yourself in a blanket with your head. Important importance is given to the timely treatment of teeth or their prosthetics, since the sinking of the cheeks due to the absence of a tooth contributes to the formation of significant wrinkles.
Avoiding ultraviolet light
Avoiding direct sunlight on the skin of the face and body will be a good preventive measure. Air baths are favorable. If you still want to sunbathe, do not forget to use sunscreen.
Cosmetic masks
The most effective preventive measure in the fight against wrinkles are masks. They are able to prevent the appearance of wrinkles, having a positive effect on the surface and deep layers of the skin.
Masks improve the condition of the skin, delaying the formation of wrinkles. Masks have an even greater effect if they are alternated. It must be remembered that before using the mask, the face must be cleaned by washing or wiping with a special lotion or milk. Do not overexpose the mask on your face, it will be enough to apply it for 15 minutes. Masks, which include oil, should be removed from the face with a wet swab, all others are easily washed off with water.
Special ointments
Another effective remedy will be the use of ointments against the appearance of wrinkles. They are used before going to bed, smearing the face. It will be useful to add table salt to the ointment in the proportion of 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt to 1 jar of cream. Such a mixture will be effective if it is applied specifically to wrinkles, while it needs to be rubbed for at least 3 minutes. In the morning, it would be good to wash your face with cool water, smearing with day cream and powdering a little.
Massage
Massage is another preventive measure against wrinkles. Daily massaging with your fingertips for 5-7 minutes will help improve blood circulation in the skin, strengthening and making it more elastic.
However, the most important preventive measure that can slow down the aging of the skin will be the right way of life: taking care of health in general, proper sleep and wakefulness, the right diet of a balanced diet, physical activity, performing gymnastics for the body and face.
Methods of wrinkle removal
To date, there are many different methods of treating wrinkles. They all boil down to the fact that at the beginning it is necessary to establish the exact reason that caused this deviation. Whichever method is subsequently chosen, it is necessary to approach the treatment in a comprehensive manner.
All existing methods of wrinkle treatment today can be divided into two categories: injection and hardware methods of wrinkle correction. All of them are aimed at restoring the natural function of the dermis, its regeneration and renewal of epidermal cells, as well as establishing the natural functioning of collagen and elastin fibers with their ability to retain moisture in cells for a long time.
So, injectable methods of wrinkle correction include:
Chemical peeling. This procedure is performed using various acids, including glycolic or retinic. Types of chemical peeling differ from each other in different depth of impact on the skin. Depending on age—related skin changes, surface peeling can be performed (the purpose of which is to exfoliate the upper keratinized layer of the skin and smooth it) or deep peeling (the purpose of which is to stimulate the cells of the dermis, the deeper skin layer). The second method should be applied no earlier than 30 years. After undergoing chemical peeling, the rejuvenating result will be immediately noticeable.
Biorevitalization is another injectable method of drug administration based on the use of hyaluronic acid. Such injections are injected into a variety of skin layers. The technique is very effective, it allows you to increase the elasticity and elasticity of the skin, smooth out small wrinkles, refresh the face, improving its color. In a short time, the procedure allows you to rejuvenate the skin and moisturize the cells.
Botulinum toxin is a technique based on injections with special drugs (botox, xeomin or dysport). Such drugs block the neuromuscular impulse, leveling deep facial wrinkles on the forehead, and restoring skin elasticity. The effect is noticeable five days after the injection. However, which drug to choose for injection? As you know, Botox was the first such drug on the cosmetology market. Over the past 20 years, Botox has remained the most popular drug that contains botulinum toxin, capable of smoothing wrinkles. In addition, there is no doubt about the safety of using botox — it is the most harmless and safe drug. If the USA is considered the “homeland” of botox, then France is the “homeland” of dysport. It was here, in France, that a drug was invented that could fight “crow’s feet”, facial wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyebrows. However, it is necessary to know that Botox and dysport will be different in their effectiveness, so their use will require a different amount of substance at a time. From this position, we can say that Botox is much more effective — only 1 unit of this drug is equivalent to 3-4 units of dysport. However, the effect will be the same — wrinkles will be eliminated. Xeomin is another drug that effectively fights wrinkles. Its manufacturer is Germany. This is the “youngest” drug that has just appeared on the cosmetology market, nevertheless, it has already successfully tested itself in practice, and today it is a worthy competitor to botox or dysport. Interestingly, such injections are widely used for excessive sweating. Botulinum toxin has a long—lasting effect – up to 6 months. If the procedure is repeated, its effect will be longer. It is known that the muscles of some patients may not tone up for a long time after such an injection, so the effect is prolonged up to a year.
Fillers are a procedure that allows filling wrinkles with a substance, thereby lifting the skin to the appropriate level. The basis of this technique is the use of a special type of collagen with a special protein that makes the skin more elastic and gives it a healthy appearance. We are talking about bovine collagen, isologene or dermalogene. Such fillers are injected literally into every wrinkle. Manipulation does not take much time. After it is carried out, you can immediately return to normal life.
Contouring using biogels (based on hyaluronic acid). Usually, drugs such as Perline, Surjiderm or Repleri are used for its implementation, the main component of which is hyaluronic acid. This technique most effectively copes with horizontal wrinkles in the forehead area, as well as vertical, concentrated between the eyebrows. In addition, contouring eliminates “crow’s feet” near the eyes. Drugs are injected in small quantities into problem areas. The number of procedures is usually set by a specialist.
Ozone therapy is a method of eliminating wrinkles with an oxygen—ozone mixture. This method stimulates the regenerative processes in the skin cells. Usually at least 5 sessions are held every week.
Whichever of these rejuvenation techniques you choose, you should first assess the condition of your skin and the body as a whole, take into account the presence of contraindications and the use of drugs in relation to your body. Remember that any manipulative intervention carries a certain risk to your health. The most dangerous consequence of such injections may be the omission of tissues (sagging forehead or lowering eyebrows) or, conversely, the loss of natural facial expressions.
Hardware methodology
The hardware technique is no less effective and widespread in the fight against wrinkles. All varieties of this technique are reduced to the fact that the problem skin is affected by light.
The main types of hardware techniques:
Laser resurfacing — helps to eliminate wrinkles, as well as acne through the use of carbon dioxide or erbium lasers that stimulate the formation of collagen, thereby eliminating wrinkled skin. Thanks to this polishing, the skin is completely renewed, small and more pronounced facial wrinkles, scars and even acne are eliminated. The disadvantage of such a procedure is a long preparatory process and a long recovery period.
Dermabrasion is a manipulation, the purpose of which is the elimination of the surface layer of the skin, and hence the elimination of wrinkles and scars. This procedure helps to cleanse the skin of old surface layers, contributing to the overall improvement of the skin. The procedure lasts no longer than 50-60 minutes, but the recovery period is quite long and causes discomfort. Today, this technique is outdated.
Fractional rejuvenation — this procedure is based on the effect of photothermolysis — the creation of artificial micro-injuries that are able to activate the protective reactions of the body, showing accelerated cell regeneration, thereby helping to quickly renew the skin.
Photo rejuvenation is a method of laser exposure to the skin. The peculiarity of the procedure lies in the fact that the laser effect is directed only at the aged skin areas that have managed to become covered with wrinkles.
Of course, the most effective will be a comprehensive approach to solving this problem, namely the combination of cosmetics, lifting and quality care.
Folk remedies prepared at home do not give the expected result. It should be remembered that such decoctions and lotions will help smooth out only shallow wrinkles, but they are not able to eliminate deep furrows on the skin. Whatever it was, but traditional medicine is weak in the fight against wrinkles. Therefore, so often women prefer the work of surgeons who are able to remove the defect through plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery is a sure cure for wrinkles, however, it also contains many disadvantages. So, for example, there are many contraindications that do not allow plastic surgery to be performed on various patients. In addition, the recovery period after surgery lasts quite a long time. The presence of pain and discomfort on the skin is a mandatory consequence of plastic surgery. A positive result after the operation will be noticeable some time after the healing of the stitches. The rehabilitation period involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and healthy sleep.
