Every smile, frown and squint leaves a tiny imprint on the skin. Over the years, these subtle marks can deepen, joining the gradual changes caused by time, lifestyle and the environment. While wrinkles are a natural part of your skin’s story, there comes a point when you might start wondering whether it’s a concern you’ll want to take action on.
In this article, we explore the causes of wrinkles and how to determine the right time to consider non-surgical treatments.
Why do wrinkles form?
Wrinkles typically develop due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are related to natural processes within the body, such as ageing, hormonal changes and certain medical conditions. These can gradually alter the skin’s structure, leading to reduced elasticity and resilience.
Extrinsic factors are external influences, including prolonged sun exposure, environmental pollutants and lifestyle habits like smoking. These can accelerate visible changes by contributing to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the proteins that help keep skin smooth and firm.
Together, these factors may lead to a thinning of the skin, increased fragility and laxity and the formation of facial lines, folds and deeper creases.
Different types of wrinkles
Wrinkles generally fall into three main categories, each with distinct causes and characteristics.
1. Dynamic wrinkles
These form as a result of repeated facial movements, such as smiling, frowning or squinting. They tend to appear around the eyes (crow’s feet), forehead and mouth (laugh lines).
2. Static wrinkles
Over time, dynamic wrinkles can become visible even when the face is relaxed. These static wrinkles often include lines on the cheeks, neck and deeper creases such as nasolabial folds.
3. Fine lines
These are shallow facial lines that may develop as an early sign of skin ageing. They can be caused by a combination of natural changes within the skin and external factors.
Wrinkles can appear at different ages for each individual. For some, dynamic wrinkles become more noticeable in the late twenties, while others may begin seeing fine lines in the early thirties, even when the face is at rest. In some cases, wrinkles can develop as early as the mid-twenties.
Prevention vs correction
Preventative treatments for wrinkles are often considered in the late 20s to early 30s, when fine lines first begin to form from repeated facial expressions. Corrective treatments, on the other hand, are usually sought later, once wrinkles are visible at rest or changes in skin texture have become more pronounced.
There’s no universal “right age” to begin treating wrinkles. It depends on your skin health and individual preferences. The important thing is to get professional advice tailored to your skin type and needs.
Signs it may be time to consider treatment
While the right timing is different for everyone, certain changes in the skin can prompt people to explore skin rejuvenating treatments. These may include:
- Fine lines becoming more visible at rest
- Dynamic wrinkles that linger after smiling, frowning or squinting
- Changes in skin texture
- Increased awareness of deeper folds like nasolabial lines or marionette lines
Schedule a consultation at Cloud Aesthetics
Deciding when to begin treatments for different types of wrinkles is a personal choice, and having the right guidance can make all the difference. At Cloud Aesthetics, we look at more than just the facial lines you see. We consider your medical profile, long-term cosmetic goals and overall skin condition before recommending a tailored non-surgical treatment plan.
Reach out to us today and discover options best suited to your skin.
