Fine Lines and Wrinkles

COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

What are Fine Lines and Wrinkles?

Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural function of aging. They can present at any age and on any type of skin. Most commonly, they appear for the first time in areas of the face where the skin creases or flexes naturally as the face mouths, such as in the nasal labial fold or around the eyes. Fine lines and wrinkles are a cosmetic condition with no underlying medical cause or condition. They can be treated with a mixture of personal care, topical creams and injectables.

Signs and Symptoms of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

We all have areas of our face where lines appear whenever we make an expression, such as smiling. Over time, these lines can remain on the face after the expression is released. Signs of fine lines and wrinkles include:

• Light creases around the corners of the eyes
• A light line running down the nasolabial fold
• Small creases in the area between the eyebrows
• Light lines across the forehead

What Causes Fine Lines and Wrinkles?

Fine lines and wrinkles come to us all in time and are related to aging and loss of collagen in the skin. There are certain things, however, that can exacerbate the presence of fine lines and wrinkles or make them occur sooner in life. These include sun exposure and smoking. Those with fair complexions and a hereditary tendency to develop fine lines and wrinkles have a higher risk of developing the condition.

How Fine Line and Wrinkles are Treated

There are a wide range of treatments available for fine lines and wrinkles. Topical remedies that can be used at home include glycolic acid peels, alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidants and moisturizers. There are also dermatological procedures that can help with the appearance of fine lines, including dermabrasion, laser resurfacing and ultrasound therapy. All of these techniques work to either resurface the skin or promote growth and elasticity from within the skin. Some also use injectable fillers to fill in more pronounced lines.