What are Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are creases, folds, or ridges that appear on the skin's surface, often as a natural part of aging. They are most commonly found on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, hands, and forearms. While wrinkles are a normal part of the aging process, they can also be influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures.

What causes wrinkles?

1. Aging: As people age, the skin naturally becomes less elastic and more fragile. This is due to a combination of factors, including decreased production of collagen and elastin, proteins that help maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity. As a result, the skin becomes thinner and less able to bounce back from the effects of gravity and facial expressions, leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

2. Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the most significant contributors to premature skin aging and wrinkles. UV radiation damages the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, leading to a breakdown of these proteins and the formation of wrinkles, sunspots, and other signs of sun damage. This is why wearing sunscreen and protecting the skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential for preventing wrinkles and maintaining skin health.

3. Facial Expressions: Repetitive facial movements, such as squinting, frowning, and smiling, can contribute to the formation of wrinkles over time. These movements create creases in the skin's surface, which become more pronounced with age and repeated use of facial muscles. Over time, these dynamic wrinkles can become static wrinkles, which are visible even when the face is at rest.

4. Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for premature skin aging and wrinkles. Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that damage the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, leading to accelerated skin aging and the formation of wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and eyes.

5. Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration can contribute to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. Nutrients such as vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in maintaining skin health and preventing oxidative damage.

6. Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as air pollution and environmental toxins, can accelerate skin aging and contribute to the formation of wrinkles. These pollutants generate free radicals, unstable molecules that damage the skin's cellular structures and contribute to oxidative stress.

What are my options for wrinkle treatments?

• Upper Face: The best treatment for addressing wrinkles on the upper face involves the use of anti-wrinkle injections. These injections effectively relax facial muscles, aiding in smoothing out lines on the forehead, between the eyes, and around the eyes. We are proud to offer specialised advanced anti-wrinkle injection treatments at our premium clinics in Cambridge and London for optimal results.

• Lower or Mid Face: The most effective solution for addressing wrinkles on the lower face or mid face is through Profhilo (skin booster) injections. This treatment method involves precise injections at five specific points on each side of the face, allowing the formula to disperse evenly across the entire mid and lower face region. Profhilo acts as a powerful bio-rejuvenator, revitaliser, and tissue stimulator, working to refresh and smoothen out wrinkles in this targeted area. Another option to consider is dermal filler treatment, specifically tailored for the lower face. By utilizing lower face fillers, fine lines and wrinkles on the mid and lower face can be effectively diminished. Finally, anti-wrinkle injections can also be injected into problem areas to smooth out the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

• Cheeks: The most effective solution for addressing wrinkles on the cheeks is through the use of dermal fillers. This treatment involves strategically injecting the filler beneath the skin using a cannula, which helps to smooth out and diminish the appearance of cheek wrinkles that often become more prominent when smiling. Alternatively, our signature method involves applying the filler in precise bolus placements for optimal rejuvenation effects.

• Nasolabial Lines: The optimal solution for addressing nose to mouth lines is through the application of dermal filler aimed specifically at nasolabial folds. This clear gel substance is precisely injected into the facial area to target this particular concern. It operates by either elevating the cheek with cheek filler or directly addressing the crease between the nose and mouth with lower face dermal filler. The result is an instantaneous reduction of the pronounced fold, leading to a revitalised appearance.

• Marionette Lines: Dermal filler is the best treatment for for marionette (mouth to nose) lines. Dermal filler is a clear gel injected into the face for this concern to either lift the face or injected directly into the marionette lines to treat the fold. Both options can be combined to give best results, this gives an instant removal of marionette lines and turned down mouth corners, resulting in a happier looking, younger appearance.

• Fine Lines: Fine lines can be effectively diminished in appearance through the application of various minimally invasive treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, and mesotherapy. These procedures offer effective alternatives to more intrusive interventions like dermal fillers, delivering remarkable results specifically tailored for addressing fine lines.

While wrinkles are a natural part of aging, certain lifestyle choices and preventive measures can help minimise their appearance and delay their onset. These include practicing sun protection, adopting a healthy diet and skincare routine, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, and using skincare products containing ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants, and moisturisers to support skin health and hydration.