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Decreasing collagen formation
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Decreased water and fat content of the skin
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Facial expression
The visible process of skin ageing begins between the ages of 20 and 30.
Until then, the body produces sufficient collagen. The fibres of the connective tissue of the dermis ensure that the skin is strong, the tissue is firm and yet stretchable thanks to elastin fibres.
With increasing age, the skin produces less collagen and elastin, and the skin cells divide more slowly.
The water and fat content in the skin decreases, it becomes thinner and drier.
The supply of nutrients to the skin also decreases. Visible skin ageing is first noticeable through small wrinkles around the eyes and corners of the mouth.
After a few years, not only individual wrinkles develop into deep lines. The face also loses volume due to the slackening of the connective tissue.
What are the types of wrinkles?
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Dynamic wrinkles (expression lines)
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Static wrinkles
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Actinic wrinkles
The formation of different types of wrinkles is related to different processes in the body.
Dynamic wrinkles / expression lines
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They are caused by repetitive movements in the face
Dynamic wrinkles or expression lines are caused by the movement of the facial muscles. The muscles under the skin have fibres that reach into the upper layers of the skin.
When the muscles are tensed, these fibres pull the skin together and form wrinkles.
The face has about 50 muscles that work closely together when we move. It takes about 10-15 muscles just to smile. The overlying skin folds up in the corresponding regions when the muscles move.
For example, in the case of laughter or frown lines:
When the skin repeatedly wrinkles in the same place, fine lines form there. These can eventually become deep wrinkles.
Examples are forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow's feet.
Static wrinkles
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Gravity wrinkles
They develop without the use of muscles when the skin loses moisture and elasticity and sinks downwards.
Examples: deep nasolabial fold, marionette line.
Genetic predisposition certainly plays a major role in the formation of wrinkles.
However, external influences such as smoking, too much alcohol, too much stress, medication and nutrient deficiencies can also have a negative effect on the formation of wrinkles.
A connection between premature skin ageing and excessive sunbathing is also considered very certain.
Actinic wrinkles
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Wrinkles promoted by sunbathing
Actinic wrinkles are small creases that are mainly found on the face, neck and hands.
Their appearance is a natural part of skin ageing.
However, the formation of actinic wrinkles can be accelerated by years of exposure to UV radiation. This applies both to natural sunlight and to the irradiation of the skin in a solarium.
