Lines and wrinkles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each caused by distinct forces: repetitive expressions, gravity, weight fluctuations, decreased circulation and thinning of facial skin are just a few causes of the lines that add years to the face and create a tired appearance.
To effectively target lines and wrinkles, it helps to know a bit more about the various kinds of creases that age the face so that each one can be targeted most effectively with today’s array of very effective skin rejuvenation therapies.
Atrophic Crinkling Rhytids
The scientific name for those fine lines that take on a parallel pattern on the face and body is atrophic crinkling rhytids. One distinguishing factor of these age lines is their tendency to disappear or lessen in severity when skin is stretched as your posture and expressions change.
To lessen the appearance of atrophic crinkling rhytid lines, the best offense is a good defense, and that means wearing a quality sunscreen to protect skin from collagen-destroying UV rays that age the face. In addition to a serious sunscreen regimen, these wrinkles may be temporarily reduced with plumping moisturizers that firm and smooth the skin’s appearance.
Permanent Elastic Creases
Just as the name suggests, permanent elastic creases are deep-set lines that become increasingly noticeable and stubborn as time passes. Their appearance is enhanced by sun exposure, so limiting the development of additional permanent elastic creases and reducing the severity of existing wrinkles of this nature is possible by protecting the skin from the sun’s damaging and aging rays.
Permanent elastic creases are most commonly found on the base of the neck and face, especially around the upper lip (smoker’s lines) and the cheeks. In addition to limiting sun exposure, quitting smoking can be a key factor in decreasing the appearance of these types of permanent wrinkles. In addition, dermal fillers may be used to improve their appearance.
Dynamic Expression Lines
As in the above example, dynamic expression lines are just what they sound like: facial wrinkles caused by movement and expressions. Years of laughing, smiling, crying and all manner of dynamic movements of the complex muscles that underlie the skin result in frown and smile lines, crows’ feet, and the dreaded “11s” between the eyebrows.
Injectable wrinkle prevention therapies like BOTOX® Cosmetic temporarily paralyze facial muscles to lessen the stress put on delicate facial skin and prevent the worsening of existing wrinkles. Once dynamic expression lines have formed, injectable dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® and RADIESSE® will decrease their appearance by plumping the skin and creating a more smooth, even and youthful appearance.
Gravitational Folds
Perhaps future space colonizers will have permanently youthful faces due to the gravity-free environment in the cosmos. Until that time, earthlings will continue to fight the signs of aging that result from gravity’s incessant pull. Gravitational folds are especially noticeable in those without a great deal of facial fat, but regardless of weight, many people seek more targeted procedures such as face lifts and neck lifts to counteract the effects of gravity.
To decrease the signs of facial aging, start with a good skincare routine and wear a quality sunscreen every day. Smoking is a major contributor to facial aging, so kick the habit. Also limit alcohol consumption, as it’s a major contributor to dehydrated skin cells. Nonsurgical tools like injectable fillers can tackle certain types of wrinkles, but other more noticeable and treatment-resistant lines may require the skilled hands of a skilled plastic surgeon to reduce the telltale signs of facial aging.