Learn more about fine lines & wrinkles.
Fine lines and wrinkles develop due to a range of reasons. These can be categorised into three broad groups: genetics, skin phototype and exposure to environmental factors. Skin phototype is a classification of skin type based on its reaction to sunlight exposure. Dermatologists often use the Fitzpatrick classification to determine your skin phototype, which consists of six different skin types.As a general rule, skin types I to III are at increased risk of developing wrinkles and fine lines compared to types IV to VI. Environmental factors include sun damage, muscle movement, gravity, injury, surgery, acne and smoking. Our aim is to help you minimise the preventable causes of wrinkles.
What are fine lines?
Fine lines arise because of irregular thickening of the dermal layer and also because of a reduction in the amount of water stored in the epidermis. The irregularity of the dermis results from a loss of collagen and elastin, which provide the main structural support for the skin and help keep it looking smooth and firm. Fine lines are mainly caused by sun damage and exposure to environmental toxins, especially cigarette smoke. These cause collagen and elastin to break down leading to a loss of strength and elasticity. You will inevitably lose collagen and elastin with age, which is unavoidable. However, exposing your skin to these environmental factors will accelerate this process.
Non-Preventable Causes of Wrinkles:
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Ageing - when we are young our body is able to rapidly turn over cells and replace them with fresh new cells. The rate at which this occurs slows with age, as does its ability to repair cell damage. You produce less nourishing substances with time as well, and dried skin cells tend to accumulate.
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Menopause - Oestrogen is a protective hormone against ageing as it promotes collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production. During menopause, your body starts to make less oestrogen and therefore makes less of these protective elements. This can make the skin appear thinner, more wrinkled and drier.
NOTE: In the five years after menopause, 30% of skin collagen is lost. Following that, you lose about 2% per year.
Preventable Causes of Wrinkles:
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Sun Exposure - the damage caused by chronic exposure to UV rays is the most significant contributor to ageing (up to 90%!).It causes thickening of the epidermis, melanin production (leading to uneven skin tone and dark spots), collagen and elastin breakdown (causing the skin to sag and wrinkle), and depletes antioxidant supplies in the skin. The absolute best thing you can do to fight the signs of ageing is to wear sunscreen daily.
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Smoking - tobacco smoke leads to oxidative stress, which basically means the skin is starved of the oxygen it needs to function as normal. Among other serious effects, this causes upregulation of metallo-proteinase MMP-1, which is an enzyme that specifically breaks down collagen stores. Smoking also causes blood vessels to constrict, inhibits inflammation and delays wound healing. Nicotine replacement is safer for the skin than smoking, however, it can also have these effects on the skin.
What you can do:
Aside from quitting smoking, daily sunscreen use will always be your best defence against ageing and we recommend SPF 30+ as a minimum. There are endless creams and serums on the market which all promise to slow the process of fine line and wrinkle formation. Unfortunately, most of them are unproven. Topical retinoids are scientifically proven to slow the ageing process. They are available over the counter but these are less potent and therefore less effective. The best retinoids require a prescription, which is where we come in. We can prescribe the most effective retinoids and we will select a dose based on your skin type and your past experience with retinoids.
