Wrinkles are the most visible factor of skin aging. Our skin consists of three main layers, from surface to depth, epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. It is particularly prone to premature aging under the action of various factors: this results in particular in skin laxity and the formation of wrinkles. From the age of 25, wrinkles and fine lines appear and insidiously become embedded in our face as the years pass. This structural modification of the skin has several causes and can have a significant psychological impact: the appearance and aggravation of certain wrinkles on the face can change the external appearance of a person and the image that he transmits to others. (Like wrinkles that give a severe appearance,wrinkles and unsightly fine lines, it is first of all necessary to know the real causes of their appearance. Our Paris dermatology practice
What are the causes of wrinkles?
A wrinkle or a fine line is the visible result on the surface of an underlying structural modification of the skin. This break has various origins that we will see in the following paragraphs.
There are different types of wrinkles:
wrinkles linked to skin aging: over time the skin becomes thinner, loses its pulp and its thickness. In question ? The rarification of fundamental substances such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. The skin tissue also loses volume with an alteration of the underlying structures. (fat and bone.)
and wrinkles mainly induced by muscle aging, ie permanent muscle contractions or expression lines . These wrinkles are the result of mechanical and repeated movements linked to the muscular activity of our face: a smile, a frown or the eyes, contribute to form “dynamic” folds on the skin which gradually become years, permanent.
The loss of collagen, a factor in the appearance of wrinkles
Here is a figure that speaks: 1% is the volume of collagen that our skin loses each year. Apart from this, it is absolutely essential to ensure firmness and tone to our skin and also plays an important role in its relaxation. Collagen is indeed the main constituent found between connective tissue cells. The decrease in the production of collagen fibers in the skin tissue is explained by various phenomena, including that of glycation and oxidative stress, to which the cells of our skin are subjected. When the collagen level decreases, wrinkles set in more easily.
Hyaluronic acid is a component present in our organism and more particularly in our skin at the level of the intercellular space of the epidermis. It helps to ensure smooth, plump and hydrated skin. Indeed, hyaluronic acid serves to maintain optimal hydration of the skin tissue, and therefore also to protect it from oxidative stress. Over time, from the age of 20, its rate in the skin tissue decreases, we also lose more hyaluronic acid than we produce: the skin gradually loses its shape and its firmness causing the formation of wrinkles .
The loss of elast in in the skin
Elastin, along with collagen, is the key protein whose reduction in the skin organ promotes the appearance of facial wrinkles and sagging skin in general. Elastin fibers (or elastic fibers) have the original role of maintaining the overall skin. They are particularly sensitive to the phenomenon of glycation. Skin with a loss of elastic fiber volume will return to its basic position less and less easily (during muscle contractions, for example: a smile, a frown, etc.)
The role of general aging in the body
Menopause is also a factor favoring the appearance of wrinkles. Indeed, the sudden hormonal changes that accompany it (in particular the decrease in the presence of estrogen), impact the ability of tissues to regenerate. Wrinkles deepen, the skin gradually loses elasticity. Andropause in men (decrease in tesosterone levels) is also an aggravating factor in skin aging and the formation of wrinkles .
Diet and lifestyle: what role in the formation of wrinkles?
A diet low in quality fatty acids (such as omega 3 for example) promotes the formation of wrinkles . These are considered to be great allies in the fight against oxidative stress and therefore for the protection of our skin cells.
Tobacco (and its millions of chemical compounds harmful to the skin) of course as well as the consumption of alcohol are key factors in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles . Alcohol is particularly harmful: the dehydration it causes is visible on our skin.
What are the different parts of the body affected by wrinkles?
No part of our body can be spared from wrinkles. They can be found both on the face and on the body. At the level of the latter, they can result in the gradual formation of small folds, particularly in the abdominal area, above the knees, elbows, armpit folds, etc.
Wrinkles located on the face are often linked, as we have seen, to repeated actions of powerful muscles and the progressive loss of volume by a reduction in the various constituent and protective components of our skin.
