Fine lines and wrinkles are one of the top skin concerns we see at Artisan, even among our younger clients. This is because skin ageing is not linear like biological ageing. It’s a dynamic process influenced by time, our environment, lifestyles, and behaviours.
HOW FINE LINES AND WRINKLES FORM
Early in life, our skin is plump, elastic, and resilient, thanks to an abundance of two key structural proteins, collagen and elastin which work internally to keep skin smooth, firm, and elastic (collagen provides strength and structure while elastin allows skin to stretch and spring back).
As we age, the skin’s ability to produce these two components naturally decline, resulting in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, most commonly around:
- the forehead (expression and frown lines), and
- the mouth (smile and laugh lines).
Even in youthful skin, repetitive facial expressions, like smiling, squinting and frowning will create temporary lines. Over years and decades, these dynamic lines can become more fixed as structural support lessens, i.e. reduced collagen and elastin.
Whilst you can’t control the decline in collagen and elastin production, you can take steps which may assist to delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
CAUSES OF FINE LINES AND WINKLES
Environmental stressors like UV exposure, pollution, and lifestyle factors can accelerate the decline in collagen and elastin production.
Fine lines due to lack of hydration
Fine lines aren’t just influenced by structural factors, they’re also impacted by water retention (skin hydration).
Well-hydrated skin looks plumper and smoother because moisture fills micro-channels in the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis. When the skin is dehydrated even the smallest lines become more noticeable.
Sun exposure accelerates line formation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure is one of the most powerful accelerators of visible ageing. UV damage breaks down collagen and elastin fibres, weakens the skin barrier, and generates free radicals that damage cellular structures.
Lifestyle & wellness
Your skin is a reflection of how healthy you are. Factors that can influence line formation include:
- Inflammation and immune health.
HOW TO TREAT FINE LINES & WRINKES
Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, however if you are concerned by their onset, we recommend a treatment plan that’s focused on consistency and maintenance.
Maintenance matters. To build and maintain results whilst ageing, we recommend ongoing treatments, rather than one-off ‘fixes’, that are supported by evidence-based skincare formulations that protect against UV damage and boost hydration.
At Artisan, our experienced clinicians offer a range of treatments that may assist with concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles. These options include treatments to support collagen production, skin texture, and overall skin resilience, for example gentle laser therapies, microneedling for collagen stimulation, and targeted treatments that improve hydration, volume and lines.
To find out what treatments are suitable for your skin and goals, book a consultation at your nearest Artisan clinic.