50 Faces Project: The Wrinkle Face

Wrinkles are a natural part of skin aging. They appear as the amount of collagen and elastin — proteins that provide skin firmness — decreases with age and tissues lose their ability to hold moisture and recover. For some people, this process happens slowly and gradually, while for others, the first signs of aging appear already in their youth.

In any case, we all want to delay the appearance of visible lines as much as possible. Luckily, there are things we could and should do about it. Today, in our 50 Faces Project, we will talk about the Wrinkle Face type. We will find out where skin folds come from, look at factors that can affect them besides aging and learn what can be done about them not only in a clinic, but also at home.

Wrinkles are a natural part of us

Wrinkles mainly appear because of completely natural processes. They are a part of us, so there is no need to be afraid or worried about them. However, if you want, you can work with them.

With this type of aging, the skin is usually thin and tends to be dry. Shallow lines appear on the forehead and around the eyes, the skin surface becomes less smooth and loses its natural glow. The skin’s ability to hold moisture decreases and its firmness gradually becomes lower. Pigment spots and visible small blood vessels may also appear — these are common signs of chronic photodamage (UV damage from too much sun exposure). As we age, the dermis becomes thinner, while changes in collagen and elastin fibers affect the mechanical properties of the skin.

Wrinkles are also usually divided into dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles appear or become deeper when the muscles move, for example, when we raise our eyebrows, frown or smile. If the skin is exposed to repeated mechanical movement for a long time, these lines can eventually become visible even when the face is at rest. So here we are talking about static wrinkles. At the same time, the visibility of static lines is affected not only by facial expressions, but also by other factors, which we will discuss below^[1].

Why do wrinkles appear?

First of all, it is about the condition of the skin. With age, as we mentioned above, skin cell renewal slows down, the amount of collagen and elastin decreases, and the skin barrier becomes less effective at keeping moisture. Dryness itself is not the only cause of aging, but when the skin is dehydrated, fine lines can become more visible. A genetic tendency to thin and dry skin can also affect how early superficial wrinkles appear.

Secondly, it is important to mention the harmful effects of UV-radiation. It is one of the most important external factors of premature skin aging. UV-radiation can damage proteins and start processes that speed up structural changes in the dermis. Over time, this appears not only as wrinkles, but also as pigmentation, changes in skin texture and blood vessel changes. That is why sun protection is especially important for this type of aging^[2].

In addition, movement patterns that create dynamic wrinkles can also be an important factor and can turn into static wrinkles. The face is constantly moving: we talk, smile, squint, frown and show a whole range of emotions. If the same movement is repeated often, the skin regularly folds in the same places. This is especially noticeable on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes. Our habits can affect this (for example, squinting while working at a computer), as well as muscle tension, which does not create the pattern itself, but fixes it and makes it chronic. For example, the constant habit of pressing the lips together can create long-term tension in the muscles around the mouth. This way, the movement remains and wrinkles can be visible even when the face is relaxed.

Blood and lymph circulation can also be a possible trigger for wrinkles. Normal blood flow is necessary for the skin to receive oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products and, as a result, maintain skin quality. Bad habits and lifestyle can affect these processes^[3]. Smoking causes constant narrowing of blood vessels because of nicotine, while other substances in tobacco smoke cause oxidative damage and collagen breakdown. Lack of sleep, constant stress and an unbalanced diet are not direct causes of wrinkles, but they can affect the general condition of the skin and its recovery processes.

What do we do at Lymface?

At Lymface, we look at wrinkles not only as a skin problem. We pay attention to how the face is used: which facial movements are repeated most often, where chronic muscle tension appears and how freely the soft tissues move.

That is why the goal of the treatment is not to “erase” every expression line or stop natural facial expressions, but to identify areas that may be working with too much load or holding unnecessary tension.

During the treatment, we use manual techniques aimed at relaxing the muscles, working with soft tissues and supporting lymphatic and blood circulation. This can help improve tissue mobility and the general condition of the face. In addition, during the treatments, we work with skin hydration and nourishment to improve its overall condition.

What can you do at home?

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, keep your skin properly hydrated and choose skincare according to its type and condition.

During the day, pay attention to repeated facial expressions: squinting, frowning, pressing your lips together or constant jaw tension. If you notice that you regularly hold one of these expressions without a reason, try to consciously relax the muscles. Gentle face fitness and light self-massage can help.

Wear sunglasses in bright sun and do not ignore poor eyesight. This can help prevent new wrinkles and prevent existing lines around the eyes from becoming deeper.

Finally, lifestyle is extremely important: quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, having a balanced diet and maintaining a work-life balance are very important when it comes to maintaining and improving skin quality.