TL;DR:
- Facial wrinkles: Form due to repetitive facial movements; dynamic wrinkles appear around age 25, becoming static over time.
- Common types:
- Lion's wrinkle – Furrows between brows caused by frowning.
- Crow's feet – Lines near eyes from smiling/squinting (thin skin).
- Smoker's wrinkles – Vertical lines above lips due to smoking or oxidative stress.
- Horizontal forehead wrinkles – From raising eyebrows frequently.
- Prevention tips:
- Quit smoking, stay hydrated, sleep on your back, use SPF 50, wear sunglasses, correct vision issues, and use skincare with retinoids, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid.
- Minimizing visible wrinkles:
- Treatments include Botox (temporary relaxation) and procedures like facelifts or brow lifts, offering lasting effects (up to 10 years).
Facial expressions are extremely valuable, as they are what allow us to express our emotions. Unfortunately, repetitive facial movements lead to the formation of the first wrinkles, or so-called facial wrinkles. It is impossible to completely prevent their formation, but it is possible to slow down the process and even reduce the visibility of wrinkles that have already appeared. So what is worth knowing about facial wrinkles?
Why do facial wrinkles form so quickly?
Women who have not even passed the age of 30 are often convinced that the problem of wrinkles does not concern them yet. Unfortunately, the reality usually turns out to be different, as facial wrinkles appear first, as early as around the age of 25. In people with rich facial expressions this happens faster, of course, than in those who are less expressive. Initially, facial wrinkles are dynamic, that is, they are only visible when making a particular facial expression, and then they disappear. Over time, however, they become fixed and are visible even on a relaxed face. When wrinkles become static, they permanently change the expression of the face, and can give a menacing or grim look, regardless of the emotion we are feeling.
Which facial wrinkles appear most often?
Of course, it depends on the facial expression of a particular person, but a few of the most common types of facial wrinkles can be distinguished. These primarily include:
- Lion's wrinkle – these are two furrows that appear between the eyebrows, especially if you frown frequently. When they become fixed, the face constantly looks worried or angry.
- Crow's feet – radial lines around the outer corners of the eyes. As one of the few facial wrinkles, they do not make the face sad or angry, but are associated with smiling. They appear quickly because the skin around the eyes is thin and delicate. This process is further accelerated by frequent smiling and squinting, e.g., if we avoid wearing sunglasses or do not correct vision defects.
- Smoker's wrinkles – vertical lines above the upper lip, most often appear, as the name suggests, in people who smoke cigarettes. They are favored not only by putting the lips in a pout while inhaling, but also by oxidative stress caused by harmful substances found in cigarettes.
- Horizontal forehead wrinkles – result primarily from puzzlement and frequent lifting of the eyebrows. At first they are fine lines, but over time they deepen, making the forehead undulate.
How to slow down the formation of facial wrinkles?
The aging process of the skin is natural and cannot be completely ruled out: the production of collagen and elastin begins to decline as early as ca. 25 years of age. However, the formation of facial wrinkles can be slowed down, with the help of such habits as:
- Smoking cessation – unfortunately, cigarette smoke causes the skin to become earthy and hypoxic. It also causes increased formation of free radicals, which accelerates the aging process.
- Drink lots of water – this is even repeated to the point of boredom, but indeed, wrinkles appear faster on dry, dehydrated skin.
- Sleep on your back – in this position the skin is most relaxed, and wrinkles do not perpetuate.
- Apply creams with SPF 50 – sun protection is essential if you want to slow down the formation of wrinkles. Creams should be applied not only before sunbathing, but every time you go out in the sun. UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin and puts the skin under oxidative stress.
- Wear sunglasses – not only for the sake of protecting your eyesight, but also to avoid squinting while walking or driving.
- Don't ignore visual impairment – lack of lenses or glasses causes squinting, which accelerates the formation of crow's feet.
- Use the right cosmetics – retinoids, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid are worth implementing into your skin care even before wrinkles become visible. They will work even better if, for example, you massage the serum in with a roller.
What to do if facial wrinkles are already visible?
Good care and a healthy lifestyle slow down the appearance of wrinkles, but this does not change the fact that the aging processes cannot be completely stopped. Instead, their visibility can be minimized, thanks to plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine procedures. One commonly used solution is botulinum toxin, or the popular Botox. Its administration stops muscle movement for up to 6 months, making the face more relaxed – and the wrinkles, invisible.
A more radical solution, usually opted for by mature women, is facelift. The procedure can smooth even deep wrinkles, improve facial contour and get rid of the second chin. Importantly, the effects last up to 10 years after the facelift is performed. A good way to fix facial wrinkles is also brow lift. As a result of the procedure, the skin tone on the forehead is increased, so that horizontal furrows are no longer visible. The effects of the lift are permanent, but how long they last is largely up to the patient. It is worthwhile to take care of regular skin care and avoid weight fluctuations. The formation of wrinkles is natural, but this does not mean that the process cannot be slowed down or even reversed. Not only regular care, but also aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery can help.
Conclusion
Facial wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, but they don’t have to define you. While repetitive expressions drive their formation, adopting healthy habits—like hydration, sun protection, and proper skincare—can slow the process. Treatments like Botox or facelifts are effective options for reducing existing wrinkles if prevention isn’t enough. Remember, taking proactive steps and exploring available treatments can help maintain a youthful, confident appearance. The key is understanding your options and choosing the strategies that align with your goals. Start today—your skin will thank you!
