Wrinkle and Fine Line Formation

As we age, we notice that our once firm, smooth, and youthful looking skin is losing its youthful glow.

When we reach our 30s, our body's natural defence mechanisms, such as collagen and elastin, start to break down, and suddenly we begin to see lines and wrinkles that weren't there before. The collagen in body tissue provides shape, firmness, and strength, while elastin gives the skin its needed flexibility. We become more susceptible to external factors like sunlight, pollution, and emotional stress when we reach an age for when both start breaking down. Smoking and not using SPF protection can accelerate the ageing process of our skin.

Ageing skin can be characterised by a loss of firmness, tone and elasticity, creating the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. Skin ageing can and will occur naturally or can be brought on prematurely by external factors or the environment around us. In our late teens, the production of collagen and elastin begins to slow down, and then slows even further after 30 - fine lines appear, which later develop into deeper wrinkles. Skin firmness and tone are governed by collagen, and elasticity is determined by elastin. A reduction in either of their production can also lead to sagging and hollowing. Skin's natural renewal process also slows down, resulting in a dull and sallow complexion.

UV exposure is the leading cause of premature ageing. With just a few minutes a day of exposure, collagen breakdown can be accelerated, pigmentation can be stimulated as well as spots and age spots, while causing fine lines, wrinkles, and roughness to appear on the skin.

Other factors that contribute to premature ageing include:
- Smoking
- Sleeping positions
- Diet
- Exercise

Besides causing external and internal ageing, smoking reduces blood flow to cells and thus reduces nutrients and oxygen to the cells, while also stimulating free radicals.