What Causes Wrinkles?

Wrinkles develop as collagen and elastin support decreases, skin becomes drier, and repeated facial movement folds the skin. Natural ageing changes the skin's thickness and repair processes. Sun exposure can accelerate these changes by damaging supporting fibres and causing photoaging.

Lines that appear with smiling or frowning may become visible at rest over time because facial muscles repeatedly crease the same areas. Crow's feet form beside the eyes, forehead lines appear with brow movement, and frown lines sit between the eyebrows. Marionette lines follow the lower cheeks toward the mouth as facial support and volume change.

Dryness can make fine lines look more noticeable without being the only cause. Smoking, repeated unprotected sun exposure, air pollution, and habitual facial movements can add to visible texture. Wrinkles are usually a cosmetic skin change, but a new rough or bleeding spot is different and deserves assessment.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing, avoid tanning, cleanse gently, and apply a moisturiser suited to your skin. Do not smoke. A dermatologist can discuss options such as botulinum toxin injections for movement-related lines or dermal fillers for selected folds and volume loss. Treatment choice depends on the line pattern, skin quality, movement, and your preferences.

Seek a skin examination for a wrinkle-like patch that changes quickly, becomes scaly, repeatedly bleeds, forms a persistent sore, or differs from nearby skin. Arrange advice before an injectable treatment if you have active infection, unusual swelling, or a history of problematic reactions. Prompt review is sensible for sudden facial swelling or weakness rather than ordinary gradual lines.

Ask whether your lines are mainly movement-related, due to sun damage, or linked to volume loss; which prevention steps matter most; what improvement is realistic; and how risks, aftercare, and alternatives compare for your skin.