Fine lines and wrinkles How can I reduce or remove them?

While our skin is as individual as we are, and skin ages differently depending on our genetics and lifestyle, the first signs of skin ageing normally appear on the surface of skin from around the age of 30.

As skin ages its processes slow down and its structure weakens. The substances that keep skin firm and smooth start to reduce. This is due to a combination of internal and external factors.

The most noticeable first signs of skin ageing are fine lines and wrinkles which deepen with the passing of time. There is a range of ways to treat them and reduce their appearance. Some methods are invasive, others are non-invasive. Some offer immediate benefits and others longer-term results.

From about the age of 25, a 1% annual decline in collagen levels, along with an increasingly disorganized dermal tissue arrangement, causes a loss of skin strength and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Another key factor in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles is age-induced dryness. As a result of decreased skin functions, mature skin becomes increasingly dry and may be itchy and rough too. This is, among other factors, due to a decrease in the amount of Hyaluronic Acid being produced in the skin. This is the moisture-binding substance that surrounds the cells giving skin it’s youthful, smooth appearance. This decline causes skin to lose its full and firm feel and become more susceptible to creasing and deep wrinkles.

These general skin ageing processes also contribute to a loss of volume and, as skin matures further, a loss of elasticity.

Sun

Sun damage is the primary cause of photoaging (premature skin aging caused by the sun) and contributes to wrinkles. Prolonged and repeated exposure causes damage to collagen and will result in a less elastic, weakened skin structure that wrinkles more easily. Read more in how UVA, UVB and HEVIS light affect skin

Pollution

Pollution triggers the release of free radicals and accelerates oxidative stress in the skin

Smoking

Oxidative stress is triggered by smoking. Free radicals damage skin’s structure and contribute to general signs of ageing including wrinkles. In addition, the nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes damage the collagen and elastin in skin. This has an effect on skin’s elasticity and may also cause wrinkles.

Diet

Certain foods, mostly fruits and vegetables, are rich in antioxidants and can help to prevent premature ageing and slow down skin ageing in general.

Lack of sleep

Skin needs sleep to repair and regenerate.

Faces with a smooth complexion tend to look younger. Tinted creams with colour pigments (such as Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler CC Cream) or make-up can be used as a short-term solution to even skin tone and correct complexion. Choose a product which applies evenly, and does not form lines, to help your skin appear younger.

Anti-ageing skincare products can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The following active ingredients (listed alphabetically) are used in anti-ageing formulas to reduce the appearance of wrinkles:

Active ingredients in anti-ageing products can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Dexpanthenol

Dexpanthenol, also known as Panthenol, is an extremely effective moisturiser. It improves hydration in the outermost layers of the skin and helps to reduce transepidermal water loss to keep skin soft and elastic. Dexpanthenol enhances skin regeneration and repair overnight and is a key ingredient in Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Night and Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Volume-Lift Night.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is formed by skin cells and is part of the connective tissue of the skin. One of its key functions is to retain moisture, and it has the ability to bind in between 1,000 and 10,000 times its own weight in water (i.e. one gram binds between one and ten liters). As we age, the skin's natural ability to produce Hyaluronic Acid depletes and wrinkles start to form and deepen.

High and low molecular Hyaluronic Acid

Eucerin uses two different types of Hyaluronic Acid in the Hyaluron-Filler and Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity, Anti-Pigment Dual Serum and Sun Photoaging Control formulas to effectively target and plump the appearance of wrinkles from the inside out:

High molecular Hyaluronic Acid (also known as long-chained Hyaluronic Acid). This remains on skin’s surface and works to improve hydration in the outermost layer of the epidermis – where fine lines and winkles originate.
Low molecular Hyaluronic Acid (also known as short-chained Hyaluronic Acid). With molecules that are 40 times smaller 2 than those of high molecular Hyaluronic Acid, low molecular Hyaluronic Acid penetrates further into the epidermal layers where it stimulates skin’s own production of Hyaluronic Acid, replenishing moisture where deeper wrinkles originate.

Magnolol

Magnolol is a highly effective active ingredient extracted from the bark of the Magnolia tree and is also known as Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract. It has been shown to trigger the excretion of a bio-active substance in the dermal layers of skin which increases the synthesis of collagen and stimulates the number and size of volume-giving cells, "plumping" areas of diminished volume³. It is a key ingredient in the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Volume-Lift range.

Milk Thistle Oil

The oil of the Milk Thistle plant (also known as Lady's Thistle or Silybum Marianium) is a common ingredient in anti-ageing skincare. It contains Linoleic acid (an Omega-6 fatty acid) and is known to nourish skin and improve radiance. It is one of the oils in Eucerin Elasticity + Filler Facial Oil.

Oligo Peptides

Oligo Peptides has been shown to stimulate the collagen network responsible for a firmer skin structure. They have also been shown to improve collagen synthesis in the dermal layers of skin, thereby strengthening the dermal connective tissue³. They are extracted from the fruit and seeds of the Anise plant, which was originally cultivated for its skin-enhancing properties and are also known as Pimpinella Anisum Fruit Extract. They are a key ingredient in the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Volume-Lift range.

Dermal filler injections: These are designed to fill out wrinkles by plumping up the skin, most commonly with Hyaluronic Acid.

Clinical research has shown that the use of some skincare products containing Hyaluronic Acid can significantly improve the effects of Hyaluronic Acid filling treatments when skin care products are used regularly after the injection over a prolonged time − especially around the eyes. Hyaluronic Acid is the main active in the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler anti-ageing family and is proven to deliver results, especially in the eye area.

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections: These work by temporarily restricting facial muscle movement. They are most commonly used on the forehead and around the eyes. This reduces wrinkles caused by facial expressions. The effects wear off after several months and the procedure must be repeated to maintain results.