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

While our skin is as individual as we are and therefore ages differently from other people's skin depending on our genetics and lifestyle, the first signs of skin ageing normally start to appear at around the age of 30.

As the skin ages, its processes slow down and its structure weakens. The substances that keep the skin firm and smooth start to decline, and 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, whilst others are non-invasive. Some offer immediate benefits and others provide longer-term results.

Young skin has a structure that is similar to building blocks, with a regular arrangement of dermal tissue and a plentiful supply of collagen. It appears even and feels firm. From about the age of 25, however, a 1% annual decline in collagen levels, together with an increasingly disorganised 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 reduced skin functions, mature skin becomes increasingly dry and may be itchy and rough, too. This is, amongst 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 and gives the skin its smooth, youthful appearance. This decline causes the skin to lose its full, 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 the skin matures further, a loss of elasticity.

Wrinkles are an inevitable part of getting older, but there are both internal and external factors that can speed up their development:

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 the skin’s structure and contribute to the 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 the 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

The skin needs sleep to repair and regenerate.

Unlike a loss of volume, fine lines and wrinkles are easy to spot as they appear as distinct lines or creases on the face. Over time, fine lines appear all over the face and develop into deep wrinkles, but they tend to become visible in certain areas first:

Although all healthy skin will age, there are things that you can do to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and add radiance to your skin.

Any wrinkle treatment that involves an invasive procedure should be carried out by a dermatologist, or other professional, in a clinical environment. Invasive wrinkle treatments include:

1. Study report: Saponins – a new generation of Hyaluronan-stimulating actives for human skin, S. Gallinat, F. Rippke, C. Keppler, J. Mergell, A. Bürger, F. Stäb, H. Wenck Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
2. The standard unit for measuring the mass of an atom is a kilo Dalton (kDa). High molecular Hyaluronic Acid has a kDa of 2000 and low molecular Hyaluronic Acid has a kDa of 52. Both are contained in the Hyaluron-Filler, Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity and Sun Photoaging Control formulas.
3. In-vitro studies