Unlocking the Science of Wrinkles: Causes, Formation, and Prevention
6 min read
OCT 6, 2023 - by Felip Gerdes
Unlocking the Science of Wrinkles: Causes, Formation, and Prevention
6 min read
OCT 6, 2023 - by Felip Gerdes
Wrinkling is a part of aging most of us could do without. As with most things in life, it’s best to understand the root cause of wrinkles in order to solve them. Let’s take a dive into what causes wrinkles and how we can prevent and treat them.
Wrinkling is a part of aging most of us could do without. As with most things in life, it’s best to understand the root cause of wrinkles in order to solve them. Let’s take a dive into what causes wrinkles and how we can prevent and treat them.
01
What causes wrinkles?
Why do we get wrinkles? A combination of intrinsic and extrinsic aging will lead to the development of wrinkles. While intrinsic aging is largely predetermined, extrinsic aging is mostly up to us.
01
What causes wrinkles?
Why do we get wrinkles? A combination of intrinsic and extrinsic aging will lead to the development of wrinkles. While intrinsic aging is largely predetermined, extrinsic aging is mostly up to us.
02
Intrinsic Aging
As we experience intrinsic aging, vital proteins, namely collagen and elastin, in the skin start to deplete; this results in dynamic wrinkles. Here are some of the primary intrinsic agers of the skin.
02
Intrinsic Aging
As we experience intrinsic aging, vital proteins, namely collagen and elastin, in the skin start to deplete; this results in dynamic wrinkles. Here are some of the primary intrinsic agers of the skin.
Genetics
A person's genetic makeup accounts for as much as 60% of skin aging. 1 Genetic factors are responsible for the level of
collagen and elastin production in the skin, and their rate of breakdown. (Read more about the importance of collagen and elastin for skin elasticity hereto learn more about collagen and elastin!) Genetics
A person's genetic makeup accounts for as much as 60% of skin aging. 1 Genetic factors are responsible for the level of
collagen and elastin production in the skin, and their rate of breakdown. (Read more about the importance of collagen and elastin for skin elasticity hereto learn more about collagen and elastin!) Collagen Decline
The aging of the skin is a natural process. Collagen levels will naturally decline by 1% per year due to free radical
damage, hormone changes, or genetic mutations.2 Plus, hormone changes in menopausal women result in a 30% drop in collagen levels during the first five years of the transition. These intrinsic aging factors are responsible for the baseline level of wrinkling that each individual experiences as they age.
Collagen Decline
The aging of the skin is a natural process. Collagen levels will naturally decline by 1% per year due to free radical
damage, hormone changes, or genetic mutations.2 Plus, hormone changes in menopausal women result in a 30% drop in collagen levels during the first five years of the transition. These intrinsic aging factors are responsible for the baseline level of wrinkling that each individual experiences as they age.
03
Extrinsic Aging
In addition to the internal aging process, there are also several environmental factors that accelerate skin aging and cause static wrinkles.
03
Extrinsic Aging
In addition to the internal aging process, there are also several environmental factors that accelerate skin aging and cause static wrinkles.
Sun Exposure
UV exposure without adequate sun protection damages the internal structure of cells and leads to premature aging. Extreme levels of UV exposure send cells into a state of senescence
, prompting the secretion of harmful factors including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs degrade collagen proteins, leaving skin with less collagen. 3 The cumulative damage to your collagen results in
skin crepiness, sagging, and facial wrinkles. To avoid sun-damaged skin, it's crucial to use a UV protection sunscreen consistently.Sun Exposure
UV exposure without adequate sun protection damages the internal structure of cells and leads to premature aging. Extreme levels of UV exposure send cells into a state of senescence
, prompting the secretion of harmful factors including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs degrade collagen proteins, leaving skin with less collagen. 3 The cumulative damage to your collagen results in
skin crepiness, sagging, and facial wrinkles. To avoid sun-damaged skin, it's crucial to use a UV protection sunscreen consistently.Smoking
Smoking cigarettes or consuming other nicotine products can have detrimental impacts on the health of your skin. Nicotine consumption narrows our body’s capillaries: the thin blood vessels that supply the nutrients necessary for collagen production in the skin. Smokers can have as much as a 20% decrease in collagen synthesis, making the skin dry, dull, and prone to premature wrinkling. 4
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes or consuming other nicotine products can have detrimental impacts on the health of your skin. Nicotine consumption narrows our body’s capillaries: the thin blood vessels that supply the nutrients necessary for collagen production in the skin. Smokers can have as much as a 20% decrease in collagen synthesis, making the skin dry, dull, and prone to premature wrinkling. 4
04
Layers of the skin
The skin is our body's largest organ, and it is composed of three separate layers; the Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis. Each of these layers experiences aging and thus wrinkling in different forms.
04
Layers of the skin
The skin is our body's largest organ, and it is composed of three separate layers; the Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis. Each of these layers experiences aging and thus wrinkling in different forms.
Epidermis
What is the epidermis
? The epidermis is the thinnest and outermost layer of the skin, serving as a protective barrier between the body and the external environment. It is also the layer of skin where wrinkles form and appear. 5 The epidermis rests on top of the other deeper layers of the skin; this means that changes to strength, elasticity, and fat deposits deep in the skin cause mechanical stresses to the epidermis that manifest as wrinkles.
Epidermis
What is the epidermis
? The epidermis is the thinnest and outermost layer of the skin, serving as a protective barrier between the body and the external environment. It is also the layer of skin where wrinkles form and appear. 5 The epidermis rests on top of the other deeper layers of the skin; this means that changes to strength, elasticity, and fat deposits deep in the skin cause mechanical stresses to the epidermis that manifest as wrinkles.
Dermis
So, what is the dermis
? It is the middle layer of the skin, and is mainly responsible for supporting the epidermis. To do this it has a tightly bound network of collagen and elastin fibers that prevents wrinkling of the epidermis. Aging related loss of collagen weakens the skin and causes the dermis to physically thin as a wrinkle forms. 6 A wrinkle will cause the dermis in that area to shrink to half of its original thickness and permanently cause a crease to form.
Dermis
So, what is the dermis
? It is the middle layer of the skin, and is mainly responsible for supporting the epidermis. To do this it has a tightly bound network of collagen and elastin fibers that prevents wrinkling of the epidermis. Aging related loss of collagen weakens the skin and causes the dermis to physically thin as a wrinkle forms. 6 A wrinkle will cause the dermis in that area to shrink to half of its original thickness and permanently cause a crease to form.
Hypodermis
The hypodermis, the lowest layer of the skin, is largely made of subcutaneous fat pockets and connective tissue. The hypodermis layer gives the skin its volume and prevents sagging. The hypodermis contracts with age as the subcutaneous fat pockets shrink. 7 This causes the skin to sag especially in looser, less supported areas of the skin like the neck, face, hands, and underneath the arms. Because the other layers of skin rest on top of this tissue this sagging will cause visible deformations that can become deep wrinkles with time.
05
How to prevent wrinkles
We all want to feel (and look) vibrant and youthful. Here are some effective strategies to thwart the formation of skin wrinkles and slow skin aging.
05
How to prevent wrinkles
We all want to feel (and look) vibrant and youthful. Here are some effective strategies to thwart the formation of skin wrinkles and slow skin aging.
Sun Protection
Adequate sun protection throughout the day, even on cloudy days is key to skin health and preventing wrinkles anywhere from neck wrinkles to stomach wrinkles
. After all, up to 90% of the visible signs of skin aging can be caused by sun damage. 8 Try to avoid UV exposure during peak UV hours by covering up or staying indoors. Avoiding artificial sources of UV radiation like tanning beds is always a good idea.
Sun Protection
Adequate sun protection throughout the day, even on cloudy days is key to skin health and preventing wrinkles anywhere from neck wrinkles to stomach wrinkles
. After all, up to 90% of the visible signs of skin aging can be caused by sun damage. 8 Try to avoid UV exposure during peak UV hours by covering up or staying indoors. Avoiding artificial sources of UV radiation like tanning beds is always a good idea.
Moisturizing
As we age, our skin barrier
weakens, resulting in lower moisture retention in the skin. Skin is more likely to show more pronounced dynamic wrinkles if it is dry or dehydrated. 9 To combat these low levels of moisture, especially as you age, be sure to incorporate a daily moisturizer into your routine. Ingredients such as
hyaluronic acid are highly effective at holding onto water molecules in skin, while lipids are helpful in locking in moisture.Moisturizing
As we age, our skin barrier
weakens, resulting in lower moisture retention in the skin. Skin is more likely to show more pronounced dynamic wrinkles if it is dry or dehydrated. 9 To combat these low levels of moisture, especially as you age, be sure to incorporate a daily moisturizer into your routine. Ingredients such as
hyaluronic acid are highly effective at holding onto water molecules in skin, while lipids are helpful in locking in moisture.Nutrition
Cells on the surface of our skin continue to get replaced and replenished with younger cells, however the rate of this cellular turnover decreases with age. To keep this turnover process at top speed, skin requires a lot of resources. Our diet is one of our strongest tools in supporting skin health, as it provides energy and the building blocks for new cells.Antioxidants for Repairing Healthy Collagen: AntioxidantsProtein for Collagen & Elastin Synthesis: Because skin is constantly renewing itself, it requires a consistent supply of proteins to rebuild collagen and elastin. Many of these proteins cannot be synthesized by the body and must be consumed through foods like fish, meat, dairy, fruit, and legumes. 11 Healthy Fats for a Strong Lipid Barrier: Unlike saturated fats, unsaturated fats are used by the body's cells to ensure a healthy lipid balance. A diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids, polysaturated, and monounsaturated fats keep the skin barrier healthy by aiding in moisture retention. 12 Fish, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados, and dark chocolate are all sources of these unsaturated fats.
neutralize free radicals within our body that would otherwise cause harm to skin cells and break down collagen. 10 A diet rich in antioxidants can prevent this form of damage from accumulating with age, reducing the prevalence of skin wrinkles.
Nutrition
Cells on the surface of our skin continue to get replaced and replenished with younger cells, however the rate of this cellular turnover decreases with age. To keep this turnover process at top speed, skin requires a lot of resources. Our diet is one of our strongest tools in supporting skin health, as it provides energy and the building blocks for new cells.Antioxidants for Repairing Healthy Collagen: AntioxidantsProtein for Collagen & Elastin Synthesis: Because skin is constantly renewing itself, it requires a consistent supply of proteins to rebuild collagen and elastin. Many of these proteins cannot be synthesized by the body and must be consumed through foods like fish, meat, dairy, fruit, and legumes. 11 Healthy Fats for a Strong Lipid Barrier: Unlike saturated fats, unsaturated fats are used by the body's cells to ensure a healthy lipid balance. A diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids, polysaturated, and monounsaturated fats keep the skin barrier healthy by aiding in moisture retention. 12 Fish, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados, and dark chocolate are all sources of these unsaturated fats.
neutralize free radicals within our body that would otherwise cause harm to skin cells and break down collagen. 10 A diet rich in antioxidants can prevent this form of damage from accumulating with age, reducing the prevalence of skin wrinkles.
OS-01 Peptide
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective skin care regimen to address wrinkling and overall skin health, consider OneSkin’s topical skin care products, OS-01 FACE peptide facial moisturizer, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 peptide body lotion, all powered by OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide!The OS-01 peptide has been shown to:Increase skin’s epidermal thicknessIncrease a key biomarker associated with collagen production, COL1A1* Decrease UV-induced collagen degradation enzyme, MMP3* Increase a key biomarker associated with hyaluronic acid production, HAS2* In a 12 week clinical study, OS-01 FACE was clinically validated to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles (shown in 87% of users).**
*
OS-01 Peptide
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective skin care regimen to address wrinkling and overall skin health, consider OneSkin’s topical skin care products, OS-01 FACE peptide facial moisturizer, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 peptide body lotion, all powered by OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide!The OS-01 peptide has been shown to:Increase skin’s epidermal thicknessIncrease a key biomarker associated with collagen production, COL1A1* Decrease UV-induced collagen degradation enzyme, MMP3* Increase a key biomarker associated with hyaluronic acid production, HAS2* In a 12 week clinical study, OS-01 FACE was clinically validated to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles (shown in 87% of users).**
*
References
*Shown in lab studies on human skin samples and cells (Zonari, et al., npj Aging, 2023)**Shown in a 12-week clinical study
References
*Shown in lab studies on human skin samples and cells (Zonari, et al., npj Aging, 2023)**Shown in a 12-week clinical study
Key Takeaways:
- Intrinsic aging is largely predetermined and results from factors such as genetics and the natural decline of collagen, leading to dynamic wrinkles.
- Extrinsic aging is primarily influenced by environmental factors like sun exposure and smoking, which can cause static wrinkles.
- To prevent wrinkles and slow down skin aging, consider strategies like sun protection, moisturizing, and proper nutrition.
- Protecting your skin from UV exposure is crucial, as up to 90% of visible skin aging can be attributed to sun damage.
- Maintaining skin moisture with daily moisturizers, including ingredients like hyaluronic acid and lipids, can help prevent pronounced dynamic skin wrinkles.
- A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, proteins for collagen and elastin synthesis, and healthy fats can support skin health and reduce the prevalence of wrinkles.
- Consider using OneSkin's Topical Supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY, powered by the OS-01 peptide, which has demonstrated benefits like increasing epidermal thickness, collagen production, and hyaluronic acid production while reducing UV-induced collagen degradation.
Key Takeaways:
- Intrinsic aging is largely predetermined and results from factors such as genetics and the natural decline of collagen, leading to dynamic wrinkles.
- Extrinsic aging is primarily influenced by environmental factors like sun exposure and smoking, which can cause static wrinkles.
- To prevent wrinkles and slow down skin aging, consider strategies like sun protection, moisturizing, and proper nutrition.
- Protecting your skin from UV exposure is crucial, as up to 90% of visible skin aging can be attributed to sun damage.
- Maintaining skin moisture with daily moisturizers, including ingredients like hyaluronic acid and lipids, can help prevent pronounced dynamic skin wrinkles.
- A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, proteins for collagen and elastin synthesis, and healthy fats can support skin health and reduce the prevalence of wrinkles.
- Consider using OneSkin's Topical Supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY, powered by the OS-01 peptide, which has demonstrated benefits like increasing epidermal thickness, collagen production, and hyaluronic acid production while reducing UV-induced collagen degradation.
By Felip Gerdes: Felip is an aspiring lawyer studying political science at the UC San Diego. For more on Felip, check out his LinkedIn.
By Felip Gerdes: Felip is an aspiring lawyer studying political science at the UC San Diego. For more on Felip, check out his LinkedIn.
References
References
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
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