Wrinkles

Wrinkles are creases, folds, or ridges in the skin. They normally appear as people get older, but they can also develop after spending a long time in water.

The first wrinkles to appear on a person’s face tend to occur as a result of facial expressions. Sun damage, smoking, dehydration, some medications, and environmental and genetic factors affect when and where people will develop wrinkles.

Most wrinkles tend to appear in the parts of the body which receive the most sun exposure, especially the face and neck, the back of the hands, and the arms. Most people do not welcome wrinkles, and billions of rands are spent globally on treatments to remove or delay them.

Wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process. As people get older, their skin gets thinner, drier, less elastic, and less able to protect itself from damage. This leads to wrinkles, creases, and lines on the skin.

Facial expressions, for example – repeatedly smiling, frowning, or squinting can lead to fine lines and wrinkles at a younger age.  Each time a person uses a facial muscle, a groove forms under the surface of the skin.

When a person is young, the skin springs back, but as they get older, the skin loses its flexibility. Springing back becomes harder and less frequent, resulting in more permanent grooves.