What Causes Wrinkles and Sagging Skin?
As you age, your body produces less collagen, a natural protein that provides structure and helps your skin stretch when you move. With less collagen, your skin is less elastic and can’t spring back into place as easily as it once did, which causes wrinkles. As you age, you also lose some natural fat stored beneath the skin’s surface. Less fat under your skin (volume loss) makes your complexion look less plump.
There are many other factors that influence wrinkles and sagging skin:
- Air pollution
- Diet and exercise
- Genetics
- Gravity
- Smoking cigarettes
- Stress
- Sun exposure
- Your skincare routine
Signs of Aging Skin
As you age, your skin begins to develop wrinkles and fine lines. There are two types of wrinkles:
- Dynamic wrinkles occur when you smile, laugh, frown, or squint. When you move your face to make these expressions, lines appear horizontally on your forehead, in between your eyebrows (eleven lines) and around the eyes (crow’s feet).These wrinkles disappear when you relax your face.
- Static wrinkles result from years of making the facial movements that cause dynamic wrinkles. But static wrinkles are deep set and always noticeable, not just when you move your face.
Additionally, as your skin loses volume, you may notice marionette lines around your mouth or along the sides of your nose.
At What Age Do You Start Getting Wrinkles?
Everyone ages differently, so there’s no way to tell when you will develop wrinkles. Your body’s collagen production starts to decrease in your mid-20s. Many people notice dynamic wrinkles in their 30s, while static wrinkles appear in their 40s or 50s.
Genetics also play a role in the timing of wrinkles. You are likely to follow the same pattern as your closest family members.
Wrinkle Treatment Benefits
Our anti-wrinkle treatments are non-invasive and require little or no downtime. Highly effective therapies soften the appearance of wrinkles so your complexion looks smooth and youthful. Results look natural and enhance your appearance instead of altering it.
Additionally, some treatments help you avoid wrinkles if you begin at a younger age. For example, starting Botox in your 20s may prevent deep set static wrinkles later in life.
Why Choose University of Utah Health Aesthetics?
Our dermatologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and aestheticians work together to offer leading-edge laser and chemical treatments, so you receive the highest-quality services. Advancements in aesthetics and cosmetic dermatology happen quickly, so our team stays educated about new treatments and approaches. That way, we can offer the most effective treatment plan for you. And, if you decide you’d like a surgical procedure, such as a facelift or brow lift, we can easily refer you to a specialist at U of U Health Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Wrinkle Treatments
A variety of nonsurgical treatments can improve the appearance of wrinkles and give your skin a youthful glow. Our cosmetic specialists often use a combination of treatments to achieve results.
Candidates for wrinkle treatments with Botox or Dysport should be older than 18. While people younger than 18 can have certain aesthetic treatments, people between 45 and 55 seek treatment more often than other age groups since you generally develop static wrinkles at this age.
Procedure Risks
Wrinkle treatments are generally safe but not entirely without risks. Bruising, bleeding, infection, allergic reactions, , and swelling are possible side effects of wrinkle treatments. Most wrinkle treatments will need to be repeated in 3-4 months.
Find a Cosmetic Specialist Near You
What to Expect During Your First Cosmetic Consultation
During your consultation, a U of U Health cosmetic specialist will:
- ask about your treatment goals;
- discuss treatment options, including how much of a product you might need to achieve results;
- outline the risks and benefits of recommended treatments; and
- talk about the estimated cost of treatment.
Sometimes, you may have treatment on the same day as your consultation. Generally, you’ll need to schedule a follow-up appointment.
How to Prevent Wrinkles
There’s no way to get rid of wrinkles permanently without surgery, but frequent nonsurgical treatments can help to soften their appearance. You can also take steps now to help prevent or delay the appearance of aging:
- Wash your face in the morning and before bed.
- Remove all your makeup before you sleep.
- Use a high-quality moisturizing cream.
- Wear sunscreen daily, even if you don’t plan to spend time outdoors.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid tobacco products and tanning beds.
- Get enough rest.
- Keep your stress levels in check.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Cosmetic Specialists
At U of U Health, we offer treatments to reduce wrinkles and help your skin look more youthful. We also offer complimentary skincare consultations and can recommend services and products to help you feel great about your skin. To schedule a consultation, please fill out our online form.
