Just as there are different forms of smiles (I kid you not!), science tells us there are different wrinkle types.
Interesting Fact
A genuine smile is known as a Duchenne smile and is recognised by crinkling at the corners of the eyes or crows feet.
Now, back to the nitty-gritty of wrinkles. They come about as we grow older and with repetitive facial movements. It doesn’t matter how many miracle potions you discover or how much Botox/Dysport you get you’ll probably end up with some. And that’s OK.
A few wrinkles can be flattering and add character to your face.
There are hundreds of studies delving into the skin’s architecture, ageing and wrinkling. Scientists measure depth and width, wrinkle-to-wrinkle distance, wrinkling and recovery ability! It’s fascinating to a skin science geek like me. If you’re a geek too here’s some fodder.
Let’s take a closer look at where we can expect to see wrinkles pop up and the science of wrinkling.
The Scientific Definition of Wrinkles:
There are two different types of wrinkling:
-
Dynamic
Brought on by repeated facial movement
-
Static
Due to ageing and loss of the proteins collagen and elastin
NB: Though they’re differentiated, over time the two can become one.
Common Types Of Facial Wrinkles
-
Bunny Lines
Have you noticed some people squish up the top of their noses when they smile or laugh? These are bunnies.
-
Crow’s Feet
The crinkling that occurs at the side of the eyes (when we smile a Duchenne smile!) can become deeply etched over time.
-
Forehead
Characterised by horizontal lines running across the brow.
-
Laughter Lines
These lines run from the sides of our nose to the corners of our mouth and also cause creasing in our cheek area.
-
Lip Lines
Often called smokers lines these are vertical lines at the top of our lips.
-
Marionette Lines
Not generally visible until we’re in our 40s marionettes show at the sides of the lips and appear as if they’re pulling the lips down.
-
The 11’s
Similar lines (hence the 11’s moniker) that sit parallel to each other between the eyebrows.
A Word About Resting Bitch Face (RBF)
Have you heard of Resting Bitch Face (RBF)? It’s become a bit of a phenomenon that popular culture has grasped. Think Victoria Beckham and Kristen Stewart. It means when we’re relaxed our face can look as if we’re grumpy or sad when we’re not. It’s just our face!
Certain wrinkles can add to our RBF. Marionette lines for example can make us look sad and 11’s can make us look like we’re angry.
There’s lots of science behind it which you can read here. It’s super interesting (I think).
Do you have RBF? You can take the test here.
5 Ways To Reduce The Appearance of Wrinkles
Before you overdose on moisturiser or race off to get a dose of injectables look to the foundations. Skincare’s great and can make a big difference by the way but tick the basics boxes first.
Eat the rainbow
Try adding 7-10 servings of vegetables per day plus a couple of pieces of fruit. Then watch your skin transform. This study found a higher intake of vegetables with olive oil, legumes and, for non-vegetarians, fish led to less skin wrinkling. A high intake of meat and dairy had the opposite effect.
Ditch sugar
Sugar causes ageing by producing advanced glycation end products (AGE’s). These gremlins stiffen and weaken collagen and elastin which are the proteins responsible for skin’s plumping and elasticity. The British Journal of Dermatology found this usually begins after the age of 35 and rises rapidly after this.
Drink H2O
The percentage of water in our bodies is high (60-80%). Read all about it here. Our skin is our largest organ so it makes that sense that drinking water keeps it at its best. When you’re not drinking enough your skin becomes dehydrated and can look older and more lined. Ask any beauty therapist.
Be sun sensible
The science is in: sun exposure is the most common cause of fine lines and wrinkles. Sun damage can also destroy the collagen and elastin fibres in the deeper skin layers leading to wrinkling and sagging. You can read more about it here.
Go light on alcohol
Our hard-working livers must metabolise alcohol via an enzyme that produces something called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde dehydrates our body’s tissues.
3 Anti-Wrinkle Must-Have Skincare Ingredients
Some skincare ingredients are proven to make a difference in wrinkling. It’s not just about ‘hope in a jar’.
1. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) may sound scary but it’s a beautiful skin plumper. HA can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water! Found naturally throughout our bodies it’s a gold standard ingredient in many moisturisers. Hyaluronic acid is also the ingredient of choice in several forms of injectable fillers.
2. Vitamin A
Vitamin A or retinoic acid has been scientifically shown to regenerate sun-damaged skin and even restore elastin fibres. One of the reasons I’m a fan of Environ skincare is that it’s based on vitamin A. The short story is that it’s proven to have anti-wrinkle effects and reverse sun damage.
3. Vitamin C
There are many reasons to love vitamin C for the skin. Among them is its proven ability to stimulate collagen production, provide sun protection and perform as a treatment for sun damage.
A Word About Botox
Before we begin Botox is a brand name that refers to an injectable muscle relaxant. There is another brand that’s also a major player known as Dysport. Both can paralyse the muscle and smooth out wrinkles. Treatment lasts around four months and may build up to longer with repeated treatments. The cost is usually in the region of NZD $300-$350 for one area (depending on where you go).
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
YOURS IN HEALTH & HAPPINESS 
