Wrinkles do not have any special significance from a clinical perspective. They do not belong to diseases, as they merely reflect the natural process of aging. However, in aesthetic medicine wrinkles are one of the frequently described complaints.
What are wrinkles?
From a medical point of view, wrinkles are deformations of the skin, which are not based in injuries. Mostly they appear with increasing age, but can also appear at a younger age. From a medical point of view, wrinkles are deformations of the skin which are not caused by injuries. Mostly they appear with increasing age, but under certain conditions they can also appear at a younger age. The skin is composed of different layers. In the lower layers of the skin there are fat cells, proteins as water reservoirs and connective tissue. Together they allow the skin to have a firm and elastic appearance. Under certain accompanying circumstances, there is a reduction in the number of fat cells and proteins. Furthermore, connective tissue is increasingly degraded. As a result, the skin layers lose elasticity as well as the ability to completely recover from mimic deformations. If this process is repeated frequently, the skin layers are no longer able to reset themselves. Wrinkles are formed.
Causes
There are several reasons for the development of wrinkles. The most common cause is a weakness of the connective tissue of the skin, which can have different triggers. The most significant trigger is advancing age. Due to natural processes in the body, stability and elasticity decrease over the years. If a weakened connective tissue now yields to gravity, orthostatic wrinkles develop. They are found on the cheeks, neck and chin. Frequent movements of the facial muscles also leave traces in the skin if the connective tissue is weak. The typical complaint shows laugh lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. Frequent exposure to sunlight and UV radiation is also a trigger for wrinkle formation. The skin is increasingly dried out and significantly damaged, so that actinic wrinkles develop.
Diseases with this symptom
- Weakness of connective tissue
- Metabolic disorder
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Diagnosis and course
Age-related wrinkles do not have accompanying pathological symptoms. However, in the case of wrinkles formed due to excessive sun exposure or exposure to solariums, pathological accompanying symptoms may occur in the further course. These include severely dried-out skin, pain in the affected areas of the body, and even skin cancer. The detection of wrinkles is based on a simple visual diagnosis. For an additional evaluation, the triggers, the localization of the wrinkles on the body and the depth of the skin deformations can also be included in the medical assessment. Since this complaint is primarily a challenge of aesthetic medicine, the depth of wrinkles in particular is analyzed. Building on an examination of the nature of the skin deformations and taking into account their localization, the attending physician can suggest a form of therapy for the wrinkles.
When should you go to the doctor?
Horizontal forehead wrinkles and the so-called frown line appear around the age of about 30 and soon become permanently visible even in states of relaxation. These appearances are primarily a cosmetic problem that does not require medical therapy. However, treatment, for example with Botox, can also improve the general condition and increase self-confidence. In the case of frown lines in particular, the cause may be something other than the natural aging process. A possible visual impairment, especially nearsightedness could be the reason why the responsible muscles in the region have been so tense for a long time that they cause an early frown line. If nearsightedness is suspected, consultation with an ophthalmologist should take place and then, if necessary, the cause should be corrected. Wrinkle treatment primarily helps to regulate facial expressions and produce a youthful appearance. Those who suffer psychologically from the effects of aging can undergo Botox treatment or surgical lifting. The attending physician will determine what options are available and what the effect might be.Incidentally, wrinkle treatment is not exclusively the domain of women: men also have the signs of skin aging medically removed. However, their share is still much lower. Around 85 percent of those treated are women, while 15 percent are men.
Treatment and therapy
Various forms of therapy are available for the treatment of wrinkles. On the one hand, an external application with a cosmetic care preparation against the formation of wrinkles is possible. Whether there is sufficient efficacy has not yet been clearly proven. Furthermore, medicinal therapies are offered. These include treatments with Botox as well as collagen and hyaluronic acid. Botox is a neurotoxin that inhibits the transmission of impulses from the nerves to the muscles. It is injected under the skin in a small dose and shows its effect for about 8 months. Therapy with collagen helps the supporting structure of the skin, while hyaluronic acid takes over the water-storing function of the proteins. Thus, these treatment options serve to pad out the skin. Both agents, like Botox, are injected under the skin. They show an immediately visible result. Furthermore, wrinkles can be smoothed out by means of a surgical procedure. In this case, small incisions are made in concealed areas of the body, which include the hairline. The skin is then tightened and sutured to the incisions. Both surgery and drug therapies to combat wrinkles can lead to significant complications.
Outlook and prognosis
Skin wrinkles continuously increase without but also with treatment because their occurrence is a natural body process. Also, already existing wrinkles cannot be removed by non-invasive methods. At most, dryness wrinkles around the eyes can be improved by regular application of moisturizer. The use of moisturizing and nourishing cosmetic products can also delay the formation of new wrinkles. A change in lifestyle habits also has a favorable effect. Regular consumption of alcohol and cigarettes as well as strong sunlight favor wrinkles. A diet high in fat, sugar and animal proteins also has a negative effect. On the other hand, premature skin aging can be prevented with a diet rich in vitamins and fiber, predominantly vegetarian or vegan. It is also helpful to use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and to avoid extensive sunbathing. Some people opt for surgical procedures to get rid of wrinkles. Nasolabial folds, the wrinkles between the wings of the nose and the corner of the mouth, can be temporarily eliminated or at least greatly reduced by injecting fillers. These treatment methods achieve an immediate, but not a permanent improvement. The effect is usually visible for three to six months. After that, the treatment must be repeated. The same applies to wrinkle therapy with the nerve toxin botulinum toxin (Botox). Surgical procedures (facelift) can also remove severe wrinkles and at the same time achieve a permanent smoothing of the skin surface. However, it also gives the face a different appearance, especially as we age.
Prevention
Wrinkles are part of the natural aging process. They cannot be completely avoided, but their formation can be limited or delayed. This consists of a preventive lifestyle, which consists of a balanced diet, limited consumption of nicotine and alcohol, and adequate sleep. Sufficient protection against UV light also helps against the premature formation of wrinkles.
What you can do yourself
Skin wrinkles are generally not the result of a medical disorder, but are due to the natural aging process. To improve the appearance of the skin, however, everyone can contribute a lot themselves. A low-fat, vitamin– and fiber-rich diet forms the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. In addition, it is important to supply the body with sufficient fluids. Cell toxins such as alcohol and nicotine are bad for the skin and should therefore be avoided. Plenty of exercise in fresh air generally has a favorable effect on the skin’s appearance. However, those who like to spend time outdoors should avoid the blazing sun, at least in the summer months, and make sure they have adequate UV protection. Cosmetic methods can prevent the development of wrinkles.The skin should be regularly cleaned mildly but thoroughly and then cared for with a moisturizer. The skin around the eyes is particularly thin, which is why dryness lines form here especially quickly. A good eye cream can also help here. In summer, the eyes should always be protected by sunglasses to prevent expression lines, which can be caused by constant blinking. Constant stress also promotes the development of wrinkles. Those affected should learn relaxation techniques such as yoga or autogenic training.
