Wrinkles are synonymous with aging. When you’re trying to decide on an option for addressing these signs of aging, it’s helpful to know just what wrinkles and lines are and how they form.

What makes a wrinkle?
It all begins with a significant reduction in the levels of collagen and elastin produced by the skin. These naturally occurring proteins are responsible for supporting the skin but they decrease as we age. Plus, the skin’s other support structures — muscles, bones, and ligaments — weaken with age creating skin that is more loose and prone to sagging. The third component of wrinkle formation is the ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure.

There are other factors that can influence the creation of wrinkles: genetics, arid climates, fat loss, nutritional deficiencies, and frequent muscle contraction.

Lines and wrinkles: are they similar?
Lines are inherently finer than wrinkles. The former are a result of repeated facial expressions such as frowning, squinting, or smiling. Lines do not form in younger people because they still have sufficient amounts of collagen and elastin to help the skin snap back into place. Wrinkles are thicker and more noticeable than lines. Often, they are a result of long periods of unprotected sun exposure. It’s common for a line to turn into a wrinkle.

Aging is inevitable, but you can slow its signs. Call us at Deschutes Dermatology Center and we’ll help you figure out the right treatment options for your wrinkle concerns. Call us at (541) 330-0900 to schedule an appointment!