Fine lines are formed by the repeated contraction of the facial muscles necessary for facial expressions, such as frowning or squinting. Over time, and as the skin loses its elasticity and flexibility due to ageing and sun damage, the deep lines that form between the eyebrows are visible even when the facial muscles are at rest.
Even though fine lines they are a natural result of the ageing process and the facial expressions we use everyday to convey our emotions, can be unpleasant, as they may make one look angry, stressed, or anxious.
There are certain non invasive cosmetic procedures available who can soften the hard expression caused by frown lines by reducing the deep wrinkles between the eyebrows, thus offering a subtle yet fresh look.
The suitable treatment for you depends on several factors, such as the specific type of your wrinkles, whether they are static or dynamic, your skin type, the specific area affected, your age, medical history etc.
What are wrinkles?
Wrinkles are lines and creases of the skin that form on the face, neck and hands due to the combination of various internal and external factors. Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process but their appearance can be accelerated or exacerbated by a host of environmental factors or lifestyle choices.
What causes wrinkles?
• AGE: Ageing is a natural process, but its effects vary greatly among individuals. As we grow older, our body produces less collagen and elastin, the two proteins that make sure our skin remains strong, flexible and retains its elasticity. As a result, the skin becomes more fragile, less elastic and prone to creasing. Our skin also loses its youthful plumpness as we grow older, because the fat in the deeper layers of our skin slowly disappears, causing the skin to sag.
• EXPOSURE TO UV RADIATION: Photo-ageing, the acceleration of the natural ageing process caused by exposure to UV rays, is the biggest cause of skin damage, such as wrinkles and sun spots. When our skin is exposed to UV rays, either from direct sunlight or artificial means, such as tanning beds, the collagen and elastin fibres break down, leaving our skin without elasticity or flexibility.
• SMOKING: Smoking is an unhealthy habit that can also damage your skin and speed up the ageing process. The repeated motion of puckering your lips causes the formation of lines around the mouth that eventually become wrinkles, and the nicotine decreases the blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients that are necessary for a healthy appearance.
• REPEATED MUSCLE MOVEMENTS AND FACIAL EXPRESSIONS: Every time you use a facial muscle, for example you smile or frown, a groove forms under the skin. As we age and our skin loses its elasticity, these grooves can become permanent and are visible even when the muscle is at rest. By the repetition of the muscle movement and the combined effects of an ageing skin, these expression lines can become deep wrinkles.
• OTHER FACTORS:
Wrinkles can also form through several other environmental or intrinsic factors, such as pollution, genetic disposition and hormonal changes, especially during menopause.
Are there different types of wrinkles?
There are two types of wrinkles and finding out which type you have is essential in understanding which type of treatment is best for you.
• Dynamic Wrinkles are those lines on your skin that are caused by the contraction of your facial muscles when you make facial expressions. These lines are visible only during muscle contraction and are usually located between the eyebrows, on the forehead and around the eyes.
• Static Wrinkles are lines that are visible on the skin even when the facial muscles are at rest. They are more commonly caused by damage caused to the skin by external factors, such as smoking or UV exposure, or they are the result of the prolonged repetition of facial expressions over time that makes the dynamic wrinkles permanent.
To avoid unpleasant reactions and side effects and ensure the best possible results for a long-lasting, subtle look, all cosmetic injections must be performed by qualified medical or dental practitioners, in a safe, regulated, clinical environment, complying to the highest industry standards.
Our skin experts will assess your condition and advise you on the treatment best suited to your needs, skin type, and desired result.
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