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Fine lines and wrinkles are completely normal signs of getting older. But knowing what causes them can help reduce their appearance, if that’s what you choose. “Wrinkles occur from repetitive facial movements and muscles that are active in the skin for facial expression. For example, smiling causes the formation of crows’ feet over time. Over a long period, it can cause the formation of the lines. Lines often occur from repetitive movements and loss of collagen, leading to etching in skin lines,” says Dr. Lal.
Our skin comprises building blocks that naturally fade as we age. “Fine lines and wrinkles are caused by the breakdown of essential proteins collagen and elastin in the skin. Collagen and elastin are our skin’s building blocks and help keep it smooth and resilient. However, as we age, these fibers start to naturally break down and degrade, which causes the skin to lose its strength and elasticity and triggers the formation of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Gross.
Wrinkles can also be exacerbated by damage to the skin, like what occurs with prolonged exposure to the sun. Barron explains, “The leading cause of wrinkles and fine lines is cumulative UV light exposure, both from intentional tanning–indoors or outside–and from the day-to-day small exposures we get over the years. This is why a broad-spectrum sunscreen is the best anti-wrinkle product. Without it, skin is left vulnerable, and no amount of wrinkle-filling serum will be of much help. Secondary causes of fine lines and wrinkles include blue light exposure–including from our smartphones, laptops, and tablets–airborne pollutants, and muscle movement that comes from facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, and squinting.”