Why Wrinkles Form

Aging

With years comes wisdom and wrinkles, they are a by-product of the aging process. As we age our skin cells divide more slowly, and the dermis, the skin’s inner layer, begins to thin. The outer layer of skin is supported by a network of elastin and collagen fibers. Elastin is the protein which causes skin to stretch and as we age it begins to loosen and unravel causing depressions on the surface. The skin loses its elasticity and is less able to retain moisture. Oil-secreting glands become less efficient and the skin is slower to heal.

Facial Muscle Contractions

Small muscles contractions from smiling, frowning, squinting, and other habitual facial expressions are believed to cause lines between the eyebrows and lines from the corner of the eyes. These wrinkles tend to be more prominent because of the habit of facial expression coupled with gravity causes the formation of jowls and drooping eyelids.

Sun Damage

Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause premature aging of the skin, also called photoaging. When UV light damages skin tissue, an enzyme creates and reforms collagen. During this process some healthy collagen fibers are damaged, which results in the disorganized formation of fibers called solar scars. As the rebuilding process happens over and over, wrinkles develop.

Achieve Younger Looking Skin

If your worry lines have become worrisome, or you would like to get rid of other wrinkles on your face, there is help. Contact Austin plastic surgeon Dr. Apostolakis at 512.329.8989 for a consultation today.