What Causes Wrinkles And How Can I Treat Them?

by | May 18, 2023

As we age, it’s not uncommon to start noticing wrinkles on our skin. With age comes a natural change in skin texture, firmness, and elasticity. Have you ever wondered what wrinkles are and how they differ from fine lines? Do you suffer from wrinkles or fine lines and want to take steps to treat them? Understanding the causes of wrinkles can help us take preventative measures and make informed decisions about treatments. At Chanel Frances & Co. in Kennebunk Maine, we offer a wide range of beauty services and medical aesthetics to help reuce the appearence of wrinkles and fine lines. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what wrinkles are, the different factors that cause them, and what treatments we have available to help you leave feeling confident and  beautiful. 

What Causes Wrinkles & Fine Lines?

Wrinkles are lines and creases that form on the skin due to the natural process of aging. As we age, our skin becomes less elastic, less firm, and less able to protect itself from damage. This leads to the formation of wrinkles, which can be deep or shallow depending on the severity of the damage. Wrinkles can appear on any part of the body, but they are most common on the face, neck, and hands. Although wrinkles are common and do not affect your health, many people prefer to reduce the appearence of them. 

Age

The most common cause of wrinkles is age. As we get older, our skin becomes less elastic, drier, and thinner, which makes it more susceptible to damage. The production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to a loss of skin firmness and elasticity.

UV Exposure

Exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause premature aging and wrinkles. UV rays damage skin cells, causing them to become weak and thin, and lose their elasticity. This can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as age spots and hyperpigmentation.

Repeated Facial Expressions

Facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, and squinting can also cause wrinkles. These repeated movements can create creases in the skin, eventually becoming more permanent.

Smoking

Smoking is another factor that can cause wrinkles. Smoking damages the skin’s collagen and elastin, causing it to lose its elasticity and firmness. This can lead to wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes.

 

What Are Fine Lines And How Are They Different From Wrinkles?

Fine lines are smaller than wrinkles and are often the first signs of aging. They are shallow and can appear anywhere on the face. Fine lines are usually caused by UV exposure, dehydration, and skin stressors such as pollution, smoking, and poor nutrition. Wrinkles, on the other hand, are deeper and more pronounced. They are caused by a combination of age, UV exposure, and repeated movements.

 

What Wrinkle Reduction Treatments Are Available At Chanel Frances & Co.?

Wrinkles and fine lines are a natural part of the aging process, but there are things we can do to help reduce their appearance. Avoiding UV exposure, quitting smoking, and using skin creams and lotions may help with the prevention of wrinkles, but ultimately, wrinkles and fine lines are unavoidable as we age. Seeking out professional treatments can help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. It’s never too early or too late to start taking care of your skin! Keep reading to learn more about our wrinkle reduction treatments. 

Botox & Dysport

Botox and Dysport are popular treatments that work by relaxing the muscles responsible for causing wrinkles. These injectables are typically used to treat frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles. They are quick and non-invasive, with results that can last for several months!

Botox shots include a neurotoxin that blocks certain chemical signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract. Botox injections also are used to ease symptoms of some health conditions, such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and ease the effects of migraines. 

Botox & Dysport Safety Considerations

Although any medical treatment can potentially cause side effects, they are generally rare and mild when Botox or Dysport are used appropriately. However, those with complicating conditions such as diabetes may be more susceptible to experiencing side effects. It is important to note that if you are pregnant or actively breastfeeding, you should avoid Botox or Dysport treatments.

Kybella

Kybella is another injectable treatment that is used to reduce the appearance of a double chin or submental fat. This treatment involves injecting a solution into the fat beneath the chin, which destroys the fat cells, resulting in a more contoured and youthful appearance. 

Kybella Safety Considerations

Kybella is a non-surgical and only minimally invasive procedure. Typical and natural side effects are minimal pain, bruising, swelling, numbness, and redness. These minor side effects should subside within two weeks of the procedure.

Hydrafacial

Hydrafacial is a non-invasive treatment that uses a specialized device to exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin. This treatment can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin texture and tone.

Hydrafacial Considerations

The primary contraindications for HydraFacial are pregnancy, breastfeeding and recent use of Accutane. Therefore, it is important to discuss any current or past medical conditions with your doctor prior to receiving the treatment. 

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that are used to add volume and fill in wrinkles and fine lines. These treatments use substances such as hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Dermal Fillers Considerations

Before receiving dermal fillers, it is important to be tested for allergies if the filler material contains certain components derived from animals, such as collagen. Common side effects of dermal fillers include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, itching, and rash. These side effects are typically reported shortly after injection and usually last 1 to 2 weeks. 

Book Your Treatment At Chanel Frances & Co.

At Chanel Frances & Co., our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you feel your very best! We offer a range of treatments to suit your individual needs and goals, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have regarding what causes wrinkles and how to treat them. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our wrinkle treatments!