Fine lines are an inevitable part of our skincare journey, appearing gradually as a testament to the life we've lived. These subtle markers of time can sometimes be a source of concern or frustration, but they don't have to be. Rather than simply accepting fine lines as a 'fact of aging,' we now have the science to understand why fine lines appear in the first place. And in learning about the what's and why's of fine lines, we can maintain healthy, radiant skin at any stage of life. To get you started, this article will delve into the causes of fine lines, differentiate them from deeper wrinkles, and offer practical ways for you to achieve a smoother, more youthful complexion.

Why Do We Have Fine Lines?

If you are over the age of forty, you've likely started noticing 'fine lines,' or thin, superficial wrinkles, beginning to creep up around your eyes, nose, and mouth.1 And as weeks, months, and years go by, you may start to see these fine lines deepen. This is because, as we age, our skin's production of collagen and elastin- the proteins that keep our skin firm and supple-gradually slows down.2 Without a high concentration of these proteins, skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and less hydrated, resulting in sagging and fine lines.

Fine Lines Versus Wrinkles: What's the Difference?

Oftentimes, the terms 'fine lines' and 'wrinkles' are used synonymously when talking about mature skin. However, there is a crucial difference between the two. Fine lines occur earlier in life, usually around the age of forty1, and are the result of either repetitive facial movements or early aging and sun damage. These shallow lines are typically more subtle than wrinkles, and are most noticeable around the eyes and mouth. Wrinkles, on the other hand, are more deep-set, and show up later in life when the skin produces considerably less collagen and elastin.3 As these proteins wane, our skin begins to lose its structural integrity, causing deep wrinkles to develop.4

While the distinction between fine lines and wrinkles may seem negligible, understanding the difference between the two can help alert you when it's time to take preventive measures. Oftentimes, what starts as a fine line will deepen into a wrinkle if the skin isn't properly cared for. Recognizing how fine lines become wrinkles can help you build a more targeted skincare routine, stopping the formation of deep wrinkles at the source. By taking care of fine lines early, you can keep skin feeling vibrant and resilient no matter your age.

What You Might Be Doing to Make Your Fine Lines Worse

Everyone ages, and as we age, our skin naturally succumbs to the effects of gravity and sun exposure, leading to the inevitable appearance of fine lines. However, research shows that certain lifestyle and environmental factors can accelerate the development of fine lines and, eventually, wrinkles. According to skincare experts, here are some habits that could be making your fine lines worse:

• Excessive Sun Exposure: According to recent studies, around 80% of visible signs of facial aging are a direct result of sun exposure.5 This process is known as photoaging, and occurs when the sun's UV rays penetrate the skin, causing direct damage to the DNA in skin cells.6 Over time, this leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in deep wrinkles.
• Smoking: Smoking has been shown to damage the body in several ways, including the skin. Research shows toxins in cigarette smoke, such as nicotine and tar, reduce blood flow to the skin, depleting it of oxygen and essential nutrients.7 This lack of nourishment slows down the skin's ability to repair itself and produce collagen, causing fine lines and wrinkles to form.
• Poor Diet: The food we eat can also have a profound impact on the health of our skin. For instance, diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to a process called glycation, where sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin fibers, causing them to become stiff and malformed.8 This weakens the skin's structure and can lead to sagging and wrinkles.
• High Stress and Poor Sleep: Bad sleep and high levels of stress can wreak havoc on your body, especially your skin. Not only does bad sleep slow down the body's natural repair system, but it also causes an influx in cortisol, a stress hormone that's been shown to break down collagen and lead to thinner skin with more pronounced fine lines.9
• Repetitive Facial Movements: Did your parents ever reprimand you as a child for making funny faces and warn you that your face will become 'stuck' that way? Well, it turns out mom or dad may not have been too far off the mark. As it turns out, each time we use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the skin's surface. As the skin ages and loses its elasticity, it no longer springs back to its smooth state, and these grooves become permanent features known as 'dynamic wrinkles.'10
• Dehydration: Dehydration can significantly contribute to the development of wrinkles by compromising the skin's health and elasticity.11 When your body doesn't have the hydration it needs, it prioritizes vital organs over the skin, leading to dry, flaky, and less resilient skin.12 Dehydration also weakens the skin's protective barrier, making it more susceptible to UV damage.

Steps You Can Take To Fill In Fine Lines

No matter how well we take care of our skin, eventually our face will begin to show fine lines and signs of aging. However, this doesn't mean that we cannot soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as they show up. If you're looking for tips on graceful aging, below are some tried-and-true methods we've discovered work wonders on filling in your fine lines:

• Hydrate Inside and Out: Staying hydrated is some of the best skincare advice you'll ever hear. Not only has drinking lots of water been shown to help decrease wrinkle depth, but also, applying hydration compounds topically to the skin have anti-aging effects. Because of this, I always recommend you include a hydrating cream or serum in any anti-aging skincare routine.
• Protect Your Skin from the Sun: As I've stated earlier in this article, sun damage is by far the number one cause of premature skin aging. To get ahead of sun damage, be sure to wear an SPF of at least 30 every day, no matter the weather. It's also a good idea to wear a hat or visor if you find yourself wanting to spend extending time out in the sun.
• Use Antioxidant-Rich Products: Another excellent way to fight sun damage is to incorporate an antioxidant serum into your daily skincare. Antioxidants are ingredients that help repair molecules damaged by sun exposure.13 At My Derma Dream, we offer an antioxidant-rich No Tox Serum, blended with a potent form of vitamin C known as Stay-C®.
• Exfoliate Weekly: While over-exfoliation can cause inflammation, a weekly gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells and promotes the renewal of healthy skin cells, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines.14 If you do exfoliate, be sure to use a strong moisturizer afterwards so your skin isn't stripped of its essential hydration.
• Try Red LED Light Therapy: One of the most exciting discoveries in anti-aging skincare in recent history is the discovery of red LED light therapy. Over the last decade, multiple studies have concluded that red LED light is able to significantly reduce wrinkle volume by stimulating collagen production within the skin. At My Derma Dream, we offer several products with LED technology, such as our best-selling MyoGlow device, or our Dermaglow LED Mask.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope this article has helped shed some light on what fine lines are, and how they are a natural, yet manageable, part of the aging process. Understanding the science behind how skin ages is a powerful tool you can use to take proactive steps in your skincare routine. From protecting your skin against UV rays to making healthier lifestyle choices, there are countless proven ways to maintain a youthful glow. Remember, you have more control over the health and appearance of your skin than you might think! So embrace the journey of aging, and know there are always opportunities to make your skin brighter, plumper, and more youthful.

References

1. Study examining the age people begin to experience facial wrinkles: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24267416/.
2. Study which describes how collagen production slows in the skin as we age: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16723701/.
3. Cleveland Clinic article discussing wrinkles, which also describes fine lines as the 'start' of wrinkles: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10984-wrinkles.
4. Study which describes how a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin changes the structure of the skin: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9358139/.
5. Healthline article describing at-home remedies for wrinkles; includes citation of 2013 study about sun exposure and its effects on wrinkles: https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-wrinkles#types.
6. Yale Medicine article detailing photoaging: https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/sun-damage#:~:text=When%20the%20sun%20prematurely%20ages,solar%20damage%2C%20or%20sun%20damage.
7. Study that found smoking reduced arterial blood flow to the skin: https://academic.oup.com/aje/article-abstract/135/8/839/51160?redirectedFrom=fulltext.
8. Study describing the effect of sugars on aging skin: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X10000428?via%3Dihub.
9. Study which states cortisol activates inflammatory pathways in the skin, leading to extracellular matrix degradation, loss of skin elasticity and firmness: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/10/1/4.
10. WebMD article describing the different types of wrinkles: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-visual-guide-wrinkles.
11. Study examining how dehydration impacts the skin: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-water-barrier-function-of-the-skin-in-relation-Thune-Nilsen/3c3a2078a794d5a189290b4294f46023aa115962/.
12. Study suggesting that water homeostasis is vital for the normal physiological functioning of the skin, but in cases of limited water supply, vital organs are prioritized: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/exd.12473.
13. Healthline article defining antioxidants: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained.
14. Healthline article detailing how often you should exfoliate your face: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-often-should-you-exfoliate-your-face#for-oily-or-acne-prone-skin.
15. Study showing red LED light therapy was effective for significantly improving periocular wrinkles: https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/abstract/2017/03000/the_efficacy_and_safety_of_660_nm_and_411_to_777.8.aspx.