Wrinkles are creases and folds in the skin which become more pronounced over time. But how do they form, exactly?
Two layers of the skin are involved in the formation of wrinkles.
The epidermis is the top, thinner layer of skin, providing a barrier against irritants. Cells travel towards the surface in a 28-day cycle to replenish.
The dermis is a thicker cushioning layer under the epidermis. It contains three important components:
Genetics play a part in determining your skin density and texture, as do certain medical conditions. Ehlers Danlos Syndromes, for instance, cause the skin to be thinner and more fragile.
Aging of the skin is caused by two types of aging: intrinsic aging , and extrinsic aging.
Intrinsic aging
In your mid 20's, collagen production starts decreasing by 1 per cent every year, and elastin production decreases dramatically after maturity. This means that your skin will naturally lose its flexibility and firmness over time. Also, moisture between the dermis and epidermis decreases with age too, making skin drier, thinner and duller.
Because our skin is less elastic, firm and moisturised, it doesn't spring back into shape as readily as it once did. When we make facial expressions, the skin becomes stretched and wrinkles form.
Intrinsic aging is unavoidable, but it's also partly determined by genetics.
This type of aging is caused by external factors. This includes:
These external factors can damage the collagen and elastin in the skin and cause dehydration, making the skin drier, and less firm and flexible.
Menopause is an inevitable part of aging for women. During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating and falling hormone levels can cause a reduction in collagen production and loss of moisture in the skin, making it more prone to wrinkles.
Not all wrinkles are the same. There are two types of wrinkles: dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles.
Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repeated facial movements e.g., 'worry lines' between the brows formed by frowning.
Static wrinkles are caused by a loss of elasticity and gravity pulling folds of skin downwards, as seen in the 'marionette lines' that run outwards and downwards from the corners of the lips to the jaw.
During a microneedling session, fine needles that are just 0.5mm – 1mm long are run over the affected areas of the skin, creating tiny wounds. The microneedling process stimulates elastin production, and the skin also produces new collagen to try and heal these wounds.
Treatments are usually given around a month or six weeks apart, and after several treatments, you will begin to see a new, smoother skin layer appearing.
After your microneedling session, your skin may become inflamed or even bruised. This shouldn't last more than a few days.
To reduce inflammation and bruising, you can prepare for your session by making sure you're well-hydrated in the days beforehand.
After your session, it's important to give your skin time to heal, so avoid direct sunlight and strenuous exercise for a few days.
Microneedling is particularly effective for people with indented scars or lines, as the increased collagen production can help to 'fill' these blemishes, providing significant improvement after several treatments.
Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment, but it is not suitable for use on keloid scars (thick raised or 'bubbly' scars). If you have rosacea, seek professional advice first. The suitability of microneedling for your condition may depend on the type of rosacea you have and what triggers it.
Microneedling isn't recommended if:
If none of these contraindications applies to you, then after a consultation with a cosmetic practitioner, you should be able to start treatment. All you need to do then is wait patiently for your brighter and less wrinkled new skin layer to appear.
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