Why do wrinkles affect people aged 45 to 65?

Why this age range?

Fine lines can start after age 25, and wrinkles become more prominent after 65. Wrinkles do not begin on a fixed birthday, even if a calendar would make the skincare marketing department's job easier. Between 45 and 65, natural skin changes overlap with the accumulated effects of sunlight and other environmental exposures. Persistent wrinkling is a feature of more advanced sun damage, commonly described around ages 50 to 60, rather than a sudden change that happens to everyone at the same age.13

What changes beneath the skin?

Collagen is a protein that gives skin structure; elastin helps skin stretch and return to shape. With age, the supporting network becomes less dense and less effective. Skin cells also multiply more slowly, and the dermis, the middle layer of skin, thins. Together, these changes allow lines and creases to form more easily.14

Ageing also changes the surrounding material that helps skin hold water. Skin produces less oil and retains moisture less effectively, so dryness can accompany wrinkles. Natural ageing affects even areas usually covered by clothing; exposed areas receive the extra effects of sunlight.14

Why do some people develop deeper wrinkles?

• Sun exposure adds damage over time. Ultraviolet light, or UV, breaks down collagen and disrupts elastic fibers. This sun related ageing is called photoageing and can cause deeper wrinkles, roughness and uneven colour.
• Menopause reduces the protective effects of estrogen. The resulting changes can bring thinner, drier skin and earlier signs of natural ageing.
• Repeated facial movements contribute to expression lines. Smiling, frowning and squinting make lines around the eyes, forehead and eyebrows more prominent; gravity also contributes over time.
• Smoking reduces new collagen production and damages the skin's supporting fibers. Long term exposure to other pollutants also contributes to premature ageing.
• Genetics and skin type affect the pattern and pace of ageing. Fair skin is more prone to photoageing, but natural ageing affects every skin type.

What can you do now?

1. 1Wash with mild soap and warm water rather than hot water. Too much soap and hot bathing can worsen dryness.
2. 2Apply a moisturizer every day to help dry or flaky skin.
3. 3Before going outdoors, apply broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB, with SPF 15 or higher. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes before leaving and reapply at least every two hours, more often with swimming, sweating or towel rubbing.
4. 4Add shade and protective clothing, including a wide brimmed hat. Keep sun protection consistent even in cold or cloudy weather, and stop using tanning beds.

Can existing wrinkles improve?

Treatment is optional, despite the word "antiaging" sounding like an instruction. Moisturizers help dryness, and regularly used retinoid creams can reduce dryness and may soften fine wrinkles over the long term. A dermatologist can discuss prescription retinoids, botulinum toxin injections for expression lines, fillers for deeper folds, or resurfacing procedures. Much sun damage is permanent, but treatment can reduce some visible signs. There is no single treatment timetable, and some procedures need repeating to maintain results.157

Before choosing treatment, discuss your medicines, supplements and current skincare because treatments can have side effects and interactions. Wrinkles themselves do not need a medical diagnosis. Very dry, itchy skin, a growing lump, a bleeding mole or a sore that does not heal deserves medical attention rather than another wrinkle product.125