5 Types of Wrinkles + How to Treat & Prevent Each
There's no cure — but you can definitely do something about fine lines and wrinkles.Published:
2 minute read
Wrinkles may be a sign of a life well-lived, but let’s face it: many of us would prefer they be a little less obvious. While there’s no miracle cure (sorry), there are ways to treat — and better yet, prevent — some types of lines and wrinkles.
The first step? Understanding what causes wrinkles in the first place. Here’s our guide to the five main types of wrinkles, and what you can do about them.
How do wrinkles form?
Quite simply, a wrinkle is a linear indentation or furrow on the skin’s surface — but how they end up there can get a little more complicated. We’ve covered what happens to your skin as you age, but basically, wrinkles form due to the complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors. Intrinsic aging involves the natural aging process influenced by genetic factors, while extrinsic aging is driven by environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and external stressors.
These factors lead to structural changes within the skin:
- Collagen degradation: a reduction in the crucial protein that provides structural support to the skin
- Elastin breakdown: the fibers responsible for skin elasticity degrade, leading to a loss of resilience
- Hydration loss: reduced moisture content in the skin contributes to the development of fine lines and wrinkles
Dr. Pimple Popper's Wrinkle Treatment + Prevention Picks
What are the types of wrinkles?
Dermatologists typically categorize wrinkles based on various factors, including their causes, characteristics, and locations. The two primary categories are dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles:
- Dynamic wrinkles: formed during facial expressions due to repetitive muscle movements.
- Static wrinkles: visible even when the face is at rest, indicative of aging-related changes.
Sometimes, wrinkles can be a combination of dynamic and static — and the result of both natural and lifestyle factors. Below, we break down five of the most common wrinkle varieties, and how to treat (and prevent) each type.
Dynamic expression lines
SLMD Skincare to try: Retinol Resurfacing Serum
Atrophic Crinkling Rhytids
SLMD Skincare to try: AHA/BHA Swipes, Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Permanent elastic creases
SLMD Skincare to try: Vitamin C Serum, Dual Defender SPF 30
Gravitational folds
SLMD Skincare to try: Facial Moisturizer w/Vitamin C
Compression wrinkles
SLMD Skincare to try: Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Dr. Lee's Last Word
I always tell patients: try not to dwell on your wrinkles — aging is a privilege! But there are ways we can minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles that bother you. Remember: it’s easier to prevent than to treat…so wear sunscreen and take care of your skin!
