HOW WRINKLES FORM

Wrinkles are formed when collagen and elastin fibres, which are produced by the specialised cells in the dermis called fibroblasts, bunch together or when fibroblasts are damaged. This damage can be due to UVA light i.e. sunlight or to stress hormones such as cortisol. When we are younger collagen and elastin fibres lie neatly as we age they start to bunch up through the effects of movement and gravity, aided by changes in weight and loss of muscle tone.  Stress due to the effects of adrenalin will decrease blood supply thus nourishment to the skin and smoking too causes a decrease in oxygen to the skin so that it suffers. Purse lines form around the mouth through puffing on cigarettes and continually pursing the lips and crows feet around the eyes through irritating smoke

In the diagram below you can see how a wrinkle is formed. Collagen and elastin have diminished thus allowing the epidermis to drop due to lack of support from collagen and skin becomes less elastic due to loss of elastin so it no longer snaps back into shape. See it as akin to an old mattress, the mattress gets lumpy and bumpy due to the stuffing bunching together and the springs wearing out.

DIAGRAM OF A WRINKLE

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