Crows feet, frown lines, forehead lines
As skin changes over time it becomes dryer, thinner and loses its collagen and elastin that gives it that ‘bounce back’ ability meaning it is more likely to show signs of fine lines and wrinkles that are present at rest, known as static lines. These changes can make the skin look less youthful and smooth, which can be distressing to many. Wrinkles typically develop in areas of facial expression in the upper face, such as the eyes (often referred to as “crow’s feet”), frown and forehead.
DID YOU KNOW?
UV sun damage is responsible for 80-90% of fine lines and wrinkles but a survey of UK women showed that only 34% use SPF on a daily basis
Causes
Several factors contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles:
Ageing:
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin—proteins that give the skin its strength and elasticity—naturally decreases. This leads to thinner, less resilient skin, making it more prone to creasing and sagging. Men and women age at a similar rate losing around 1% of collagen every year from age 27, however, as women hit the peri-menopause due to the drop in oestrogen levels they see a 20-30% loss of collagen in just the first 5 years of these hormonal changes.
Sun Exposure:
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun break down collagen in the skin, accelerating the aging process and leading to premature wrinkles, particularly in sun-exposed areas.
Facial Expressions:
Repeated facial movements, such as smiling, frowning, or squinting, cause the skin to crease. Over time, these creases become more permanent as the skin loses its ability to bounce back.
Lifestyle Factors:
Smoking, poor diet, high stress levels, inadequate sleep and inadequate hydration can accelerate skin ageing, contributing to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Prevention
Preventing the formation or acceleration of the formation of fine lines and wrinkles involves a combination of proactive skincare measures and lifestyle choices that protect the skin. Here are effective strategies to help prevent premature fine lines and wrinkles:
Daily Sun Protection:
Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield skin from UV rays, a major cause of premature aging. Moisturisers and make up that contain SPF only protect the skin from UVB rays. These rays are responsible for causing the skin to burn and therefore such protects are great for reducing the risk of skin cancer however offer no protection against rays that age the skin. Formal SPFs protect the skin from both UVB and UVA rays, the latter of the two are the rays responsible for 80-90% of facial ageing.
Hydration and Moisturisation:
Keep skin hydrated with moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to maintain elasticity and plumpness. Products that contain ceramides help the skin function more efficiently as a barrier locking in the bodies own moisture and fending off environment damage.
Healthy Lifestyle:
Maintain a balanced diet, avoid smoking, and staying hydrated promote skin health and slow the aging process. In clinic we ask about lifestyle and sleep pattern as high stress and lack of sleep increase cortisol levels, leading to collagen breakdown, skin damage, and accelerated aging with wrinkles.
Use Retinoids:
Though collagen supplements have had a real buzz around them lately, the evidence surrounding their benefits for preventing fine lines and wrinkles is poor. On the contrast there are over 700 clinical trials that prove retinoids to be beneficial for fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporating retinoid-based products into your skincare routine can boost collagen production and improve skin texture.
HOW TO TREAT
Anti-wrinkle injections relax facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This smooths the skin, especially on the forehead and around the eyes, creating a more youthful, refreshed look. Best for upper face lines including frown, forehead and crows feet.
Anti-wrinkle injections
Anti-wrinkle injections can effectively address crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines by targeting the underlying muscles responsible for these facial expressions. By relaxing these specific muscle groups, the treatment reduces the intensity and frequency of contractions that lead to the formation and deepening of wrinkles. This results in a smoother, more rejuvenated appearance in the upper face area. The injections not only soften existing lines but also help prevent the development of deeper wrinkles over time, making them an excellent option for both treatment and prevention of visible signs of aging around the eyes and on the forehead.
RF microneedling
Improves wrinkles by combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production, tighten skin, and enhance elasticity. This process smooths fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a firmer, more youthful appearance. Best for full face, neck and chest or those wanting to avoid injectable treatments.
Our favourite product pairing for fine lines
With management of any age related change, taking steps to ensure optimum skin quality forms an essential foundation for any injectable or energy based treatments. Our teams favourite products to pair with treatment of fine lines and wrinkles are:
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles by combining retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, promoting cell turnover, enhancing skin texture, with added benefits of reducing pigmentation by diminishing dark spots for a more radiant, even complexion.
ZO Self-Activating Vitamin C
Enhances collagen gene expression increases collagen synthesis and minimising collagen degradation. Provide antioxidant protection against environmental damage for a more even complexion.
Smart Tone ZO SPF
Is a mineral-based sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/ UVB rays. Its color-adapting technology blends seamlessly with various skin tones, offering a natural finish. The lightweight formula also contains antioxidants, enhancing skin protection from environmental damage while maintaining a smooth, even complexion.
ZO daily power defence
Improves wrinkles by restoring the skin barrier, enhancing hydration, and increasing moisture retention, resulting in smoother, plumper skin with reduced fine lines. In addition to this it promotes collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity, and providing antioxidant protection for a more youthful complexion
ZO Growth Factor Serum
Contains growth factors and hyaluronic acid that hydrate the outer layer of skin and improves wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal, resulting in increased elasticity, smoother texture, and a more youthful appearance.
