woman holding a Nivea Q10 Anti Wrinkles face cream

How to get rid of wrinkles

Why do we get wrinkles and how can we treat them? Discover what causes the different types of fine lines and wrinkles, plus how to manage them with NIVEA

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Wrinkles: Why do we get them and how to treat them?

No matter how consistent you are with your skin care routine, certain things happen to our bodies over time. Wrinkles are perhaps one of the most obvious. Facial lines, crow’s feet, laughter lines – they are all an expression of our lives that appear on our face over time.

woman holding a Nivea Q10 Anti Wrinkles face cream

What exactly are wrinkles?

Wrinkles are creases, folds or ridges that appear in the skin as we mature. They look a bit like the lines in the palm of our hands. It might not be what we want to hear, but wrinkles are a completely natural part of the aging process.

 

Are there different types of wrinkles?

Yes. While some of us will experience fine lines, or more prominent creases around the delicate eye areas, others will get those vertical lines in between the brow. 

Wrinkles are most commonly found on our face, neck and arms, but can appear anywhere on our bodies. 

The 7 main types of wrinkles

Here are the 7 most common types of wrinkles on the face:
  1. Forehead lines 
    Also known as forehead wrinkles, these are horizontal indentations that run across the top of our T-zone. They are most noticeable when we make certain facial expressions, such as lifting our eyebrows.

  2. Frown lines 
    Frown lines tend to develop between the eyebrows and create a shape that mimics the number eleven. Repeated facial expressions like frowning can cause these to become more prominent over time.

  3. Bunny lines
    These refer to the fine horizontal lines and tiny creases that appear on the bridge of our nose and either side when we wrinkle it, such as when we laugh or smile. These are an example of mimic wrinkles, which are among the first to appear due to repeated movements. 

  4. Crow’s Feet
    This is the term given to those fine lines that radiate from the outer corners of the eyes. They resemble the feet of a crow, hence the name, but are also known as ‘smile lines’ as they often form when we smile. The skin around the eyes is exceptionally thin, so these types of wrinkles can form fairly early.

  5. Laughter lines 
    As the name suggests, these lines appear on parts of the face that crease when we laugh. Known as nasolabial folds, these creases extend from both sides of our nose to the corners of our mouth. They can become more prominent and permanent as we age, especially if we smoke or don’t protect our skin from the sun.

  6. Lip lines 
    These small vertical wrinkles look slightly different for everyone but typically they form on both the lip and the skin above the upper lip. On the lips they often extend from one side of the mouth to the other. 

  7. Marionette lines
    As our skin loses its tightness, jowls and folds such as marionette lines can develop.  Also called melomental folds, these are long vertical lines that start at the corners of the mouth and continue down to the chin and jawline. They can cause our mouth to look downturned like a marionette doll, hence the name.

What causes wrinkles?


Wrinkles, creases and lines start to develop as the skin becomes thinner, drier and loses its elasticity over time. As we age, our body’s levels of Collagen and Elastin decrease. These are both proteins naturally found in the skin responsible for its firmness and elasticity. 

Our facial expressions are a factor too. Smiling, laughing, frowning, squinting and other repeated facial expressions cause small muscle contractions which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles developing when we are younger.

These lines can then deepen as we age and sometimes become a permanent feature on our face. This is largely because our skin springs back when we are younger, but as older skin has less flexibility it loses its youthful bounce.

woman's eye

Dynamic v static wrinkles

The folds or creases that appear fall into two categories:


·       Dynamic wrinkles – these are ones caused by expressing emotions or repeated facial movements. So for example, lip lines that may appear if we use a straw often.


·       Static wrinkles – these come from a loss of elasticity and tend to deepen with age. Examples of these are lines at the corner of the mouth and neck.


Over time dynamic wrinkles can become static wrinkles. One example is when our cheeks lose plumpness, fine smile lines can turn into more prominent folds. 

How to prevent wrinkles

Unfortunately, we can’t stop the aging process or change certain factors like genetics, which inevitably have a part to play in wrinkles. However, there are some lifestyle changes that we can adopt to help prevent wrinkles and keep skin looking more youthful for longer.

woman smiling

Switch up our skincare

Our range of NIVEA Anti-Aging Creams & Products have been specifically formulated to help prevent and minimise the appearance of wrinkles and nourish the skin. The range includes replenishing serums designed to build up our skin’s own anti-wrinkle defence, innovative moisturisers with Collagen-boosting formulas, and firming eye creams that target this delicate area.
 
Our eyes can be especially prone to signs of aging - read our guide for our top 5 tips to prevent eye wrinkles.

For men, there’s a range specifically tailored to your unique skincare needs.

1. Protect skin from the sun

Sun radiation damages the skin’s Collagen, making it lose elasticity and drying it out, bearing in mind mature skin is naturally dryer.

Too much sun exposure can prematurely age our skin. This is known as photoaging and differs from natural aging, causing deep wrinkles along with tougher skin, freckles and skin discolouration.

Knowing how to protect your skin from sun damage is an easy step you can take to prevent this, including adopting good sunscreen habits. One easy habit involves adding a moisturiser with SPF into your morning skincare routine so that you leave the house with a layer of protection.

Moisturisers with SPF
woman standing in the sun
woman doing yoga

2. Quit smoking

Smoking is another culprit that causes rapid aging. Healthy skin will constantly regenerate. However, smoking heavily reduces Collagen production, and less Collagen means more wrinkles. Increased facial lines around the mouth are tell-tale signs of smoking.

 

3. Diet and exercise

Unhealthy habits affect our skin’s texture and can speed up the aging process. Eating a healthy balanced diet packed with Vitamin A and C and protein (poultry, fish, eggs and lean meats) are a good place to start. Add some regular daily exercise to boost circulation and reduce stress levels. Too much sugar and alcohol can damage Collagen and Elastin, so indulge in moderation.

 

4. Stay hydrated

Keeping our skin hydrated is always important. Be sure to drink enough water, and even try herbal teas which have antioxidants that can improve our skin in other ways. Avoid too much Caffeine as this can slow down the rate our bodies make Collagen.

 

5. Sleep well

Our skin always thanks us for getting the recommended 8 hours sleep a night – or as close as possible. But did you know that our sleep positions also have a bearing on wrinkles? Our skin can get creased if we sleep in the same position every night. Sleeping on our back or investing in silk pillowcases that cause less friction against our face can help with this.

Skincare routine to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles

1. Cleanser

While there is no cure to get rid of wrinkles for good, following an anti-aging skincare routine will help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and give our skin a more youthful glow over time. As with any good skincare routine, cleansing and exfoliation are the best start:

 

Cleansers
woman applying Nivea Cellular serum

2. Serum

To effectively target wrinkles, apply three pea-sized dots of an anti-aging serum. Serums are typically lighter than creams and can penetrate deeper into the skin, helping the higher concentrations of active ingredients to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Serums

3. (Optional) Face Mask

Sometimes you may want to apply a face mask as part of an extra pampering session. Switching the serum for a face mask on occasion can help to achieve a similar effect. If you’re using a sheet mask, make sure to rub in any excess serum after removing the mask.

 
Face Masks
Nivea Cellular Luminous630 Serum

4. Eye Cream

Since the skin around the eye area doesn’t contain as much Collagen as the rest of the face, it’s more susceptible to dryness and wrinkling. To effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes it’s important to use a targeted treatment that’s formulated specifically for this delicate area. For best results apply twice daily - both morning and evening.
Eye Creams

5. Moisturise

Aging skin is less able to protect itself from external damage, so choosing a really targeted moisturiser is even more important. Plus, moisturisation has the added benefit of locking in any serums or treatments applied beforehand.

NIVEA offers a range of day and night creams, of which some are formulated with active ingredients such as Q10 and Hyaluronic Acid to target wrinkles effectively.

Moisturisers
Ingredients…

NIVEA’s Q10 range

Investing in quality products and adopting a good skin care regime will help keep your skin hydrated and firmer. With a huge array of skincare at NIVEA and easy-to-follow skincare tips, finding the perfect skincare routine for your skin should be simple. The NIVEA Q10 range is a great place to start your anti-wrinkle journey.
Discover NIVEA Q10
Ingredients…

Why is Q10 good for wrinkles?

Our skin contains almost 80% Collagen, and nearly a third of the proteins in our body are produced by Collagen. Coenzyme Q10 can help to stimulate the production of Collagen, which naturally slows with age. This boost in Collagen can help to increase cell regeneration and retain skin elasticity.

 

NIVEA q10 products
Ingredients…

Other ingredients that are good for wrinkles

  1. Retinol
    Alike Q10 in this sense, Retinol can help to stimulate Collagen production and exfoliate the skin for a firmer, plumper complexion.

  2. Bakuchiol
    Similar to Retinol but slightly milder, Bakuchiol is a great natural alternative for those following a vegan life or living with skin sensitivities.

  3. Jojoba Oil
    Jojoba Oil is both moisturising and an antioxidant, so may keep the skin hydrated and potentially reduce the appearance of wrinkles, like other antioxidants.

  4. Hyaluronic Acid
    Hyaluronic Acid works by moisturising deep into the skin and may significantly improve the appearance of deeper wrinkles while improving firmness and elasticity. You can find Hyaluronic Acid in the NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler range.
NIVEA Cellular Firming Face Creams

A sign of a full life

Wrinkles of course don’t actually need treatment. They are a painless, natural and beautiful sign of mature skin. You can choose to treat them if you don’t like the way they make your skin look or feel. Equally, you can embrace those laughter lines and eye crinkles for what they are – a reflection of a life expressed to the fullest.

Takeaway

woman holding two bottles of Nivea face serum

Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process - as we age, our skin becomes thinner, drier, and loses its elasticity. The decrease in Collagen and Elastin levels in the skin contributes to the formation of wrinkles over time.

Different types of wrinkles exist: wrinkles can appear in various forms on different areas of the face. Common types include forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet, laughter lines, lip lines, and marionette lines.

While we cannot stop the aging process or alter genetics, lifestyle changes can help prevent wrinkles and maintain more youthful-looking skin. Tips include using anti-aging skincare products, protecting skin from sun damage, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.

While there is no permanent cure for wrinkles, following an anti-aging skincare routine can help reduce their appearance and give the skin a more youthful glow. Particularly helpful ingredients include: Q10, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol, to name a few. However, it's essential to remember that wrinkles are a natural and beautiful sign of a full life and do not necessarily need treatment if one chooses to embrace them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are wrinkles, and why do we get them?

Wrinkles are creases, folds, or ridges that appear in the skin as we age. They are a natural part of the aging process, resulting from factors like decreased Collagen and Elastin levels in the skin.

Are there different types of wrinkles, and where do they commonly appear?

Yes, there are different types of wrinkles. They commonly appear on the face, neck, and arms. Some types include forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet, laughter lines, lip lines, and marionette lines.

What are the seven main types of wrinkles on the face?

The seven main types of wrinkles on the face are forehead lines, frown lines, bunnies, crow's feet, laughter lines, lip lines, and marionette lines.

What causes wrinkles to form in the skin?

Wrinkles form as the skin becomes thinner, drier, and loses its elasticity over time. Decreased Collagen and Elastin levels are responsible for the loss of skin firmness and elasticity.

What is the difference between dynamic and static wrinkles?

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by expressing emotions or repeated facial movements, while static wrinkles come from a loss of elasticity and tend to deepen with age.

Can dynamic wrinkles become static over time?

Yes, over time, dynamic wrinkles can become static wrinkles. As our cheeks lose plumpness, fine smile lines can turn into more prominent folds.

How can I prevent wrinkles from forming?

While we cannot stop the aging process, lifestyle changes can help prevent wrinkles. These include proper skincare, sun protection, quitting smoking, a balanced diet, hydration, and adequate sleep.

What skincare products can help prevent and minimise the appearance of wrinkles?

Anti-aging creams and serums containing ingredients like Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, peptides, and antioxidants may help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Is there any difference between women’s and men’s anti-wrinkle cream?

Yes, there can be differences between men's and women's anti-wrinkle creams. While the basic purpose of both creams is to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, some variations cater to specific skin needs based on gender.

Men's anti-wrinkle creams may have formulations tailored to their thicker and oilier skin. These creams often contain ingredients that address common concerns for men, such as reducing post-shaving irritation and soothing the skin. Additionally, some men's creams may have more subtle scents or be marketed with masculine packaging.

How does sun exposure contribute to the development of wrinkles?

Sun exposure damages the skin's Collagen, causing it to lose elasticity and dry out. This can lead to premature aging, resulting in deep wrinkles, freckles, and skin discoloration.

Does smoking impact the formation of wrinkles?

Yes, smoking reduces Collagen production, leading to more wrinkles. Increased lines on the face - especially around the mouth - are common signs of smoking.

Can diet and exercise affect the appearance of wrinkles?

Unhealthy habits can affect the skin's texture and speed up the aging process. A healthy diet with vitamin-rich foods and regular exercise can contribute to healthier-looking skin.

How important is hydration in preventing wrinkles?

Keeping the skin hydrated is crucial in preventing wrinkles. Drinking enough water and using moisturisers with hyaluronic acid can help maintain skin elasticity.

Can sleep positions influence the formation of wrinkles?

Yes, sleeping in the same position every night can cause creases in the skin. Sleeping on the back or using silk pillowcases can help reduce friction and prevent creases.

Is there a way to get rid of face wrinkles quickly?

While there is no permanent quick fix for wrinkles on the face, some clinical treatments can provide relatively quick results in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It's important to consult a dermatologist before considering any treatment of this kind.