Aging woman admiring her youthful appearance

The reality is your face changes during many stages of your life, and wrinkles are a common sign of aging that some may experience sooner than others. Some people notice mild wrinkles in their early 20s, while they may appear late for others.

Understanding what causes wrinkles is the best way to determine when you can expect them to appear if you plan to treat them. As people age, the middle layer of the skin, known as the dermis, starts to thin. The dermis offers support and elasticity with the network of elastin and collagen fibres. When the dermis becomes weaker, the skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles start to form.

Although you can’t turn back the clock, you do have the power to prevent wrinkles from becoming more prevalent and slow down aging.

Once you’ve figured out why you’re developing wrinkles, whether it’s due to age or external factors, visit GraceMed’s medi spa in Toronto to find an effective solution with help from our skin specialists.

There are many reasons why skin wrinkles. Use this guide to identify some common reasons for wrinkles and effective treatment options

What Causes Different Types of Wrinkles

Aging

Wrinkles are often a result of aging skin and volume loss. As you get older, the collagen production in your body gradually starts to decrease, which makes your skin thinner. A person produces about one percent less collagen in the skin each year after 20.

When the skin starts to lose flexibility, it becomes challenging to bounce back, so it starts sagging, and wrinkles begin to develop. Age increases the fragility of the skin, and fat starts to diminish, resulting in pronounced lines around the skin.

Aging can cause wrinkles on the face, neck, hands, and forearms. Wrinkles are often most prevalent on the face because there are numerous facial areas where lines can appear, such as around the eyes, lips, and cheeks.

Genetics

Certain hereditary factors can lead to aging and result in wrinkles. According to studies, 60 percent of the skin aging variation between individuals can be attributed to genetic factors. Most skin changes occur due to visible signs of aging, and some factors that contribute to the process are hydration, elasticity, and antioxidant capacity. Although you can still develop premature wrinkles if your parents didn’t     , inherited DNA is often a significant contributor to this common sign of aging. You may notice wrinkles on several parts of your face, neck, or forearm.

Even if wrinkles occur due to genetics, numerous solutions can help you reduce their appearance. Visit a GraceMed clinic to find a solution that bests suits your needs. Our skin specialists have sufficient knowledge about what causes wrinkles and the treatment that best addresses each patient’s unique needs. You can learn many other successful treatments along with Botox until you find one that makes you comfortable.

Mom touching daughter’s skin

Sun Exposure

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight can affect the skin by causing wrinkles, sun damage, and brown spots. UV rays from the sun prompt free radicals to form within the skin, harming the elastin fibres and resulting in wrinkling and other skin problems.

Sun exposure is particularly harmful when you spend a long time outdoors without efficient sunscreen and protective gear. Sun exposure is more likely to cause wrinkles on your facial areas, such as the forehead, eyes, and around the mouth.

The UV rays from the sun are a major culprit that can help you answer the question of what causes under eye wrinkles. Sunlight significantly impacts the eyes because you may also squint when the sunlight hits your eyes and this frequent repetitive movement can also contribute to wrinkling skin.

Repeated Facial Movements

Certain facial movements and expressions, such as smiling or squinting, can also result in wrinkles or fine lines over time. Every time you perform a facial movement, your body uses facial muscles and forms a groove underneath the skin’s surface. Since age often comes with the loss of skin flexibility, your face cannot spring back in place after these  muscle movements. When the grooves become permanent, you may notice wrinkles appear on the face.

You use different areas of your face to respond to things. For example, you may squint your eyes to read something from a distance or use your mouth to speak or smile – frequently moving your lips or cheeks is what causes wrinkles around the mouth. Although there is nothing you can do to prevent wrinkles from occurring, you can take measures to reduce their appearance before they become very evident.

Medication

Some medications can cause wrinkles on your face, neck, forearm, or hands. Some oral or topical medications, such as steroids, can cause the outer layer of the skin to become thin and change the connective tissue of the middle layer of the skin. When this happens, the skin loses elastin and becomes wrinkled.

Alternatively, particular medication can also cause photosensitivity – a chemically induced change in the skin, and make your skin extra sensitive to sun damage, which will result in premature wrinkles. The two types of photosensitivity are photoallergy and phototoxicity. Photoallergy is an allergic reaction and can occur days after sun exposure. On the other hand, phototoxicity can appear within a few hours and can cause skin irritation. Some common medications that cause sensitivity to the sun are antibiotics, antifungals, oral contraceptives, and retinoids.

Woman unhappy about facial wrinkles pulling her skin

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors that cause wrinkles can fall into many categories. One of the most common factors is air pollution. Air pollution is more common outdoors, but it can also make its way into your home and harm your skin.

According to studies, the association between traffic-related air pollution and skin aging has been well-established. Many air pollutants pass into the skin and damage the skin. When the skin attempts to repair the damage, it may reabsorb damaged collagen, leading to wrinkles and fine lines.

Treatments for Different Types of Wrinkles

When you understand what causes wrinkles, it’s easier to find a solution to reduce their appearance. Here are some effective treatments for different types of wrinkles.

Botox

Botox is a solution derived from the botulinum toxin that blocks nerve chemical signals that cause muscle contraction. This injectable solution works on many different types of wrinkles, such as wrinkles caused by age or repetitive movements.

This treatment is beneficial in treating wrinkles on the upper portion of the face, such as the forehead, or on areas with expression lines. When you understand what causes forehead wrinkles, it can be easier for you to determine if you need Botox or not. Consult the experts at the Toronto Botox clinic to figure out if Botox is the right solution for your wrinkles.

When Botox is injected into the muscles between the eyebrows or corner of the eyes, the effects usually last three to four months. But the exact timeframe can vary depending on how much Botox you received, the level of wrinkles you erased, and your maintenance habits.

Man receiving Botox injection in forehead at clinic

Dermal Fillers

Wrinkles that remain at rest may require fillers to reduce signs of aging. Fillers are best for deep lines that are present when facial muscles aren’t contracting, such as on laugh and lip lines.

GraceMed clinics offer different injectables in Toronto and other cities in the GTA and our experts are available to  help you weigh your options and identify the treatment best suited to your needs. The best filler for you will depend on the area you want to fill and your aesthetic goals. If you’re looking for something that can volumize lips or reduce lip wrinkles, some of your options include Juvéderm Volbella and Restylane. If you want to target laugh lines, your best options might be Revanesse or Restylane

Although many fillers are available today, products with hyaluronic acid (HA) are most commonly used in Canada. According to Health Canada, over 30 dermal fillers containing HA are currently licensed for sale in the region. Consult a specialist to determine which filler is safest to use for your individual needs to reduce the risk of complications and increase the chances of achieving better results.

Blepharoplasty

Many people develop wrinkles around the eyes as they age. Sometimes, these wrinkles can also appear due to unprotected sun exposure. One effective solution for wrinkles around the eyes is blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, removes excess skin, muscle, and fat to repair droopy eyelids, reduce undereye bagginess, or diminish wrinkles.

Understanding what causes under eye wrinkles can help you choose the proper treatment for your anti-aging plan. When you develop wrinkles due to age or sun exposure, blepharoplasty can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

The exact cost of your eyelid surgery depends on various factors, such as the type of blepharoplasty you’re getting, your overall health, clinic location, and your surgeon’s fees. Contact GraceMed to learn more about  blepharoplasty cost in Toronto and discuss your treatment options.

Happy woman looking into mirror after cosmetic procedure

IPL Facial

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a modern non-invasive technique that can minimize wrinkles and improve the appearance of the skin.

According to a study of participants trying IPL, more than 50 percent of the patients had moderate to considerable satisfaction with the treatment. The study also referred to research stating that the effectiveness of IPL in treating skin wrinkles is determined by its increase in collagen production, similar to that seen in wound healing.

During the IPL facial treatment, GraceMed uses specialized handpieces which filter light from different parts of the spectrum. Each spectrum band works differently to tackle various skin concerns by emitting light into the skin. Our specialists can help you determine which areas of your face and body can benefit from using IPL as a wrinkle treatment. Generally, areas that have the best outcomes and improvement are the face, neck, chest, and hands. So, you can safely target wrinkles in many areas.

Woman in gray robe getting halo laser treatment

Halo Laser

Halo laser skin resurfacing is a hybrid fractional laser that delivers ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to treat dull, environmentally damaged, and tired-looking skin without the downtime of older resurfacing procedures. The Halo procedure offered by GraceMed effectively treats wrinkles by generating new, youthful skin cells.

This treatment works on all skin areas, including the face, neck, chest, and hands. So, it can treat all the areas where wrinkles tend to be most visible. But it can be helpful to educate yourself about what causes wrinkles and the reasons behind the wrinkles on your face or body to determine if Halo is the right procedure for you.

Facelift

If you have deep wrinkles that Botox other procedures might not be able to treat effectively, you could consider getting a facelift. A facelift tackles many aging concerns, such as loose skin and jowls, along with reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

A facelift will be most effective on wrinkles on the lower portion of your face, such as the chin and jaw. The treatment can smoothen deep wrinkles by lifting the soft tissues, redistributing fat, tightening the facial muscles, and removing any surplus skin areas to deliver a more youthful look.

If you’re looking to get a facelift in Toronto, contact GraceMed to schedule your consultation. Our specialists can help you determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure and create a plan for your treatment based on your aesthetic skin goals.

Laser Light

Laser light treatment is a non-invasive procedure that uses light energy to repair and regenerate damaged skin. A face laser treatment can allow the skin to become healthier and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

GraceMed clinics offer a range of laser skin rejuvenation treatments to improve the skin. Of the many treatments available, the MicroLaserPeel and ProFractional best target wrinkle problems.

Both MicroLaserPeel and ProFractional laser remove the top layer of the skin to reveal healthy skin underneath. Our experts at GraceMed will tailor the treatment to your specific concerns and ensure that it reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Contact GraceMed for Your Personalized Plan

When you have a better idea of what causes wrinkles and the different ways to treat them, you can decide which procedure works best for you.

Contact GraceMed to discuss your concerns, and our specialists can guide you through the process and help you pick the treatment that will bring you closer to your aesthetic goals and wrinkle-free skin!