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Starting from around the age of 25, the signs of general skin ageing begin to become noticeable on the surface. As it ages, processes in the skin slow down, and the structure weakens. The substances that keep the skin firm and smooth start to reduce. This is due to the combination of the effects of the body’s internal ageing processes with external factors.

One of the most noticeable first signs of ageing are wrinkles, which deepen with the passing of time. There are a range of ways to treat them, both non-invasive and invasive.

As we get older, the substances that keep our skin smooth decline. These include collagen, elastin and Hyaluronic Acid. In young skin, a regular arrangement of dermal tissue and plentiful supply of collagen and elastin, which contribute to the building block like structure of the skin, mean it appears even and feels firm. Over time, the internal ageing process starts to affect the way skin looks. This is predetermined by our genes,  together with oxidative stress caused externally, from, for example, sunlight exposure.

A 1% annual decline in collagen levels and increasingly disorganised dermal tissue arrangement causes a loss of skin strength, and the appearance of wrinkles.

Another key factor in the formation of wrinkles is a declining production in Hyaluronic Acid. This is the binding substance that surrounds the cells, giving the skin it’s youthful, smooth appearance. The decline of this, the skin’s own substance, causes the structure of the skin to loose its full and firm feel, and become more susceptible to creasing.

These general ageing processes also contribute to a loss of density and loss of volume.

Unlike a loss of volume or loss of density, wrinkles are easy to spot as they appear as distinct lines or creases on the face. They tend to become visible in certain areas first:

On the forehead you may notice horizontal lines and furrows between the brows. These start as ‘mimic wrinkles’, and are partly caused by facial expressions. They deepen over time.

At the outer corners of the eyes fine lines appear, getting more pronounced as time goes by. These are known as ‘crows feet’ or ‘laughter lines’. Those wrinkles are often first noticed. This is because the thinner skin here is more prone to lining than elsewhere on the face.

From the nose to the mouth deeper wrinkles appear, linking the two areas. These are known as nasolabial folds. The appearance of these wrinkles can be linked to a loss of volume as they are also a sign of sagging skin.

All-over the face, fine lines appear over time. They are not affected by facial expression and are always visible. They first appear as a crepey skin texture which gradually develops into more pronounced wrinkles as we age. A reduction in elasticity and density contributes to their formation. They can appear anywhere on the face but are most noticeable around and just below the eye area.

Wrinkles are an inevitable part of getting older, but there are both internal and external factors that can speed up their development.

Sun exposure
If skin is unprotected in the sun, UV rays can contribute to wrinkles. Prolonged and repeated exposure causes damage to collagen and will result in a less elastic, weakened skin structure that wrinkles more easily. Read more about how UVA and UVB accelerate skin ageing here.

Smoking
Oxidative Stress is triggered by smoking, allowing free radicals to damage the skin’s structure and contribute to general signs of ageing including wrinkles. In addition, the nicotine and chemicals in cigarettes damage the collagen and elastin in the skin. This has an effect on strength and elasticity, and may also cause wrinkles.

Age-induced dryness
A common sign of ageing is age-induced skin dryness. As a result of decreased skin function some older skin will become increasingly dry and may be itchy and rough too. This is, among other factors, due to a decrease in the amount of Hyaluronic Acid being produced in the skin. In turn this skin state is more prone to wrinkles.

Although all healthy skin will age, there are things you can do to help the appearance of wrinkles and add radiance to your skin.

These skincare ingredients are found in anti-ageing products. They all have a different function in the skin and can help - together with other ingredients in cosmetic products - to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in different ways.

• Coenzyme Q10
  Stimulates the energy production within the cells.
• Pentapeptides
  These help to increase skin´s own production of collagen and rebuild skin structure, smoothing the appearance of wrinkles.
• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs):
  Act like super-exfoliators. They break the bonds that hold dry and damaged cells together, to encourage new skin to show through.
• Hyaluronic Acid
  A naturally occurring substance in our skin that has the ability to bind up to 30 times it’s molecular weight in water. As a skincare active it has a powerful skin plumping action that can be effectively targeted for wrinkle reduction. The key active in Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler.
• Saponin
  Soy-derived bio-active Glycine-Saponin is proven as one of the most effective substances for stimulating natural Hyaluronic Acid production in the skin. It penetrates into the deepest epidermal layers where wrinkles are formed, to boost synthesis of new skin-plumping Hyaluronic Acid. This active is a key ingredient in Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler.
• Magnolol
  A highly concentrated active extracted from the bark of the Magnolia tree. It works to enhance the storage capacity of the volume-giving cells in the deeper layers of the skin for increased size and number (proven by in vitro studies). This plumping action helps to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Also used to treat a loss of density and loss of volume.
• Oligo Peptides
  Stimulates and supports the collagen network in the dermis. This strengthening of the skin's structure helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Oligo Peptides also have a stimulating effect on metabolic skin activity, reactivating skin cell interactions to restore the loss of radiance. Also useful in treating a loss of density and loss of volume.

Dermal filler injections: These are designed to fill out wrinkles by plumping up the skin, most commonly with Hyaluronic Acid.

Medical research has shown that the use of some skincare products containing Hyaluronic Acid can significantly improve the effects of Hyaluronic Acid filling treatments when skin care products are used regularly after the injection over a prolonged time: especially around the eyes. Hyaluronic Acid is the main active in Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler and it has been tested in a clinical trial additionally as topical skin care especially in the eye area with measurable results. Read more about the research here.

Botulinum toxin injections: These work by temporarily restricting facial muscle movement. They are most commonly used on the forehead and around the eyes. This reduces wrinkles caused by facial expressions. The effects wear off after several months and the procedure must be repeated to maintain results.

These procedures should always be carried out by dermatologists in a clinical situation or other educated professionals in a clinical situation.