As the skin ages, it loses fat and structural proteins such as collagen and elastin that keep it looking supple, unlined, and wrinkle-free. While fine lines and wrinkles are often considered the same thing, there are distinct differences between these aging hallmarks. Here’s a closer look at how dermatologists make the distinction to help you take better care of your skin.

What You Need to Know About Fine Lines & Wrinkles

What Are Fine Lines?

Fine lines are small skin creases less than 1 mm wide and deep that appear where facial movements are most common. They’re most common around the mouth and eyes, between the eyebrows, and on the forehead.

Habits such as smoking cigarettes, squinting, and tanning exacerbates fine lines, with genetics also influencing susceptibility. People with fair skin who don’t use sunblock regularly have a greater risk of fine line development.

What Are Wrinkles?

Think of wrinkles as the deeper form of fine lines. Superficial creases become deeper with age and result in facial folds. Wrinkles appear on the face, neck, hands, knees, elbows, and chest, and they come in two main categories: static and dynamic. Static wrinkles remain on the face despite no movement, while dynamic wrinkles appear only when you smile, frown, or make other facial expressions.

Any facial fold more than 2 mm deep is labeled as a wrinkle by dermatologists. As with fine lines, wrinkles appear due to collagen and elastic fibers breaking down. This is due to aging as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking, staying out in the sun without protection, and a general lack of skin care.

How Are They Treated?

Proactive treatments done at home and by dermatologists help skin stay supple and healthy. These include procedures such as retinoids and chemical peels, collagen induction therapy, dermal fillers, and injectables such as Botox® that relax facial muscles to keep skin looking smooth.

You should also stay diligent about using sunblock and moisturizer with SPF, avoid habits such as smoking and sugar consumption that break down collagen and elastin, and drink plenty of water. Water helps skin cells stay hydrated and plump. 

Whether you’re dealing with fine lines or wrinkles, discuss skin treatments with the dermatologists at Del Campo Dermatology & Laser Institute to maintain a youthful glow. Offering a full suite of anti-aging services, including dermal fillers, chemical peels, Botox, and body sculpting, this practice serving North Miami, Aventura, Golden Beach, Sunny Isles, and Bal Harbor, FL, with minimal wait times and follow-up services for patient convenience. Call (305) 705-6675 today to make an appointment or visit the American Academy of Dermatology Board-certified dermatologists online for more information.