WRINKLES: EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THEIR FORMATION, PREVENTION AND CARE

An even complexion and a rosy complexion are considered an expression of fresh and radiant youthfulness. During our lives, however, the signs of skin aging become more and more visible. Therefore, it is important to know the functions and needs of your skin so that you can pamper it with the right care.

16 Dec 2022

From BIOTHERM

• 01 How do wrinkles develop?
• 02 Skin aging factors
• 03 How do wrinkles develop?
• 04 The right care against wrinkles
• 05 The best anti-wrinkle active ingredients
• 06 Medical wrinkle treatments
• 07 How can I prevent wrinkles?
• 08 Tips against wrinkles
• 09 What products are suitable for care against wrinkles?

HOW ARE WRINKLES FORMED?

The signs of skin aging are formed by various processes in the individual layers of the skin. To understand the aging process of the skin, it is, therefore, useful to know how the skin is structured:

• The outermost layer of skin is called the epidermis and is the visible part of the skin. Between it and the underlying dermis, new skin cells are constantly being formed. Within about four weeks, these cells migrate to the surface of the skin, where they are shed as skin flakes. In this way, the skin is regularly renewed. The older we get, the more this cell metabolism slows down. Lipid function also decreases, so that the skin becomes drier and the first signs of wrinkles appear.
• The dermis contains collagen and elastin fibers as well as water-binding hyaluronic acid. This team is responsible for the skin's resilience and elasticity. However, the proportion of fibers and hyaluronic acid decreases with age. Blood circulation and nutrient supply also slowly diminish.
• The subcutis forms the lowest layer of skin with fatty and connective tissue. It has the task of connecting the skin with the underlying muscles. Due to the aging process, the fatty tissue steadily decreases. The skin continues to lose volume and the signs of wrinkles deepen.

FACTORS OF SKIN AGING

Although the formation of wrinkles is a natural process, it is influenced by various factors. Here, a distinction is made between natural and environmental skin aging. The combination of natural and environmental factors is decisive for how your skin changes over the years.

NATURAL SKIN AGING

The course of natural skin aging is primarily related to biological age and individual genetic predisposition. For example, your skin type plays a role: the drier your skin is, the more prone it is to the formation wrinkles. The slow but steady process of skin aging begins around the age of 25.^[1] From this point on, the skin gradually loses elasticity and tone. As the years go by, hormone levels also change. This has a particular effect on skin aging in women. When menopause begins, estrogen levels drop rapidly. The female sex hormone estrogen is significantly involved in the formation of collagen fibers and plays an important role in moisturizing the skin.^[2]

ENVIRONMENTAL SKIN AGING

How quickly skin aging actually progresses also depends on environmental factors. These include both external and internal influences that cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is triggered by a particularly high level of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are natural and important intermediate products of metabolism. However, if their concentration is too high, they can harm the organism. Among other things, oxidative stress caused by free radicals leads to premature aging of the skin.^[3]

• UV radiation is considered one of the strongest triggers of oxidative stress.^[4]
• The consumption of alcohol and nicotine also ensures the release of large amounts of free radicals.
• An unbalanced diet high in sugar and fat can promote skin aging.^[5]
• Stress and lack of sleep also contribute to premature skin aging.
• Environmental pollutants such as particulate matter and other forms of air pollution are another stressor for the skin.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FACIAL WRINKLES

Wrinkles can therefore develop and be favored by various factors. The signs of wrinkles on the face have different characteristics and can be divided into different categories.

ORTHOSTATIC FOLDS

Orthostatic wrinkles form independently of facial expression. They are caused by the influence of gravity and the decreasing firmness of the skin due to age.

• Nasolabial folds: These wrinkles run from the wings of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. They often make the face look tired and sad.
• Marionette wrinkles: They appear in the area of the corners of the mouth and extend down to the chin.

MIMIC WRINKLES

Mimic wrinkles are caused by facial muscles that have been active for years. The muscles of our face and thereby also the overlying skin are constantly in motion - consciously and also unconsciously. In this way, wrinkles develop in different areas of the face.

• Crow's feet: This term describes fine lines and wrinkles on the outer sides of the eyes. They show up especially when you laugh and are therefore also called laugh lines.
• Forehead wrinkles: Raising the eyebrows creates horizontal lines - initially still above the brows, then with advancing age over the entire forehead.
• Frown line: It forms between the eyebrows and appears in the form of two vertical furrows. This wrinkle is mainly caused by a concentrated facial expression.
• Bunny Lines: This is the name given to the small wrinkles that appear between the corners of the eyes along the bridge of the nose.

SUPERFICIAL WRINKLES

Superficial wrinkles are also called creases. These include signs of wrinkles around the mouth and lips, on the chin and in the cheek area. They are favored especially by smoking and UV radiation.

THE RIGHT CARE AGAINST WRINKLES

The choice of the right care products for the face is sometimes not so easy. That's why you can find an overview of the different types of care and their respective mode of action here.

ANTI WRINKLE SERUM

A serum contains highly concentrated active ingredients and has a lighter formulation than creams. This allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin layers and intensively supply the facial skin with the nutrients it contains. A serum is quickly absorbed into the skin due to its texture and is very productive due to the high concentration of active ingredients. Biotherm, for example, has created Life Plankton™ Elixir to effectively support skin regeneration within eight days.

CREAM AGAINST WRINKLES

The purpose of a day cream is to moisturize the skin and protect it from external influences. The richness of the texture varies depending on the skin's needs. Depending on the formulation, some active ingredients are absorbed into the uppermost layer of the skin, while others form a protective film on the skin. Both help to strengthen the natural protective barrier. A firming anti-aging cream also reduces the signs of aging. Complementing the day cream, the application of a night cream is useful. It nourishes the skin overnight and promotes regeneration.

EYE SERUM

The skin around the eyes is thinner, more delicate and sensitive than the rest of the skin on the face. Eye shadows and puffiness are therefore easily visible. In addition, the skin in this area is often prone to dryness. Combined with active facial expressions, fine lines and wrinkles quickly form around the eyes. An anti-aging eye serum provides sensitive skin with targeted and intensive moisture. It also reduces the signs of dark circles, bags under the eyes and wrinkles.

EYE CREAM AGAINST WRINKLES

An eye cream provides the delicate skin around the eyes with nutrients and moisture. It promotes the regeneration of the skin, reduces signs of wrinkles and fatigue and provides a fresh appearance. As a rule, eye creams have a special texture, which after application can not "creep" into the eyes and cause irritation.

MASK

Face masks offer particularly soothing care that complements the rest of your skincare routine. A regenerating moisturizing mask pampers the skin intensively with the active ingredients it contains and gives it a radiant complexion.

Tip: Combine the different products for your perfect skincare routine. First, cleanse your skin thoroughly and treat it to moisturizing peeling about twice a week as a supplement. Then use the serum, followed by the cream and eye cream. Ideally, apply the face mask once or twice a week. In general, find products that suit you and stick to them as much as possible. This way, your skin is optimally cared for and you prevent irritations.

Life Plankton™ - Powerful and regenerating for healthy, radiant skin.

Life Plankton™ comes from the thermal springs of the French Pyrenees and is the basis of Biotherm skincare. For 90 days, Life Plankton™ is treated in an innovative bio-fermentation process - Fermogenesis™ - and combined with vitamins, minerals and sugars. This maximizes the potential of Life Plankton™ and the regenerating active ingredient remains 100% natural, fully biodegradable and renewable.

All Biotherm formulations contain 1% Life Plankton™. The products in the Life Plankton™ range even contain the maximum Life Plankton™ concentration of 5%.

THE BEST ANTI-WRINKLE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

There is a wide range of powerful anti-wrinkle ingredients that make your daily skincare routine even more effective.

HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body. Among other things, it acts as a synovial fluid and is a major component of connective tissue. The gel-like substance can bind large amounts of water. Thus, hyaluronic acid functions as an ideal moisture reservoir for the skin. Through this property, hyaluronic acid contributes to the natural firmness and elasticity of the skin. Care with hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin and gives it long-lasting moisture.

COLLAGEN

Collagen is an endogenous protein from which collagen fibers are formed. These fibers stabilize our bones, teeth and also our skin. The individual collagen fibers combine to form a dense network in the middle layer of the skin. The collagen and elastin framework that is formed in this way is the basis for the skin's tone and elasticity. With Blue Peptides Uplift Day, Biotherm has captured the natural power of red algae in a care product that stimulates the skin's own collagen and elastin production.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is one of the vitamins essential for life. However, the body can neither produce it itself nor store it over a longer period. Vitamin C is important for the immune defense and involved in various metabolic processes of the body. It also plays a role in the formation of connective tissue. The vitamin has a strong antioxidant effect, which protects the organism from free radicals.

RETINOL

Retinol refers to a form of vitamin A. Among other things, it stimulates the regeneration of the skin and has antioxidant properties. Vitamin A helps the skin retain moisture and contributes to an improved arrangement of the elastic connective tissue fibers. Last but not least, retinol refines enlarged pores and provides an overall more even appearance of the skin.

MEDICAL WRINKLE TREATMENT

In addition to anti-wrinkle care, you can also have signs of wrinkles reduced medically. Here, you should always consult an expert and have the risks explained to you in detail. In addition to the well-known facelift, there is a whole range of minimally invasive methods. You can choose between wrinkle treatment from the outside or inside.

WRINKLE TREATMENT FROM THE OUTSIDE

The external wrinkle treatment is especially suitable for more extensive skin areas.

• Chemical peeling
  A chemical peel removes the top layers of skin by applying an acidic substance to the skin. Depending on the skin condition, the substances used range from mild fruit acids for a superficial peel to more highly concentrated trichloroacetic acid for a deep peel.
• Dermabrasion
  During dermabrasion, the upper layers of the skin are removed with a fine and fast-rotating diamond cutter. In addition to softening small wrinkles, this method is also suitable for use on acne scars, pigment spots and other skin imperfections.
• Medical needling
  In medical needling, micro blisters are inflicted on the skin. What sounds unpleasant at first, however, is not bad. The blisters are found exclusively in the uppermost layer of the skin. Medical needling promotes the regeneration of the skin.
• Laser treatment
  The laser is applied to the top layer of the skin, where it converts high-energy infrared light into heat. Like medical needling, minimal bruising occurs, stimulating skin regeneration and collagen formation.

WRINKLE TREATMENT FROM INSIDE

Wrinkles can be injected with Botox, hyaluronic acid or autologous fat. Which substance is used depends on both the type of wrinkles and their manifestations. Botox is particularly suitable for expression lines, as it temporarily reduces the activity of the treated facial muscles. Hyaluronic acid and autologous fat are used, for example, for nasolabial folds or marionette lines to plump up the skin from the inside.

HOW CAN I PREVENT WRINKLES?

To prevent the signs of aging, proper skincare is key. It's best to establish a skincare routine that you perform daily in the morning and evening. Consider the needs of your skin when choosing your skincare routine. In the 20s, the skin still has its natural tone and elasticity. Care with special anti-aging ingredients is often too rich at this age and can lead to irritation due to over-care. Instead, use a moisturizer that protects your skin like a shield against environmental influences and premature aging. Biotherm has developed the Cera Repair Barrier Cream for this purpose, for example. If the first fine lines appear on your face, you can use an anti-aging cream.

Don't forget: sunscreen
Since UV radiation is considered one of the main causes of premature skin aging, UV protection is especially important in the summer. Always apply sunscreen generously to your face and body and reapply regularly. However, UV rays also stress the skin in the shade, on cloudy days and during the colder seasons. Therefore, UV protection for the face should be part of your daily skincare routine  all year round.

TIPS AGAINST WRINKLES

You can support and strengthen the regenerating and protective effects of your anti-aging skincare with these tips.

FACIAL GYMNASTICS

Facial exercises are simple, fast, and effective - by doing them three times a week for about half an hour, you can achieve long-term results, according to one study.

• First, warm up the muscles and stimulate circulation by gently drumming your fingertips over your face and neck for about a minute.
• Place your index fingers directly above your eyebrows. Slowly pull your fingers up and out with light pressure. Repeat this exercise at least four times.
• Form two circles around the eyes with your thumb and index fingers - like a pair of glasses - and make sure that the skin is tightened up and down. Then blink a few times in quick succession.
• Position both index fingers directly above the corners of your mouth. Open your mouth, form an "O" with your lips and press your upper and lower lip against your teeth. Hold this position for about ten seconds.

BALANCED LIFESTYLE

A healthy and balanced lifestyle can contribute decisively to a healthy-looking skin appearance:

• Drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid daily. Water or unsweetened tea are the healthiest. Adequate hydration can improve blood circulation and oxygenation of the skin.
• Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Vitamin-rich foods provide the body with important nutrients. Pay particular attention to foods that are rich in antioxidants. These include apples, berries, peppers, nuts and various vegetable oils.
• Avoid nicotine and alcohol as much as possible. Both substances cause the release of free radicals in large quantities. Alcohol also has a drying effect. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, which means that the skin is less well supplied with blood.
• Get plenty of exercise in the fresh air. Whether it's walking or playing sports, the movement and fresh oxygen boost blood flow throughout the body.
• Allow yourself enough restful sleep and small time-outs during stressful everyday life.

WHICH PRODUCTS ARE SUITABLE FOR ANTI-WRINKLE CARE?

Our skin should retain its healthy appearance and youthful radiance for as long as possible. To do this, it needs care that meets its needs. Biotherm offers skincare with regenerating and transformative properties suitable for all skin types.

INTENSIVE CARE WITH SERUM

FIRMING CARE FOR THE NIGHT

FIRMING EYE CARE

Blue Therapy Eye cares for the sensitive eye area with highly concentrated and effective active ingredients to reduce signs of general aging. The delicately melting eye cream with Life Plankton™ and amino acids regenerates the skin and rejuvenates its appearance.

MOISTURIZING SCRUB

Life Plankton™ Creamy Peel combines the exfoliating and pore-deep cleansing properties of a peel with the regenerating power of skincare. Amino acids, essential vitamins and minerals give the skin an even and youthful-looking complexion. Natural squalane moisturizes and helps build the skin's protective barrier.

Blue Beauty - Holistic skincare with Biotherm
The seas of this world are the origin of life and have always fascinated us with their beauty and infinite blue. Since its foundation in 1952, water has been the most important element for Biotherm. That's why the brand is dedicated to Blue Beauty - a holistic approach to beauty. Biotherm strives to offer high-quality care products with the power of nature while protecting the oceans.

The way our skin ages is complex and depends on various factors. With the right care and a balanced lifestyle, you can prevent the signs of aging and sustainably reduce already visible lines and wrinkles.

[1] Belsky et al. Quantification of biological aging in young adults. 2015; PNAS 112(30):E
[2] Thornton J. Estrogens and aging skin. Dermatoendocrinol. 2013; 5(2):264-270. URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772914/
[3] Rinnerthaler M. Oxidative stress in aging human skin. Biomolecules. 2015; 5(2):545-589. URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4496685/
[4] Amaro-Ortiz et al. Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation. Molecules. 2014; 19(5):6202-6219. URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/19/5/6202/htm
[5] Mekic et al. A healthy diet in women is associated with fewer facial wrinkles in a large Dutch population-based cohort. American Academy of Dermatology. 2019; 80(5):1358-1363. URL: https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(18)30487-0/fulltext