Diagnosis

Clinically, wrinkles and fine lines are called rhytids. They are skin diseases that cause noticeable creases, folds, or bumps on the surface of the skin. They are mostly caused by getting older, but other environmental and lifestyle factors can also play a role.

Fine lines are thinner and less noticeable than wrinkles. They happen when the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin break down over time, which makes the skin less stretchy and strong. Wrinkles often show up on the forehead, around the eyes (called "crow's feet"), and around the mouth (called "smile lines" or "marionette lines").

Fine lines are shorter and thinner than wrinkles. They are also called expression lines or dynamic lines. They usually show up around the mouth (lip lines) and between the eyebrows (frown lines), where the skin folds often because of facial movements. Fine lines can become more visible as you get older because your skin loses its natural ability to keep moisture in and fix itself.

Causes

Wrinkles and fine lines are caused by both internal (genetics and hormonal changes) and external (exposure to the sun, smoke, and pollution) causes. Ultraviolet (UV) energy from the sun is a big cause of wrinkles and fine lines because it harms the collagen and elastic fibres in the skin.

In clinical practise, wrinkles and fine lines are often graded on a standard scale, such as the Glogau scale, Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale, or Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale. These scales help to identify the depth, number, and location of wrinkles and fine lines, which helps plan treatments and measure how well they work.

Treatment

There are many cosmetic procedures and topical treatments for wrinkles and fine lines, such as botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and the use of retinoids or other topical agents that boost collagen production and skin rejuvenation.