Rhytides, or wrinkles, become very common as we age. Wrinkles are apparent with dynamic movements made by the face. However, as we age, these lines become present even when the facial muscles are not in motion. Common areas affected include the “crows feet,” or the areas lateral to the outer edge of the eye, above and below the lip, and at the corners of the mouth. Wrinkles affect both men and women. Fair skinned individuals tend to develop rhytides sooner than darker skinned individuals due to protective factors in the pigment producing cells.
WHAT CAUSES RHYTIDES?
Rhytides are caused by a number of factors. UV radiation exposure is a very common but preventable contributing factor. Also known as photoaging, UV exposure causes destruction of elastic fibers and collagen in the skin leading to wrinkles. Other less preventable factors include decreased elasticity of the skin, repeated facial muscle movements, reabsorption of bone and cartilage, changes in the volume and distribution of fat pads, and the inevitable gravity.
TREATING RHYTIDES
There are a number of treatments that have been successful in eliminating wrinkles. These treatments are almost always cosmetic. Topical retinoids and hyaluronic acid have been shown to be effective in preventing and improving fine lines. Procedures like Botox and fillers are temporary but successful treatments for wrinkles. Other procedures include microneedling, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing can be done to improve the appearance of wrinkles. It is most important to take preventative measures in order to decrease the likelihood of developing wrinkles in the future. Moisturizing the skin regularly, wearing sunscreen daily, avoiding smoking, wearing sunglasses to avoid squinting, eating healthy, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are all ways to prevent wrinkles.
REFERENCES
Bolognia, JL., Jorizzo, JJ., Schaffer, JV., Callen, JP., Cerroni, L., Heymann, WR., … Schwarz, T. (2012). Dermatology, 3rd edition . London: Elsevier. Facial lines and wrinkles. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2020, from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/facial-lines-and-wrinkles/ Lee, J. Y., Kim, Y. K., Seo, J. Y., Choi, C. W., Hwang, J. S., Lee, B. G., … Chung, J. H. (2008, January 16). Loss of elastic fibers causes skin wrinkles in sun-damaged human skin. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0923181107004082
