Lines and Wrinkles

The development of lines, wrinkles and general skin ageing are caused by a number of factors. One of the main causes is the natural ageing process, and the decline in collagen and elastin production, also known as intrinsic ageing.

The natural ageing process can be further accelerated by UV exposure, repetitive facial expressions such as frowning and squinting, the effects of gravity, changes to the facial structures such as underlying fat pads and volume loss, and importantly, lifestyle choices such as smoking, nutrition and excessive sun exposure.

While lines and wrinkles are part of the natural ageing process, there are a number of things that we can do to delay the progression of their development or the deepening of existing lines. One of the most important is to wear SPF on a daily basis, as UV damage is one of the biggest contributing factors to accelerating aging. This should be a priority all year round.

Alongside application of SPF, a good medical skincare routine with antioxidants is essential to help fight free radical damage, while active ingredients such as growth factors and retinoids can help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key: consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, limiting unhealthy food choices and alcohol, alongside stopping smoking, will all help to promote skin health and slow down the ageing process.

The best treatment for lines and wrinkles depends on the type of wrinkle.

1. Expression wrinkles resulting from a muscle contraction will respond well to a botulinum toxin. Treating wrinkles at this stage will help prevent static lines from developing.
2. Static lines – If the expression wrinkle has now become static (i.e. it is there when the muscle is not contracting) additional treatments may be required such as dermal fillers, Profhilo or skin resurfacing methods such as Plasma, Resurface or Electronic Dermastamp (EDS). Elastotic and Atrophic lines will respond well to any collagen stimulation treatment, such as EDS, Resurface or Profhilo. If the lines have become deep then a dermal filler may also be beneficial.
3. Gravitation lines will always respond best to dermal fillers, as this will replace lost volume in the dermal layer as well as volume in the underlying facial fat pads. Dermal fillers can be used in a single concern area or in multiple areas to achieve a non-surgical face lift. Skin tightening treatments will also prove beneficial such as Ultherapy or Exilis Ultra 360 to help give some lift back to the face.
4. Compression lines, also known as sleep lines, will require a skin resurfacing treatment. with treatments such as botulinum toxin being ineffective for these lines. Depending on where the lines appear and their depth, a superficial dermal filler may be used alongside treatments such as Plasma, EDS and Resurface.

Most people will have a combination of different lines and wrinkles, so sometimes the best treatment outcomes are achieved by a combination treatment. Following your consultation your practitioner will advise on the best treatment for optimal results. We will ensure you have a good understanding of how the treatment will benefit your skin, including any downtime expected, duration of the treatment and costs.

ZO® Skin Health products are specifically designed to be the best skin care for ageing skin by addressing both the visible signs and key triggers of ageing at every phase, restoring your skin’s strength and health overall. It uses only the highest quality active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid and more.

Following a consultation the best anti-ageing regimen that works to improve your skin texture, repair your skin barrier and restore a healthy, youthful appearance to your skin will be prescribed.

To help improve the appearance of ageing skin whilst supporting skin elasticity, firmness and collagen production experts recommend supplements from the Advanced Nutritional Programme (ANP) supplement range alongside a healthy diet. Traditional skincare is turned inside out with the innovative, award-winning range of evidence-based skincare supplements.

While topical skincare only treats 50% of the skin on the surface, ANP potent nutritional blends feed your skin from within for a proven, 100% skincare approach. We love the Skin Ultimate and Skin Collagen Synergy products, available in a convenient 28 day blister pack. Your skin will certainly thank you for it.