Wrinkles
Wrinkles are an inevitable consequence of aging and make us look older. The formation of wrinkles happens in the second layer of the skin, the dermis, which mainly contains proteins called collagen and elastin. Both of these proteins give the skin its firmness and elasticity. As we age, the cell repair mechanism slows down and the network of elastin and collagen begins to break down. This initially creates fine lines and eventually deep folds.
On this page you will find the following information about wrinkles:
- What are wrinkles
- Causes of wrinkles
- How can you prevent wrinkles?
- How to care for skin with fine lines and wrinkles
- Tips if you have wrinkles
- Skin care tips against premature skin aging
Dr. Francis Wu on wrinkles
Below explains Dr. Francis Wu briefly explains the complaints, causes and solutions
A wrinkle is defined as a permanent or temporary fold in the surface of the skin
One wrinkle line is not the other. Wrinkles can be divided into static and dynamic wrinkles.
- Static Wrinkles: These wrinkles are always present even though there is no mimic movement of the person. The combination of repetitive movement of the underlying muscle and a decrease in collagen and elastin cause this wrinkle shape. Also by reduction of fat tissue and shrinkage of underlying bone structures, such as bones around the eyes and cheeks. Together, this causes skin slackening and wrinkles. The older the person, the more static wrinkles.
- Dynamic wrinkles: are wrinkles that are only visible with movement of the underlying muscle. Examples are frown lines, forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, Smoker’s lines. These wrinkles can occur at a young age.
The aging process of our skin is largely influenced by external factors and our lifestyle, although our genes, or our biological age, also play a role. Exposure to UV rays, smoking, alcohol, sleep deprivation, air pollution and unhealthy diets can all contribute to visible signs of skin aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. A crucial aspect of this process is the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), or free radicals, which damage the collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. This ultimately leads to visible aging of the skin.
Central to the natural aging process is the decrease in collagen, a protein that is essential for the firmness and elasticity of our skin. From around the age of 30, collagen production begins to decrease by approximately 1% per year. This gradual decrease has a significant effect on the skin, resulting in a loss of elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.
Men and people with dark or Asian skin have a thicker collagen layer, which protects them somewhat and makes the signs of aging visible later. This is due to a higher concentration of melanin and a denser structure of collagen, which provide some natural protection against UV damage and slow the aging process. However, regardless of skin type or ethnicity, no one is completely immune to the aging process and the effects of reduced collagen production.
We cannot stop the natural aging process of the skin and body. However, studies have shown that there are several rules to prevent skin aging and thus help prevent the development of wrinkles:
- Sun protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Quit smoking
- Minimize alcohol consumption
- Eat a variety of foods with extra fruits, vegetables and nuts.
- Regular physical exercise, 30 minutes of walking a day is already good.
- Cleanse your skin 2 x a day with a mild cleanser. Air pollution can lead to premature skin aging.
- Peeling makes your skin look fresher
- Use the right skin care products.
Did you know that UVA sun rays cause the most wrinkles?
In the Netherlands, UVA rays are present in equal intensity throughout the year, while UVB rays are strongest in the spring and summer period. Especially UVA rays cause free radicals in the dermis, which makes you develop wrinkles faster. UVA mnemonic, remember the 3 A’s: Aging of the skin, Asymptomatic (no sunburn), Always present (year round)
Link Unilateral Dermatoheliosis – unilateral wrinkling of the face due to UVA rays
The basic care for skin with fine lines and wrinkles are: Sun protection, daily skin cleansing and application of corrective serums or creams.
Skin care ingredients
Over the years, people have searched for the secret of eternal youth, but a perfect elixir has not yet been developed. However, technology has made significant progress in skin-improving products. For example, creams containing vitamin A acid or tretinoin can rejuvenate the skin and are only available with a doctor’s prescription. The disadvantage of tretinoin is that it can cause skin irritation. An alternative is Bakuchiol, it works just like vitamin A, without the redness and burning.
Creams with vitamin C and E combination have a stronger anti-oxidant effect than when they are contained separately in a product. Due to the synergistic effect of vitamins C & E, the anti-oxidant effect can be enhanced by a factor of 4.
Anti-aging creams with Coenzyme Q10, Green tea extract, Alpha Lipoic aAcid also have a wrinkle-reducing effect. For maintenance after a treatment such as injectables, rejuvanation laser and if you have light wrinkles and fine folds, anti-aging creams are suitable.
Injectables
For existing wrinkles, injectables such as botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers in combination with anti-aging/sunscreen creams are useful. Botulinum toxin is suitable for mimic dynamic wrinkles such as frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet.
Botulinum toxin is a natural protein and is used to temporarily reduce certain muscle activity. This smooths out wrinkles and creases. The effect of botulinum toxin is noticeable within a few days after the treatment and is optimally visible after 2 weeks. The duration of action and the result differ per person, but in general botulinum toxin works for 4 to 6 months. The treatment can then be repeated without difficulty. After multiple treatments, the effect may be longer.
Fillers with a natural and degradable hyaluronic acid. Fillers are fillers and are injected into the skin in the form of a clear gel with a fine needle. In addition to softening deep wrinkles and folds, deep acne scars, sagging skin and sun-damaged skin can also be significantly improved. ContaContour improvement such as lips and nose, hyaluron filler is also suitable.our verbetering zoals lippen en neus is hyaluron filler ook geschikt. The results are long-lasting, but not permanent because the hyaluronic acid is slowly broken down by the body. The result of a filler treatment can last 6-12 months. For lips keep 3 months.
Peelings and laser
In addition to a cream treatment and injectables, there are other options to combat wrinkles. Other wrinkle treatments are briefly described below:
- Chemical peeling is used to superficially renew the epidermis and the superficial dermis (dermis) with a chemical agent. This is suitable for treating fine wrinkles. Substances used are trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol and glycolic acid (AHA, alpha hydroxy acids). The skin is first degreased and then TCA, AHA or phenol is applied to the skin using a cotton swab or gauze. A disadvantage is the risk of pigment shift in the skin, often this is temporary.
- Mechanical peeling or microdermabrasion is suitable for fine to medium wrinkles. The superficial epidermis is abraded, abrasion. The skin is locally ground under vacuum by means of a continuous stream of micro-crystals (aluminium oxide). The skin is peeled precisely to the desired level and without skin damage.
- The CO2 fraxel laser is the most effective type of laser. Suitable to treat fine and deep wrinkles, but also folds around the mouth. The laser vaporizes very accurately up to the top layer of the dermis. Old connective tissue is replaced by young connective tissue cells and new collagen is produced. Good antibiotic after-treatment and sun protection prevents side effects such as infections and pigment shift.
Non-invasive cosmetic treatments are procedures that provide cosmetic improvements to the skin and appearance without the need for an incision or opening in the skin or body. These treatments include a range of technologies, such as lasers, microdermabrasion, ultrasound treatments, radiofrequency treatments and chemical peels.
These non-invasive treatments offer a quick and less invasive way to improve appearance, which is especially attractive to people who want subtle changes without the risks and recovery times of surgical procedures. However, it is important to note that the results of non-invasive treatments are generally more temporary than those of invasive surgical procedures.
Below is an overview of some popular non-invasive treatments:
– Laser treatments: These treatments are effective for skin rejuvenation by using concentrated light energy to target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, pigment spots and scars. Lasers can stimulate collagen production and improve skin structure. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and temporary discomfort.
– Microdermabrasion: This is an exfoliation technique that gently removes the top layer of skin to promote cell renewal and reveal smoother skin. It can reduce fine lines, acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
– Chemical peels: These treatments exfoliate the outer layer of skin with a chemical solution to promote new, healthier skin cells. They can help with fine lines, acne, pigment spots and uneven skin tone.
– Radiofrequency treatments: Controlled heating of the skin layers stimulates collagen production to tighten the skin. It is effective for sagging skin and wrinkles, with rare side effects and no recovery time.
– Ultrasound treatments: Sound waves heat the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production for skin tightening and reducing fine lines. This treatment usually requires no recovery time.
Would you like to read more about non-invasive treatments
Skin aging is a natural part of aging and is influenced by genetic factors as well as lifestyle and environment. We distinguish premature skin aging from normal skin aging by looking at the timing, severity and causes of aging signs.
Normal skin aging
Usually starts to become visible around the age of 30-35 and develops gradually due to genetic influences:
Collagen and elastin: The production of these essential proteins that keep your skin firm and elastic decreases.
Cell renewal: Skin cell turnover slows down, leading to duller skin and a build-up of dead skin cells.
Moisture loss The skin becomes drier due to reduced oil production and less ability to retain moisture.
Premature skin aging
It is caused by external factors and can start at a younger age:
UV rays: The biggest culprit of premature aging, known as photoaging, which damages the DNA of skin cells and causes pigmentation changes.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor diet, and lots of alcohol accelerate skin aging by producing more free radicals.
Environmental pollution: Pollution can cause oxidative stress and skin inflammation, which accelerates the aging of the skin.
Mechanical stress: Frequent facial movements and sleeping on one side of the face can lead to premature wrinkles.
How and when do you see premature skin aging?
- Late teens to early twenties: You may start to notice fine lines around your eyes and mouth, along with changes in the texture and color of your skin, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun without proper protection.
- Mid-20s to early 30s: The signs of aging become more apparent, such as deeper wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dark spots from the sun, especially if you smoke or are often exposed to pollution.
Premature aging occurs more quickly and often irregularly, depending on exposure to harmful factors. By protecting yourself from the sun, living a healthy lifestyle, and using antioxidants in your skin care, you can help delay premature signs of aging.
Tips when you have wrinkles
Below you will find tips from Dr. Francis Wu
Tip: make sure your skin is 'more acidic'
Research has shown that the ‘ideal’ acidity for the skin is pH 4.7. pH Is the measure of the acidity of an aqueous solution. pH neutral has a value of 7. For example, lemon (acid) has a pH value of 2 and liquid soap (alkaline) has a pH value of 10.
A Korean study investigated the influence of pH and wrinkle depth in 300 volunteer women from Korea, Singapore and Vietnam. It was concluded that factors such as hydration, melanin (pigment), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum and skin temperature influence the pH value. Wrinkle formation decreased significantly as skin pH became more acidic.
Tip: Bakuchiol, vitamin A alternative
If you have sensitive skin and want to use something different, Bakuchiol is an option. Bakuchiol is a component found in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. This oil extract comes from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant. It has traditionally been used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research shows that Bakuchiol can combat skin aging. It is a good alternative to vitamin A acid. Although Bakuchiol and vitamin A have no similarity in chemical structure, both components stimulate the same gene expression: they activate collagen stimulation and can counteract the formation of pigment spots.
Tip: UV protection
There are two different ultraviolet radiation (UV) that reach the Earth’s surface. Those are UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass. These UVA rays make up the largest part of the ultraviolet radiation, so more than UVB.
UVA rays are not felt on the skin. These rays cause free radical formation in the dermis, which destroys your collagen and elastic fibers.
3 x UV(A) – Asymptomatic (doesn’t feel it), Always present, Aging of the skin
UVB rays
UVB penetrates into the superficial epidermis and is responsible for our vitamin D production. So for a slow and longer lasting tan. Too much UVB causes redness, sunburn and eventually also skin aging and skin cancer. Unlike UVA, UVB does not penetrate glass. UVB radiation can be up to 1000x stronger than UVA rays.
Tip: Avoid highly concentrated cosmetic ingredients?
Highly concentrated cosmetic ingredients such as vitamins A and C can be more irritating to people with sensitive skin, people using the product for the first time and Asians. The resulting skin irritation can lead to unwanted redness, burning, eczema and pigment spots.
Your skin has a barrier function and works like a funnel. The reduction of wrinkles does not go faster by adding more and more highly concentrated ingredients.
Extra tip: look for airless closed dispensers instead of open cream jars or pipette serum bottles. The antioxidants in these open containers react with oxygen. As a result, the effect is gone faster.
Tip: skin care ingredients
Over the years, people have searched for the secret of eternal youth, but a perfect elixir has not yet been developed. However, technology has made significant progress in skin-improving products.
On the one hand, there is a group of antioxidants consisting of vitamins such as C, E, Niacinamide (vitamin B3), Coenzyme Q10, green tea extract, polyphenols, flavonoids. This group reduces collagen degradation by attacking ROS (free radicals).
What are free radicals: They are unstable molecules that can cause damage to our skin cells through oxidative stress, especially when we are exposed to UV radiation. This damage can lead to aging, wrinkles and pigmentation problems. Fortunately, antioxidants, such as vitamins, help neutralize free radicals and keep our skin healthy.
Another type of ingredients are cell regulators, such as vitamin A (retinol, tretinoid), peptides and growth factors. They play an important role in influencing the functioning of cells in our skin. These substances work deep in the skin layers and stimulate the production of collagen, which helps to keep the skin firm and youthful. However, this process of collagen stimulation is slow and takes time to have an effect on the skin.
Tretinoin stimulates skin cell renewal by accelerating exfoliation and also stimulates young collagen. It takes at least 6 months for a good collagen build-up. The disadvantage is that it irritates the skin at high concentrations of tretinoin, often resulting in redness and burning. An alternative is Bakuchiol, which has the same effect as retinol, without the skin irritation.
Tretinoin is also not suitable for pregnant women.
Tips against premature skin aging
To prevent premature skin aging and keep the skin healthy, here are some comprehensive tips:
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Sun protection: Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to protect not only against UV rays but also against blue light.
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Hydration: Keep your skin hydrated with quality moisturizers and drink plenty of water.
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Healthy diet: Eat foods rich in antioxidants and limit your intake of sugar and alcohol, which can contribute to skin aging.
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Mild skin care: Choose gentle, non-irritating skin care products that do not dry out the skin.
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Don’t smoke: Smoking accelerates skin aging by reducing blood flow.
These measures, combined with our Iconic Elements Anti-Aging Cream, which is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, E and ferulic acid, and our Firming Booster Serum (cell regulators) with bakuchiol, cyclopeptide-5 and white tea extract, provide a powerful defense against skin aging and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- All Iconic Elements products have the ideal pH 5 acidity – for good skin resistance and skin barrier.
- Vegan, Zero Plastic inside
- Iconic Elements skincare has been named the Best Holistic skincare line 2022 by EU Business News.
What our customers think of our products
Frequently asked questions about premature skin aging
Vitamin A such as tretinoin or retinol stimulates skin cell renewal by accelerating scaling and also stimulates young collagen. The downside is that it can irritate the skin, causing redness, burning and pigmentation may result. Especially for people with sensitive / eczema skin, it is also not suitable for pregnant women. And it takes at least 6 months for a good collagen build-up.
The basis is daily cleaning your skin 2 x a day, use mineral sun protection filters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The filters give the least skin reactions and protect the skin immediately after application.
Ingredients such as peptide, growth factors, bakuchiol, Coenzyme Q10, Astaxanthin or Niacinamide (vitamin B3) are suitable against premature skin aging for people with sensitive skin.
Smearing with collagen enriched cream is trending right now. The problem is that the molecular size of the collagen used (expressed in Dalton, molecular mass expressed in g/mol) is too large to penetrate the skin. Whether it works remains to be seen. Studies has shown that it does not. However, the added collagen can contribute to hydration of the skin.
Iconic Elements Anti-aging cream contains a vitamin C, E and a plant hormone ferulic acid. These 3 ingredients reinforce each other's effects. The anti-oxidant effect is enhanced up to 8 times, much more than if you only used vitamin C or E.
In addition, the product is in an airless dispenser, so contact with air is minimal. This keeps ingredients fresh and active longer.
Customers with sensitive skin or allergies to perfume have a good experience.
Our Anti-Aging cream provides powerful antioxidant protection, which is essential in the daily fight against skin damage caused by UV radiation, air pollution, and other environmental factors. These harmful free radicals accelerate the aging process, resulting in fine lines, pigment spots and dull skin. Our composition helps reduce these effects and contains no perfume, making it also suitable for sensitive skin types.
The Firming Booster Serum focuses on strengthening the skin's supporting structures. It combines bakuchiol, white tea and a natural peptide, which work together to firm the skin.
