Skin development: What types of facial wrinkles are there?
Our skin changes over the years – and with it, its structure, elasticity, and radiance. A natural part of this skin development is the formation of facial wrinkles . Whether forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, or nasolabial folds – each type of wrinkle has its own causes and characteristics. In this overview, we show which wrinkles typically appear on the face, how they are related to the aging process, and what they reveal about skin development. A key factor is the decline in fibroblast activity: These cells produce, among other things, collagen, which is responsible for skin firmness. If their activity decreases, less collagen and hyaluronic acid are produced , causing the skin to lose stability and elasticity.
Types and causes of facial wrinkles.
What types of skin wrinkles are there and what causes them? Here you can learn more about typical facial wrinkles and the important structural protein of the skin.
As shown in the illustration, horizontal forehead wrinkles run above the eyebrows. Crow's feet appear under the eyes, becoming visible when smiling or squinting. Nasolabial folds are visible at the sides of the mouth, and horizontal chin wrinkles are also present. These lines are caused by facial expressions and natural changes in the skin with age. They represent only a portion of the facial wrinkles that become more pronounced as the skin develops and ages.
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Forehead wrinkles
Also known as: worry lines
Horizontal forehead wrinkles are dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements – for example, when worrying or angry. Treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox) can smooth these wrinkles, but carries the risk of a frozen facial expression or loss of facial movement. Furthermore, dry skin intensifies the visible effect of forehead wrinkles.
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frown lines
Also known as: concentration line, glabellar line, thinker's line and frown line
Frown lines are expression lines caused by the repeated contraction of facial muscles above the bridge of the nose. These lines can run vertically, diagonally, or horizontally. They convey the impression of negative emotions and make the face appear older. Frown lines are not a sign of illness and are usually treated for cosmetic reasons.
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Crow's feet
Also known as: periorbital folds
Crow's feet are fine wrinkles around the eyes, which, similar to forehead wrinkles, often develop due to repeated facial muscle movements such as laughing, blinking, or eye strain. Their radiating shape is reminiscent of bird's feet. Over time, they deepen permanently – especially in dry, loose skin.
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Bunny folds
Also known as: witch's wrinkles
Bunny wrinkles are located on the sides of the nose. They are caused by wrinkling the nose or laughing and are among the expression lines resulting from repeated muscle contractions. With increasing age and decreasing muscle tone, these wrinkles can become permanent.
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Nasolabial folds
Also known as: nasolabial folds
Nasolabial folds run between the sides of the nose and the corners of the mouth. They can make the face appear older and more tired. Their formation is usually due to natural aging processes and a genetic predisposition. As with many wrinkles, the following also applies: when the skin is dry, the wrinkle becomes more visible and appears deeper.
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Upper lip wrinkles
Also known as: pleated wrinkles or perioral wrinkles
Upper lip wrinkles are usually vertical lines on the upper lip. They develop as a result of the natural aging process and long-term smoking. Often, excessively dry skin is the underlying cause of these wrinkles.
Also known as: worry lines
Horizontal forehead wrinkles are dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements – for example, when worrying or angry. Treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox) can smooth these wrinkles, but carries the risk of a frozen facial expression or loss of facial movement. Furthermore, dry skin intensifies the visible effect of forehead wrinkles.
Also known as: concentration line, glabellar line, thinker's line and frown line
Frown lines are expression lines caused by the repeated contraction of facial muscles above the bridge of the nose. These lines can run vertically, diagonally, or horizontally. They convey the impression of negative emotions and make the face appear older. Frown lines are not a sign of illness and are usually treated for cosmetic reasons.
Also known as: periorbital folds
Crow's feet are fine wrinkles around the eyes, which, similar to forehead wrinkles, often develop due to repeated facial muscle movements such as laughing, blinking, or eye strain. Their radiating shape is reminiscent of bird's feet. Over time, they deepen permanently – especially in dry, loose skin.
Also known as: witch's wrinkles
Bunny wrinkles are located on the sides of the nose. They are caused by wrinkling the nose or laughing and are among the expression lines resulting from repeated muscle contractions. With increasing age and decreasing muscle tone, these wrinkles can become permanent.
Also known as: nasolabial folds
Nasolabial folds run between the sides of the nose and the corners of the mouth. They can make the face appear older and more tired. Their formation is usually due to natural aging processes and a genetic predisposition. As with many wrinkles, the following also applies: when the skin is dry, the wrinkle becomes more visible and appears deeper.
Also known as: pleated wrinkles or perioral wrinkles
Upper lip wrinkles are usually vertical lines on the upper lip. They develop as a result of the natural aging process and long-term smoking. Often, excessively dry skin is the underlying cause of these wrinkles.
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Chin wrinkles
Also known as: Strawberry Chin
Chin wrinkles run horizontally across the chin, creating an uneven appearance. These wrinkles are caused by the contraction of facial muscles during expressions. The muscles repeatedly contract during certain facial expressions, forming wrinkles.
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neck wrinkles
Examples of neck wrinkles: turkey neck, platysma bands, and transverse neck wrinkles.
Wrinkles in the neck area are a natural part of the aging process. The skin thins and the amount of fatty tissue beneath it decreases. Muscle movement also contributes to this. Vertical wrinkles are sometimes called a turkey neck. Often, vertical wrinkles appear on the sides of the neck together with horizontal wrinkles.
Also known as: Strawberry Chin
Chin wrinkles run horizontally across the chin, creating an uneven appearance. These wrinkles are caused by the contraction of facial muscles during expressions. The muscles repeatedly contract during certain facial expressions, forming wrinkles.
Examples of neck wrinkles: turkey neck, platysma bands, and transverse neck wrinkles.
Wrinkles in the neck area are a natural part of the aging process. The skin thins and the amount of fatty tissue beneath it decreases. Muscle movement also contributes to this. Vertical wrinkles are sometimes called a turkey neck. Often, vertical wrinkles appear on the sides of the neck together with horizontal wrinkles.
Skin development: What's the best way to prevent wrinkles?
Wrinkles are a natural part of aging – but there are many ways to prevent their formation and keep skin firm for longer. A holistic lifestyle that considers both external and internal factors is crucial.
Effective measures for wrinkle prevention:
- Daily UV protection: Sunlight is one of the main causes of premature skin aging. A daily moisturizer with sun protection factor protects against UV-induced collagen breakdown.
- Sufficient sleep: Regeneration and cell renewal primarily occur at night. Too little sleep causes the skin to age faster.
- Abstaining from nicotine: Smoking impairs blood circulation and destroys important building blocks of the skin, including collagen and elastin.
- Nutrient-rich diet: A balanced diet with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats supports the skin from within.
- Supply of skin-relevant nutrients: Regular intake of bioactive collagen peptides in combination with vitamin C can promote collagen formation and thus strengthen the skin structure in the long term.
