Wrinkles: Causes, Types, Treatment & Prevention

Have you noticed laughing lines on the sides of your mouth? Do the deep creases make you look older? With growing age, we all experience common signs of aging like sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Thankfully, Ayurveda offers time-tested remedies that make your skin smooth and wrinkles less visible. Scroll down to know what causes wrinkles, the different types, and a few simple yet effective remedies to reduce them.

What Are Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are a normal stage of the aging process. They appear on sun-damaged skin, such as your forearms, hands, neck, and face.

Despite genetics primarily determining your skin texture and type, exposure to sunlight [1] is the main cause of wrinkles. This is mostly true in case you have a fair complexion. Smoking and pollutants also lead to the appearance of wrinkles.

If your fine lines and wrinkles are causing you constant worry, then you have a wide range of options to make them less prominent or smooth them. Home remedies, Ayurvedic solutions, and medications are some of the effective treatments for fine lines and wrinkles.

What Are The Different Types Of Wrinkles?

While fine lines and wrinkles may appear on your forearms, chest, and various other areas of your body, the majority of them appear on your face. Apart from being highly expressive, your face is also exposed to harsh sunlight and various other pollutants.

Here are a few types of wrinkles which occur on your face:

1. Crow’s Feet

The vulnerable skin near and around your eyes is susceptible to the early signs of aging. The fine lines which appear around the outer areas of your eyes are known as crow’s feet. Apart from the skin near your eyes being vulnerable, squinting may also cause crow’s feet to appear.

2. Smile Line

Smile lines are also known as marionette lines. These lines appear on the sides of your mouth which occur due to smiling and laughing.

3. Forehead Lines

Forehead lines are also known as worry or frown lines. These appear as vertical lines between your eyebrows and horizontal lines on your forehead. Frequent frowning, worry, and stress may lead to the appearance of forehead lines.

The deep furrows or folds on your facial skin are categorized into two sections [2]:

A. Static Wrinkles

These lines occur when your facial muscles lose their elasticity. Wrinkles and fine lines which are associated with jowls are an example of static wrinkles.

B. Dynamic Wrinkles

These lines appear with continuous facial muscle movement. For example, smile lines appear when you tend to frequently smile or laugh.

It is interesting to note that dynamic wrinkles may gradually transform into static wrinkles. For example, fine lines around your mouth transform into more visible nasolabial folds as your cheeks begin to lose its elasticity with growing age.

What Causes Wrinkles?

Wrinkles and fine lines appear due to an amalgamation of factors. A few factors are manageable, others can’t be controlled. These include:

1. Age

With growing age, your skin begins to lose its elasticity and becomes more vulnerable. A gradual decline in the secretion of sebum leaves your skin dry and stretched, making it susceptible to wrinkles.

The adipose tissues in the innermost layers of your skin slowly begin to deplete. This depletion of fats makes your skin loose with prominent crevices and lines.

2. Overexposure To Sunlight

Continuous exposure to harsh UV A and B rays enhances your aging process. This is the leading cause of early signs of aging including wrinkles. The harsh UV A and B rays disassociate the connective tissue of your skin – elastin and collagen fibers, which are located in the innermost layers of your skin. This inner layer is commonly known as dermis.

In the absence of elastin and collagen fibers, which provide structural support to your skin, it gradually begins to lose flexibility, firmness, and strength. Your skin then slowly begins to loosen up with the appearance of premature wrinkles.

3. Smoking

Smoking tobacco also accelerates the aging process, leading to the appearance of premature wrinkles [3]. These wrinkles and fine lines appear due to the harmful effect of smoking on the collagen fibers.

4. Facial Expressions

Repetitive facial expressions and movements like laughing, smiling or squinting may cause wrinkles and fine lines. Every time to move your facial muscle, a groove begins to gradually appear underneath your skin’s surface.

With advancing age, your skin begins to lose its firmness and flexibility. It loses its ability to come back in place. Slowly, these grooves appear as permanent lines and wrinkles on your face.

“Ayurveda enlists excessive use of salt and sugar in diet, along with Rise in Pitta dosha in body for the cause of Vali - Wrinkles,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

Symptoms Of Wrinkles

Wrinkles are ridges, folds, or creases which form on your skin with growing age. A few wrinkles and fine lines may gradually turn into deep crevices and folds. This type of wrinkles become more visible near your mouth, cheeks, eyes, and neck.

Can Wrinkles Go Away?

It is a universal truth that wrinkles and fine lines can’t be reversed. However, there are effective ways and treatments to make them less prominent. Even with these methods to treat and prevent wrinkles, it is imperative to be realistic and pragmatic. Wrinkles and fine lines may not completely vanish; however, there are several ways to smooth them over, and improve your skin’s texture.

Keep in mind that a few such methods to treat and prevent wrinkles don’t burn a hole in your pocket. These inexpensive methods also don’t need anti-aging skincare products to fight signs of aging. For example, avoiding harsh sunlight, regularly hydrating and moisturizing your skin, and improved sleeping habits may help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, essential nutrients in foods like Vitamin C in citrus fruits and tomatoes help prevent wrinkles, making your skin supple, glowing, and healthy.

How To Remove Wrinkles?

A. Home Remedies

1. Banana, Orange & Yogurt Mask

Ingredients

• Yogurt
• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• Banana

How To Use

• Take a ripe banana and mash it coarsely with a tsp of plain yogurt and orange juice.
• Mix all the ingredients to form a thick face mask.
• Apply the mask onto your face and neck.
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with plain water.

Benefits

• Vitamin A helps in lightening the blemishes and dark spots in your skin, whereas Vitamin B helps prevent the early signs of aging.
• Potassium acts as an intense hydrating and moisturizing agent which makes your skin soft and supple.
• Vitamin E helps improve your skin’s resistance to sun damage and nourishes your skin from deep within.

2. Egg White, Lemon & Honey Mask

Ingredients

• Honey
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Egg white

How To Use

• Make a rejuvenating mask with half a tsp of pure honey, one tsp of lemon juice, and one egg white.
• Apply the mixture all over your face and neck.
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

Benefits

• Egg whites are a rich source of protein which the tissues in your skin utilize for their growth and repair.
• Potassium helps in retaining the moisture content in your skin, whereas riboflavin helps in expelling free radicals and toxins that may cause the early signs of aging.
• Magnesium helps in delaying the natural aging process of your skin.
• Lysozyme in eggs help in preventing acne breakouts by digesting the cellular walls of P. acne.

3. Greek Yogurt, Mint & Cucumber Mask

Ingredients

• Freshly pureed cucumber
• Greek yogurt
• Mint leaves

How To Use

• Mix half a cup of mint leaves and pureed cucumber with half a cup of Greek yogurt.
• Store it in an air-tight container and take out an adequate amount as a soothing, cooling, and hydrating face mask.
• Apply the cooling mask onto your face and neck.
• Leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with normal water.

Benefits

• A single cucumber is enriched with various essential minerals such as zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, folic acid, and Vitamin C and Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6.
• These vitamins and minerals help lighten your skin while tightening it. Additionally, it helps in hydrating and preventing cracking, peeling, and dryness of skin.

4. Olive Oil & Coconut Oil

Ingredients

• Pure olive oil
• Coconut oil

How To Use

• Mix equal parts of pure olive oil and coconut oil in a mixing bowl.
• Apply it generously onto your face and neck.
• Leave it overnight for deep hydration and nourishment.
• Rinse with lukewarm water next morning.
• Remember to always apply the oils in the evening or night before sleeping.

Benefits

• Both oils help in minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• These are rich in natural antioxidants which protect your skin from free radical damage which cause premature early signs of aging.
• Both oils act as a natural hydrating and moisturizing agent. These should be gently massaged onto your skin for better absorption.

5. Honey & Lemon Spot Treatment

Ingredients

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Pure honey

How To Use

• The honey and lemon spot treatment can be either applied before rinsing your face in the morning, before using any skincare product or before you step outside.
• Mix half a tsp of lemon juice and half a tsp of honey in a mixing bowl.
• Apply a thin layer of the mix onto the affected areas on your face.
• Leave it for 10 minutes for better absorption.
• You can rinse it off with plain water, if needed.

Benefits

• Honey is a rich source of humectant, an active agent which naturally retains moisture in your skin, whereas lemon accelerates the synthesis of collagen.
• It also helps in minimizing wrinkles and fine lines, leaving your skin fresh, supple, and glowing.

6. Aloe Vera

Ingredients

• A leaf of aloe vera

How To Use

• Slice open a fresh leaf of aloe vera and extract the gel.
• Apply the freshly extracted gel onto the affected area.
• Gently massage your skin for 2-3 minutes and leave it for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with plain water and pat dry your skin.

Benefits

• Sunburns are known to cause harm to your skin including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Application of aloe vera gel onto the affected areas may improve the healing and repair process as it has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
• Aloe vera gel is also known to have soothing and wound-repair properties when applied onto your skin, especially after exposure to sunlight.

B. Ayurvedic Treatments

According to the ancient and holistic science of Ayurveda, a wide set of factors determine your skin’s appearance, texture, and health [4]. These factors include:

• Proper regulation of moisture content (balanced kapha).
• Well-regulated metabolic activities which oversee various hormonal and chemical reactions in your skin (balanced pitta).
• Regulated circulation of essential nutrients and blood to the three layers of your skin (balanced vata)

The overall health of the body tissues, also known as dhatus, reflect on your skin’s appearance and texture. There are three types of dhatus namely:

• Mamsa (muscle): It provides structural support to your skin and enhances firmness in your skin.
• Rakta (blood): It helps in detoxifying your skin of impurities and toxins along with your liver function.
• Rasa (nutritional secretions): It provides support to your body tissues and keeps your skin nourished and healthy.

A specially-formulated Ayurvedic skincare product for anti-aging helps and supports all the three dhatus.

In addition to providing support to the three dhatus, Ayurvedic anti-aging approach involves two specific therapies:

• Vyadidhara (curative)
• Urjaskara (promotive)

1. Abhyanga – Self Oil Massage

Abhyanga provides immense health and skin benefits by expelling accumulated toxins (environmental and digestive) from your skin as well as minimizing stress and anxiety. Accumulated impurities in your skin leads to premature signs of aging. By practicing a simple oil massage at least 2-3 times a week, you will notice a remarkable difference in the elasticity and texture of your skin.

For most individuals, the beneficial oil for regular use is cured, organic sesame oil. However, if you experience inflammatory skin issues, rashes or produce excessive heat, then using organic coconut oil is a suitable choice. It is not imperative to use a cured version of coconut oil for daily oil massage.

Vedix Tip: If you want to cure sesame oil at home, then you can add a drop of normal water to the oil. Once the water droplet bursts, the oil is considered cured and ready for your daily massage.

Steps To Follow:

• The oil massage may either take 5-10 minutes of your time or even half an hour based on availability.
• Pour half a cup of suitable oil in a small container.
• Warm the oil by keeping the container in a bowl of hot water.
• Once warm, pour a small amount of oil onto your palm and gently begin massaging your face and scalp.
• Later, move towards your arms – gently massage using circular movements over your joints and long strokes over your bones.
• Next, massage your abdomen and chest using circular, clockwise strokes.
• Next, focus massaging your back with the oil by rubbing in upward and downward strokes.
• Gently massage your legs and hips using circular strokes over the joints and long strokes over bones.
• End the session by massaging your feet with the oil.

Remember that your scalp and feet are the integral areas to focus while massaging as it helps in minimizing your stress levels. Hence, try and spend more time on both the areas while massaging.

2. Nasya

Nasya is an age-old Ayurvedic therapy of administering medicated oils through your nostrils for health benefits. It helps in expelling accumulated toxins from your head leading to prevention of wrinkles, reduced stress levels, and improved clarity of your mind.

Nasya is a renowned Ayurvedic treatment to treat depression, allergies, colds, sinusitis, sleep disorders, anxiety, headaches, and stress. It is also used effectively in anti-aging therapies to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The commonly used oils for Nasya therapy are clarified butter (ghee) and sesame oil.

Steps To Follow:

• Apply a small quantity of oil in your nostrils followed by deep breathing.
• While deep breathing, pinch your nose intermittently to allow the oil to move upwards in the nasal canal.
• The most suitable time for doing the Ayurvedic therapy is right after you wake up in the morning. Otherwise, you may also do it a few hours before going to sleep in the night.

3. Ayurvedic Herbs

Several Ayurvedic herbs involved in Rasayana therapies are a rich source of natural antioxidants. As per the Ayurvedic texts, the process of Rasayana helps in regulating functioning and development growth of the seven tissues in the human body.

A few essential herbs and their values utilized in Rasayana include:

• Ashwagandha

The potent Ayurvedic herb helps in strengthening reproductive and muscle tissue as well as balancing vata dosha which regulates movement. Also popularly known as winter cherry, it has immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ashwagandha helps in managing and preventing lethargy, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It also boosts your memory.

• Shatavari

The root of shatavari is a rich source of antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Popularly known as wild asparagus, it works as an adaptogen which helps enhance your natural ability to cope with high stress levels – environmental, mental, physical, or emotional.

Shatavari is considered an important Rasayana for pitta dosha (regulating energy production, metabolism, and digestion). It is extensively used in treatment of menopausal issues, PMS, infertility, hyperacidity, and urinary problems.

• Triphala

Also considered an excellent Ayurvedic remedy for several health, skin, and hair issues, Triphala is a mixture of three beneficial fruits which aid in digestive function. It also helps in improving and balancing all three doshas.

• Gotu Kola

Gotu kola helps in rejuvenating your nervous system. The potent Ayurvedic concoction improves and balances all three doshas. It also helps in enhancing your mental faculties like clarity, memory, and concentration.

Gotu kola also helps in improving blood flow which in turn boost tissue repair. The potent herb helps in the treatment of skin conditions, fatigue, insomnia, and disorders with behaviour and learning.

• Amalaki

Also known as Indian Gooseberry, it helps in improving the reproductive system and lungs as well as balancing the three doshas. It is enriched with antioxidant properties and Vitamin C which help minimize serum cholesterol. Additionally, it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Amalaki is extensively used in Rasayana for pitta dosha.

C. Topical Treatments

1. Topical Retinoids

Prescription-based medicines have retinoids as the primary agent. It is extracted from Vitamin A, and helps in minimizing roughness, splotches, and wrinkles when topically applied onto your skin [5].

For better results, you may have to use retinol-based skin care products for at least a few weeks or months. These products include tazarotene and tretinoin. A synthetic derivative known as adapalene is also considered.

Important Note:

Retinoids may cause temporary dryness, burning, redness, or itching. It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist before using any such skincare product to avoid further issues.

As retinoids can be harsh on your skin, it is always advised to use a broad-based sunscreen with SPF 30 or above for protection against burning sensation.

2. Non-Prescription Creams

The efficacy of commercially available anti-wrinkles creams is based on their active constituents. A few peptides, antioxidants, and retinol may cause light to moderate effectiveness in reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

By using non-prescription creams, the final results can be short-lived and limited as they have lesser active constituents when compared with prescription-based creams.

How To Prevent Wrinkles?

Here are few simple yet effective tips to protect your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles:

1. Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

Try and limit the time you expose yourself to direct sunlight, especially in the noon. Wear long-sleeved, cotton clothes, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.

The most important tip is to apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above every time you step outside of your home. Apply it generously on the exposed areas of your body and remember to reapply every 2-3 hours. Apply it more frequently if you tend to sweat excessively or go for a swim.

Use skincare products with built-in sunscreen. A broad-based sunscreen effectively blocks both UVA and B rays.

2. Always Moisturize Your Skin

Dry skin tends to shrink supple and hydrated cells in your skin, which in turn leads to premature wrinkles and fine lines.

Generously moisturizing with a mild, herbal moisturizer helps retain water content within the layers of your skin. This then helps mask the tiny creases and lines. With regular use, it may take a few days or weeks before you observe any remarkable difference in your crease lines.

3. Quit Smoking

If you’re a chain smoker or have been smoking for several years, you can still regain and enhance your skin texture and tone as well as reduce premature wrinkles by giving up the habit.

4. Eat A Healthy & Clean Diet

It is a well-known fact that what you eat reflects on your skin. A few essential vitamins in your diet help your skin from photooxidation and free radical damage. Always include green, leafy vegetables, lean proteins, seasonal fruits, and healthy nuts in your daily diet. Avoid eating oily, spicy, and sugar-based foods.

At What Age Do Wrinkles Start?

Since the mid-20s, the early signs of aging begin to appear on your skin. First, a few fine lines begin to appear near your eyes and around your mouth followed by premature wrinkles. A loss of elasticity and flexibility becomes more prominent with growing age and erratic lifestyle choices.

Difference Between Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Fine lines appear closer to the surface of your skin and tend to be superficial, whereas wrinkles are deep creases and folds which include the innermost layers of the skin.

With growing age, several fine lines gradually transform into deep wrinkles as your skin begins to lose its firmness and elasticity.

When To See A Doctor?

If you’re worried about how your skin tone and texture appears, then it is advisable to pay a visit to a knowledgeable dermatologist or Ayurvedic doctor. They will first assess your skin issue and suggest a personalized skincare regime suitable for your skin type and concern.

The Last Word

Wrinkles are a normal event of the natural aging process. With growing age, fine lines begin to appear followed by deepening of creases due to less elasticity and firmness. A few tweaks in your lifestyle such as consuming less alcohol, quitting smoking, eating a healthy and nutritious diet, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a healthy skincare regime, definitely helps you delay or prevent the premature signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles.

Know Your Dosha Now