Fine Lines & Wrinkles

What are fine lines and wrinkles?

Fine lines and wrinkles are early signs of ageing, prompting many to seek effective treatments to maintain a youthful appearance. While the development of these skin concerns is a natural part of the ageing process, their appearance and severity can be significantly influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 

The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles centres on changes in the skin’s structure over time. The dermis, or middle layer of the skin, contains collagen and elastin fibres that provide support and elasticity. With ageing, the dermis loses its components, causing the skin to become thinner and less resistant to damage. On a cellular level, the number of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production, decreases with age. Additionally, natural oil production decreases, leading to dryer skin that is more prone to wrinkling.

What causes fine lines and wrinkles?

Fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable due to the physiological changes that occur due to ageing and other environmental factors. Causes of fine lines and wrinkles include:

• Decreased collagen and elastin fibres: as we age, the body naturally produces less collagen and elastin fibres. These proteins are important in maintaining the skin's elasticity, structure, and support. A reduction in collagen and elastin fibres means that the skin cannot bounce back from repetitive movement and environmental stressors. 
• Inflammation: chronic inflammation contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres, resulting in signs of ageing skin, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
• Oxidative stress: oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals can damage cellular components, including proteins, lipids, and DNA, leading to accelerated ageing and the formation of wrinkles.
• Changes in the extracellular matrix: the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin provides structural support and gives the skin a smooth and taut appearance. However, any change in the ECM can result in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Glycation: glycation occurs when there is an irreversible binding between glucose (a sugar molecule) and proteins in the body. It can occur anywhere in the body, including the skin. When glycation occurs in the skin, glucose binds to collagen and elastin fibres, causing them to become stiff and less elastic. This prevents the skin from easily bouncing back to its original appearance, thus encouraging the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

What are the signs of fine lines and wrinkles?

Fine lines and wrinkles can occur on any part of the face. Common signs of fine lines and wrinkles include:

• Crow’s feet: crow’s feet occur at the corner of our eyes and are more prominent when we smile.
• Frown lines: frown lines, also known as worry lines, are the prominent lines between our eyebrows when we frown.
• Forehead lines/wrinkles: forehead creases or glabellar lines are the lines that occur when we raise our eyebrows.
• Nasolabial folds: also known as smile or laugh lines, nasolabial folds extend from the side of the nose down to the corners of the mouth.  
• Marionette lines: these lines extend from the corners of the mouth towards the chin
• Mouth lines: mouth lines typically occur due to frequent lips pursing, especially while smoking.

Who is at risk of fine lines and wrinkles in Singapore?

Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, but several factors can accelerate their development or make them more pronounced. 

• Ageing: collagen production decreases by about 1% annually after age 20, contributing to the natural ageing process.
• Sun exposure: UV rays from the sun cause photoaging, damaging collagen fibres and leading to fine lines and wrinkles​.
• Genetics: some individuals are genetically predisposed to developing fine lines and wrinkles more prominently than others.
• Smoking: smoking is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which can accelerate skin ageing and the development of wrinkles. Smoking also reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of essential nutrients and oxygen. Smokers are more likely to develop wrinkles at a younger age and have more pronounced signs of skin ageing compared to non-smokers.
• Lifestyle factors: lifestyle factors such as nutrition, hydration, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to ageing skin. 
• Skin tone: individuals with lighter skin tone are more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. This is due to their lack of protective melanin, which makes them more susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays.

How are fine lines and wrinkles diagnosed?

Diagnosing fine lines and wrinkles is primarily based on a visual skin examination. However, if individuals seek treatment to reverse the effects or improve the appearance of their skin, the following diagnostic tests are recommended:

• Skin analysis: specialised imaging devices or software will assess the skin's condition. These devices may use techniques such as digital photography, ultraviolet (UV) imaging, or 3D skin analysis to capture detailed images of the skin and analyse factors such as wrinkles, texture, and pigmentation.
• Skin elasticity test: skin elasticity tests, such as the pinch or suction test, may be used to assess the skin's elasticity and resilience. These tests involve gently pinching or pulling the skin to evaluate its ability to return to its original position. Reduced skin elasticity is a common feature of ageing skin and may contribute to the formation of wrinkles.

What are the treatment options for fine lines and wrinkles in Singapore? 

Astique Clinic offers a comprehensive range of treatments to combat fine lines and wrinkles, leveraging advanced technologies, injectables, and laser treatments to rejuvenate the skin. Treatment options for fine lines and wrinkles in Singapore include:

Facials and technologies 

• Ultherapy/HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): Ultherapy/HIFU uses ultrasound energy to target deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, lifting and tightening the skin without surgery.
• Thermage: Thermage utilises radiofrequency technology to heat the deeper layers of your skin, stimulating collagen production for a smoother, tighter appearance.
• Light therapy and LDM-MED: light therapy and LDM-MED use specific wavelengths of light to promote skin healing and collagen synthesis, improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles.
• SkinTyte II: SkinTyte II deliver energy to the skin to tighten and lift, encouraging new collagen growth.
• Signature Medi Facial and HydraFacial: our Signature Medi Facial and Hydrafacial deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin, removing impurities and promoting collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Programmes and Injectables

• Profhilo and fillers: injectables such as Profhilo and fillers hydrate the skin from within and fill in wrinkles, respectively, for a smoother, plumper appearance.
• Polynucleotide injections: also known as "baby skin injections," Rejuran/Plinest heals the skin from the inside out, improving skin texture and elasticity.
• BTX: BTX relaxes facial muscles, reducing the appearance of fine lines caused by expressions.
• Eye Rejuvenation and LDM Aloha EX: Eye Rejuvenation and LDM Aloha EX are specifically designed to target fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. 

Laser Treatments

• Fotona 4D Facelift and Fractional Lasers: noninvasive laser treatments such as Fotona 4D Facelift and Fractional Lasers work by heating the underlying layers of the skin, promoting collagen production, and resurfacing the skin to reduce wrinkles.
• Pico Laser and Spectra XT: Pico Laser and Spectra XT (link to service page) target pigmentation, skin texture, and fine lines with minimal downtime, promoting a more youthful complexion.
• Broadband Light Treatment (BBL) and Dual Yellow: BBL and Dual Yellow improve skin texture and firmness by targeting the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production.

Astique Clinic's holistic approach to treating these signs of ageing ensures that your treatment plan is as unique as you are, aiming for a rejuvenated appearance that aligns with your vision of beauty. It's about feeling confident and content with your skin, supported by a team that's committed to achieving the results you desire. Contact us to book an appointment today.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get rid of fine lines and wrinkles?

While it is not possible to completely eliminate fine lines and wrinkles because they are part of the natural ageing process, several treatments are available that can significantly reduce their appearance. Options include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, botulinum toxin injections (BTX), fillers, and facelifts. These procedures vary in terms of recovery time and how dramatic the results are.

Are wrinkles and fine lines the same?

Fine lines and wrinkles are related but differ mainly in depth. Fine lines are shallow and often the first signs of ageing, becoming noticeable where the skin naturally folds during facial expressions. Wrinkles are deeper creases that form as fine lines deepen over time, and skin elasticity decreases due to sun damage, smoking, and natural ageing.

Are fine lines permanent?

Fine lines are not necessarily permanent. Early intervention with proper skincare, including the use of retinoids, antioxidants, and moisturisers, can minimise their appearance. Moreover, procedures like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments can effectively reduce or even eliminate fine lines by encouraging skin regeneration and improving skin texture.