What Causes Wrinkles?

Described as lines and creases on the skin, wrinkles are a natural sign of ageing that develop in later life. But what actually causes wrinkles and how do factors such as our lifestyle and genetics lead them to appearing prematurely? 

In this simple guide we unravel the many causes of wrinkles and how you can help to prevent and improve their appearance including Vichy’s anti-ageing skincare range.

Many people first start to notice lines and wrinkles around their eyes (otherwise known as crow’s feet). Lines across the forehead, often referred to as frown lines or nasolabial folds that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, are also common signs of ageing. 

Other signs include a loss of elasticity in the skin and overall plumpness and smoothness.

While we can’t completely avoid wrinkles, there are ways that we can prevent them from appearing prematurely or overly pronounced. Read on to find proactive strategies for maintaining youthful skin and the steps you can take to protect it from environmental factors.

Shielding the Skin: Sun Protection

Dermatologists have long been warning of the dangers of daily UV exposure for the skin’s healthy appearance, and according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the sun’s UV rays are responsible for 90% of visible skin ageing1. Its cumulative effect on our skin throughout our lives can show later in life as lines, wrinkles, and discolouration. 

Healthy Habits: Lifestyle Choices for Skin Vitality

Good skin starts within so it’s no surprise that when you eat a well-balanced diet low in sugar and ultra-processed foods, drink lots of water and enjoy plenty of sleep, it shows on your skin. Eating a diet balanced, for instance, full of fresh fruit, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, legumes and fats provides the skin with a variety of complexion-boosting vitamins such as A, C, E and omega oils. These vitamins improve everything from hydration to skin barrier function and protection against the environment. 
Sleeping well is also essential for the healthy appearance of the skin as this gives the skin time to repair itself from damage, and perform important functions such as skin cell surface renewal - a natural process that removes dead skin cells and replaces them with new ones beneath. Other lifestyle factors such as stress can also impact the healthy and youthful look of our skin.

Skincare Superheroes: A Targeted Skincare Routine

Targeted skincare routines can effectively help prevent and improve the appearance of wrinkles by delivering active ingredients to the skin. The first signs of ageing are usually caused by dehydrated skin, meaning formulas with hyaluronic acid and other hydrating humectants and emollient ingredients
are ideal. The ingredient Vitamin C is an antioxidant, helping to protect against environmental damage and brighten the complexion, whilst retinol helps exfoliate the skin, boost skin cell surface renewal, and smooth fines lines. Moreover, daily application of a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to help protect the skin from harmful UV rays which are a primary cause of premature skin ageing.

 

In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, targeted skincare can also help you to prevent and improve the appearance of wrinkles. Ahead we look at a range of effective solutions. 

Serums

Serums are a very effective way of targeting ageing signs in the skin as their formulas with active ingredients, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides and retinol help target and address those ageing signs. They can also provide long-lasting, lightweight hydration to the epidermis which improves the texture of the skin and improves overall texture. Vichy’s Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 Bonding Serum for instance, is formulated with co-bonding technology (Rhamnose, Peptides, and Maitake) to boost skin affected by the loss of collagen and its bonds. This formula targets 16 signs of ageing. 

Alternatively, for pre and post menopause, try Vichy’s Neovadiol Meno 5 Bi Serum. At menopause, hormonal imbalances visibly impact your skin. Estrogen loss and cortisol increase intensify ageing signs of the skin. Therefore, this formula helps target those ageing signs on the skin, by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, reigniting radiance, and leaving the skin feeling replenished. Our Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum is formulated with our highest concentration of Pure Vitamin C and anti-glycation actives to protect the skin against environmental ageing. 

Creams

Creams tend to have thicker textures than serums and they often contain emollient and occlusive ingredients. They also help to lock moisture in and improve the look of surface-level lines and wrinkles. Liftactiv Hyaluronic Acid Anti Wrinkle Firming Day Cream contains 0.5% Hyaluronic acid and probiotic derived fractions to reduce the look of wrinkles and help the skin to appear firmer. Our Liftactiv Collagen Specialist Cream tackles visible signs of ageing that are linked to collagen loss with Vitamin CG, Biopeptides, and Vichy Mineralising Water.

Sun protection

In addition to a serum and moisturising cream, you should always end your morning skincare routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This protects the skin from UV radiation which causes cumulative skin damage including dark spots, loss of elasticity, fine lines and deeper wrinkles. Vichy’s Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF50 uses patented Netlock technology to form an ultra-thin, and invisible UV protective film on the skin which is ideal for wearing alone or beneath makeup. Remember to reapply sunscreen generously and frequently when exposed to the sun.

 

It’s true that lines and wrinkles are part and parcel of getting older, and many women embrace them as signs of a life lived well. But no matter whether you want to make ageing signs look less prominent or simply enhance the natural beauty of your complexion, a good skincare routine that suits your needs and skin type can help. Vichy has a range of solutions - suitable for the very first signs of premature ageing in your thirties, to more pronounced signs of ageing in your sixties onwards.