It’s the product that transformed the anti-ageing industry. Anti-wrinkle injections were first approved for treating glabellar or forehead lines in 2002 after being developed for cosmetic use by dermatologist Dr Alastair Carruthers, who passed away last month after revolutionising aesthetics.
Dr Carruthers’ wife, Jean, an ophthalmologist, was treating one of her patients who suffered from blepharospasm, a facial muscle spasm condition that forces the eyelids to shut. She was using a neuromodulator, which works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting, and she noticed that it also softened the lines around the eyes. Jean and Alastair then developed the product, which is now the UK’s most popular cosmetic procedure.
Lines and creases are the most common facial ageing concern. Now, there’s even a theory that wrinkles may not just result from ageing but cause it, as skin ageing has been found to release a chemical explosion in the body that drives premature ageing of your other organs.
Our latest blog looks at six types of wrinkles and the wrinkle treatments we offer.
1. Expression lines
Also known as dynamic wrinkles, these are caused by the constant contraction and relaxation of the muscles under the skin as we frown, squint, smile, or show surprise. Over time, repetition of these expressions causes these creases to deepen and become permanent.
“With advancing age, both the quantity and quality of collagen in the skin deteriorate,” Karidis Clinic’s Dr Emily explains. “Damaged collagen strands are repaired by the body in a disordered manner, leading to increased disorganisation. This results in a reduced capacity to withstand external forces, causing the skin to crumple and fold more easily during movements created by the underlying muscles.”
This type of wrinkle, also known as crow’s feet or frown lines, is effectively treated with anti-wrinkle injections.
2. Static lines
From our early twenties onwards, our skin formation starts to change, and we start to lose collagen and elastin. These two naturally occurring proteins are found throughout the body, but in the skin, they provide elasticity and support. This loss can be accelerated by UV exposure and other damaging lifestyle factors such as smoking and stress. Often, dynamic wrinkles can become permanent creases due to the loss of skin elasticity.
Look for treatments that stimulate collagen production. Polynucleotides derived from filtered and ultra-purified salmon DNA fractions can stimulate fibroblast activity, which promotes collagen production and tissue repair.
3. Gravitational Folds
Gravitational folds are caused by gravity’s effects on our skin. Over time, we lose collagen and elastin that provide support and elasticity, while at the same time, the fat pads deeper in the dermis start to shrink and descend. Our skin begins to sag, and deep folds appear between the nose and mouth and from the mouth to the chin, as well as loss of definition along the jawline.
Nasolabial folds, marionette lines and sagging jowls can be improved by restoring volume in the mid-face with dermal fillers. New to Karidis Clinic is Profhilo Structura, a hyaluronic acid injectable gel that regenerates subcutaneous fat and addresses sinking and sagging.
4. Dry wrinkles
Our skin undergoes several physiological changes as we age. We lose collagen and elastin, the epidermis thins, and the epidermal glands start to shrink. These glands secrete a protective layer of oil that traps moisture on the surface of the skin. UV exposure is the number one culprit of this extrinsic ageing process, and, overtime, the skin becomes very thin, fragile, and finely wrinkled.
“Changes that occur during menopause and perimenopause can also dramatically affect our skin,” reminds our skin expert Dr Emily. “A decline in oestrogen levels leads to significant epidermal moisture loss. Oestrogen is vital for maintaining the skin’s barrier function and promoting oil production, which helps retain hydration. With decreased oestrogen, the skin becomes less able to hold moisture, resulting in increased dryness and a compromised barrier.”
As sun damage is the main cause of dry wrinkles or crepey skin, protecting it with a high-factor SPF every day is essential. Profhilo is composed of a high hyaluronic acid concentration that spreads evenly beneath the skin, providing deep hydration. It is also suitable for use on the neck, decolletage, and back of the hands, which are also prone to dry wrinkles.
5. Compression wrinkles
Even though we call it beauty sleep, we all have experienced compression wrinkles or pillow lines, formed after our face has been squished into a pillow for eight or so hours. As we get older, though, and the skin thins and becomes less elastic, you may notice they leave their mark.
To avoid these wrinkles, try and change your sleeping position: a study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that “compression, shear, and stress forces” were applied to the face in the stomach and side sleeping positions.
Aesthetic treatments focused on improving skin quality are a must. Redensity 1 is an injectable that contains hyaluronic acid in combination with eight amino acids, three antioxidants, two minerals, and vitamin B6. These are all powerful skin renewal ingredients that assist in restoring skin density.
During your consultation with Dr Emily, you’ll discuss your concerns and she can advise you on the appropriate treatment or combination of treatments required. Call 0207 432 8727 or email enquiries@karidis.co.uk to arrange a wrinkle treatments assessment with Dr Emily.
