Having flawless skin is a pride, and fine lines may creep up on you even after keeping skin conditions like acne at bay. With time, fine lines disrupt the original structure of the skin since we all age. Also, exposure to the sun and some lifestyle choices can affect the skin structure.
These creases appear on the skin when collagen and elastin that are responsible for making the skin appear supple breakdown. The name “fine lines” may sound like a nice thing, but it can be so unflattering on the face. That’s because the lines affect your facial experience and make facial gestures appear deeper.
Although it doesn’t bother some people, other takes this first sign of aging seriously. In this article, we will discuss what fine lines are, their causes, prevention, and how to get rid of fine lines.
What are Fine Lines?
Fine lines develop over time in areas that enhance facial expressions. In simple terms, the skin crease with every smile and frown, and as the years go by, the line become somewhat permanent on your face. The skin is supposed to retain its distinct look after such simple gestures, but the lines remain visible when the elastin is not at its peak.
Causes of Fine Lines
The primary cause of fine lines is aging, which appears as a mark of reaching a certain age unless you can fight it off. Between the ages of 20 to mid-30s, most people don’t need to worry about fine lines. If you have a great skincare routine, you can prolong the appearance of fine lines.
It is almost as if the lines stay ready to pop up when you are of the ripe age. While age contributes to it, other factors are also responsible for disrupting your once smooth face. Here is how it works, the skin has three layers (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer).
Each layer is stacked upon each other; collagen and elastin responsible for keeping the skin looking firm can be found mainly in the dermis. These fibers project to the upper skin layer-epidermis, so as the fibers wear down from the dermis, the lines have no choice but to show on your skin.
However, particular choices can still contribute to speeding up the breakdown of elastin fibers. Sun is one of the significant causes; UV rays are very harsh on the skin. They penetrate the dermis. Smoking can also affect your skin’s health and cause fine lines to appear sooner than expected.
How to Get Rid of Fine Lines
If you’ve already spotted some fine lines on your face, there are several treatment options you can explore. The truth is, you might never get rid of them entirely but can manage and reduce their visibility drastically when you find what works for you.
The first step to fighting off those pesky lines should be visiting some trusted skincare brands with proven results. So, which of the thousands of products should you choose to get the job done? It is all in the ingredient, and a few powerhouses in the beauty industry have proven to improve the fine line. Here are the star ingredients to look out for when you wish to invest in some products.
1. Retinoids
Substances related to retinol get grouped as retinoids, whether derived from natural or artificial items. They are also known as vitamin A and are used to develop several beauty products. When found in beauty formulas, they boost the growth of skin cells, so as the skin sheds, it quickly covers up the missing layers.
Continued use of such products promotes a younger-looking skin since it acts of elastin and collagen production. When using retinoid-based formulas, it is vital to combine them with sunscreen. We recommend The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid and Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Anti Aging Retinol Serum.
2. Antioxidant Serums
Incorporating serum rich in antioxidants is a sure way to eliminate fine lines. Naturally, the skin cells produce a by-product known as reactive oxygen species, which is harmful to the body. Antioxidants are star ingredients in beauty formulas since they protect the skin from harming itself.
Vitamin C is an excellent source of antioxidant and other natural ingredients that reduce aging lines and keeps the skin supple and smooth.
Related article: Understanding the craze behind beauty serums and the best ones to use
3. Moisturizers
Applying regular moisturizers is a simple yet effective way to reduce fine lines. Moisturizers keep the skin hydrated, especially those containing hyaluronic acid, which keeps the skin moist. When your skin cells are well-hydrated, elastin and collagen can thrive to keep it looking young.
The downside of using cosmetics products is that the results fade off in a few weeks after you stop using them. Therefore, most people turn to surgical and other non-invasive cosmetic procedures to eliminate fine lines.
Cosmetic Treatment for Fine Lines
Here are some dermatological treatments that reduce the appearance of fine lines.
4. Chemical Peels
Chemical peel treatment uses active chemicals such as alpha-hydroxy acids to remove skin layers. It can shave off up to the third skin layer, depending on the peel’s depth. A successful peel reveals a new smoother skin layer that can drastically reduce fine lines. You can read all about chemical peels here, as some side effects are associated with them.
Related article: Chemical Peel Black Skin: Which Chemical Peel is Best for Dark Skin?
5. Laser Treatment
It is a treatment that uses light beams to improve the skin’s condition. There are different types of laser treatment to combat specific skin concerns. For example, the ablative laser treatment causes microscopic damage to the skin, so it can regenerate new cells to boost firmness.
Low-level light laser treatment doesn’t cause severe tissue damage but can still synthesize collagen production. Although laser treatment promises to get rid of fine lines, the results are not permanent, and you will require several procedures to get the desired outcome.
6. Injectable Fillers
You can book a session with a specialist where active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can get injected directly into your face. Another effective injectable is ( Botulinum toxin)Botox, which weakens target facial muscles in the zones around the forehead and eyes. This prevents the skin from creasing from facial expressions and also the appearance of fine lines.
7. Microneedling
Several sterile needles get pricked into the skin in this cosmetic process to improve collagen production. It sounds painful, but it is a beauty treatment that is not so bad and gives visible results.
8. Microdermabrasion
As the name suggests, the uppermost skin layers get removed. Since this is where you find dead skin cells, it reveals a younger skin. A microdermabrasion session can also make the skin appear brighter.
Fine Lines vs. Wrinkles
The two conditions are similar, but you cannot call fine lines wrinkles because they don’t crease deep into the skin. You can easily spot wrinkles, which are a tell-tale sign of aging. Sometimes you must look carefully to spot fine lines because they are thin. Wrinkles are like an advanced form of fine lines and are often irreversible. If you have fine lines, they are shallow and less severe to get rid of.
How do we Prevent Fine Lines?
It is always better to prevent fine lines from showing up rather than treating them. Sometimes all you need is a reset of your skincare routine, or changes to your daily activities can slow down the visibility of fine lines. Below are some things that can prevent fine lines from showing up.
Sunscreen: Sun damage is one of the most common causes of fine lines, so the first step is shielding your face from UV rays. And what better way to do it than sunscreen. You need to apply daily sunscreen not lower than SPF 30 to combat the damage. It is better to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine, even if you plan on wearing makeup.
Healthy eating: Reduce your intake of sugars and processed food. It harms your skin over time. Instead, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, as they have many benefits for your skin.
Coconut oil: Invest in some coconut oil and apply it generously to your skin from time to time. It contains a naturally occurring emollient that fills up the epidermis. It also helps to lock in skin moisture, promoting supple-looking skin.
Lifestyle changes: Sometimes, how you sleep might cause lines to appear on your face. Pressing your face into your pillows often compresses the skin and will cause lines and wrinkles to show up over time. Smoking affects your health and the skin, and studies have shown the different aging stages between smokers and non-smokers. In addition, exercise and staying hydrated can improve how your skin looks.
Conclusion
Fine lines are the skin’s way of showing you it is aging and the skin’s foundation is weakening. So, when you have facial expressions, and the skin folds over, it lacks the strength to bounce back. They are shallower than wrinkles and can get reduced with several cosmetics treatments and products.
You can slow down the rate at which they show on your skin. If they don’t bother you so much, skip all the cosmetics procedures and follow a good skincare routine to maintain smooth skin.
Also, read articles for your skin:
–14 Best Skincare Routine For All Skin Types
–Skincare Facial: Everything You Need To Know About Facials And Skincare
–The 15 Best Skincare Face Washes And Cleansers Of 2022
