Wrinkles are simply how our skin records the life we lead. They reflect our emotions, habits and the biology of ageing. But not every line tells the same story: some result from repeated facial movements, others appear when the skin is short of moisture, and some develop gradually as we get older.
In this article we explore the different kinds of wrinkles, their causes and practical steps you can take to keep your skin supple and smooth.
What you need to know about wrinkles
Before distinguishing the different types of wrinkles, it’s worth remembering that the skin is made up of several layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis), held together by a matrix of collagen and elastin. Wrinkles typically appear when any of these layers undergo:
- A decline in collagen and elastin production, responsible for firmness and suppleness.
- Skin laxity caused by time or external aggressors.
- Repeated contractions of the facial muscles, leaving their mark on the surface.
- A lack of hydration, accentuating surface creases and fine lines.
1. Expression wrinkles: The face that speaks
What are they?
Expression wrinkles, also known as “dynamic wrinkles”, appear through the repeated movement of facial muscles: squinting, frowning, smiling, laughing… They form primarily in the upper and middle areas of the face, including:
Smile lines: why do they appear early and how to gently reduce them?
- Frown lines: between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet: at the corners of the eyes
- Forehead lines: horizontal
Why do they appear?
Every time we animate our face, we engage specific muscles. Over time, as the skin loses its elasticity, it retains the imprint of these contractions. Factors such as stress, sun exposure and pollution can amplify this process.
Can they be prevented or reduced?
- Releasing tension: Facial relaxation techniques (breathing exercises, gentle massage, facial gymnastics) help ease excessive muscle contractions.
- Topical treatments: Creams or serums containing retinol, peptides or collagen help to plump the skin and smooth fine lines.
- Mindful expressions (optional): It’s not about suppressing a smile, but becoming aware of certain habits (such as excessive frowning) to limit their long-term impact.
2. Dehydration wrinkles: Thirsty skin
What are they?
These “surface wrinkles” form when the skin lacks water, displaying fine lines that are often more visible upon waking or in dry environments. They are not necessarily linked to deep ageing and can fade once hydration is restored.
Distinguishing signs
- Fine lines that appear particularly on the cheeks, around the eyes or around the mouth.
- Dull skin and sometimes a feeling of tightness, especially in winter or after a day in the sun.
How to address them?
- Internal hydration: Drink enough water (1.5 to 2 litres per day) and eat water-rich foods (cucumbers, watermelon).
- Hydrating skincare: Choose formulas containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, which help retain moisture in the epidermis.
- Environment: Using a humidifier in overheated or air-conditioned rooms can help maintain optimal humidity levels.
3. Age-related wrinkles: The mark of time
What are they?
Also known as static wrinkles, they appear as the skin naturally loses its elasticity and firmness, particularly due to:
- A reduction in collagen and elastin with age.
- A slowdown in cell renewal.
- Decreased sebum production, making the skin thinner and drier.
Where do they appear?
- Around the lips: Sometimes called “marionette lines” or “lip lines” (above the mouth).
- Facial contour: Laxity becomes visible along the jawline, creating a jowl effect.
- Neck and décolleté: A particularly delicate area that is often overlooked.
Recommended approaches
- Antioxidant skincare (vitamin C, E, polyphenols) to help the skin cope with oxidative stress and support its renewal.
- Collagen stimulation: Retinol, peptides, and certain high-frequency devices or micro-needling treatments can help support the skin at a deeper level.
- Sun protection: UV rays accelerate ageing; a daily SPF is essential.
A few universal tips to prevent wrinkles
- Eat a balanced diet: Omega-3s, vitamins and antioxidants (colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts) contribute to preserving skin elasticity.
- Protect your skin from the sun: UV rays are one of the leading causes of skin ageing.
- Avoid smoking: Tobacco weakens collagen fibres and intensifies all types of wrinkles (particularly around the mouth).
- Stay well hydrated: Between water, herbal teas and hydrating skincare, the skin stays suppler and less prone to fine lines.
- Discover our anti-ageing skincare range at My SOS Beauty: A curated selection of products designed to target wrinkles and support skin firmness.
Frequently asked questions
Dehydration lines are fine lines that tend to show up on the cheeks, around the eyes or around the mouth. They’re often more noticeable when you wake up or in dry environments, and they usually come with dull skin and sometimes a feeling of tightness. Unlike static, age-related wrinkles, they may fade once your skin’s hydration is restored. If you’re unsure, a dermatologist can help.
These are expression wrinkles, also called dynamic wrinkles. Every time you move your face, you engage specific muscles. Over time, as your skin loses elasticity, it holds on to the imprint of these repeated contractions. Stress, sun exposure and pollution can amplify the process. Relaxation techniques such as gentle facial massage or breathing exercises may help ease tension in your face.
Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, which help retain moisture in the epidermis. Round out your routine by drinking enough water, 1.5 to 2 liters a day, and eating water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon. In overheated or air-conditioned rooms, a humidifier can also help keep the air from getting too dry.
Yes. UV rays are one of the leading causes of skin aging and can accelerate the appearance of age-related wrinkles. Sun exposure can also amplify expression wrinkles, so a daily SPF is essential. Pair it with a balanced diet and good hydration, and avoid smoking, since tobacco weakens collagen fibers and intensifies all types of wrinkles.
Antioxidant skincare with vitamin C, vitamin E or polyphenols helps your skin cope with oxidative stress. Retinol and peptides are often included in routines focused on firmness. High-frequency devices and micro-needling are other options, but ask a dermatologist for advice before trying them, especially if laxity is pronounced. And don’t forget your neck and décolleté, a delicate area that’s often overlooked.
Conclusion ✨
Each type of wrinkle tells its own story: our expressions, our skin’s hydration levels, or simply the passage of time. Rather than fearing them, understanding these mechanisms allows us to adopt both a preventive and corrective approach. Expression wrinkles can be softened by easing tension and strengthening the skin barrier, while dehydration wrinkles can fade with proper hydration. The appearance of age-related wrinkles can be slowed with a targeted anti-ageing routine (retinol, peptides, firming treatments).
Prevention remains the key: protect your skin from the sun, embrace a healthy lifestyle (hydration, a nourishing diet, stress management) and use targeted products at the first signs of laxity. This can help your skin stay radiant, firm and soft for as long as possible.
Related articles
- Premature aging: the little-known bad habits that speed up the appearance of wrinkles
- High frequency: the treatment that boosts radiance, smooths wrinkles and helps fight blemishes
- Menopause and mature skin: understanding deep changes to better target your anti-aging routine
Useful categories: Anti-Aging.
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