Wrinkles
Wrinkles are fine lines or deeper folds that can develop across the face. Lines seen only during expression are often called dynamic; those visible when the face is relaxed are static. Both are common parts of ageing, and their timing and depth vary considerably.
What you may notice
- Fine surface lines or crepey texture
- Folds that deepen during expression
- Lines that remain visible at rest
- Different patterns across sun-exposed areas
Why it can happen
Skin gradually produces less collagen and elastin and retains moisture differently. Repeated facial movement, cumulative ultraviolet exposure, smoking, genetics and changes in facial fat and support all affect the pattern. A deeper fold may reflect volume or tissue position as well as the skin surface.
What may help
Daily broad-spectrum sun protection and avoiding smoking help limit further photoageing. Moisturiser can temporarily soften dry fine lines; selected topical retinoids have evidence for photoaged skin but may irritate. Depending on the cause, professional options include muscle-relaxing injections, resurfacing, fillers or surgery. No single treatment addresses every type of wrinkle. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy.
When to consult
Consultation can help distinguish movement, surface damage, volume loss and tissue descent before choosing treatment. A sudden new facial crease with weakness, drooping, numbness or speech difficulty is not typical ageing and needs urgent medical assessment.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Facial lines and wrinkles [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2004 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/facial-lines-and-wrinkles (new tab)
- DermNet. Ageing skin [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ageing-skin (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/skin-rejuvenation-and-resurfacing (new tab)
- US Food and Drug Administration. Wrinkle treatments and other anti-aging products [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): FDA; 2024 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/wrinkle-treatments-and-other-anti-aging-products (new tab)
- European Medicines Agency. Updated measures for pregnancy prevention during retinoid use [Internet]. European Medicines Agency; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/updated-measures-pregnancy-prevention-during-retinoid-use (new tab)