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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image showing wrinkles on the face Wrinkles

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but they're most prominent on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, neck, hands and forearms. Although genetics are the most important determinant of skin structure and texture, sun exposure is the major contributor to wrinkles. Environmental exposure, such as to heat, wind and dust, as well as smoking, also may contribute to wrinkling.

If your wrinkles bother you, you have more options than ever to help eliminate or at least diminish their appearance. Medications, skin-resurfacing techniques, fillers, injectables and surgery top the list of effective wrinkle treatments.

Symptoms
References
  1. Photoaging. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mkgr/mmg/sec15/ch122/ch122c.jsp. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
  2. Puizina-Ivic N, et al. Modern approach to topical treatment of aging skin. Collegium Antropologicum. 2010;34:1145.
  3. Zerbos ZJ, et al. Update on botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. Current Opinion in Opthalmology. 2010;21:387.
  4. Facial skin rejuvenation. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/cosmetic_facial.html. Accessed Nov. 5, 2010.
  5. Aging hair/skin problems: Wrinkles. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/agingskinnet/wrinkles.html. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
  6. Basavaraj KH, et. al. Diet in dermatology: Present perspectives. Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2010;55:205.
  7. Zussman J, et al. Vitamins and photoaging: Do scientific data support their use? Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;63:507.
  8. Tierney EP, et al. Recent advances in combination treatments for photoaging: Review of the literature. Dermatologic Surgery. 2010;36:829.
  9. Paes EC, et al. Perioral wrinkles: Histologic differences between men and women. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2009;29:467.
  10. Baumann L. Cosmetics and skin care in dermatology. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3007166&searchStr=xerosis. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
  11. 10 tips: Getting the best results from age-fighting topicals. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/agingskinnet/age_fighting_results.html. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
  12. Cosmeceutical facts and your skin. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/general_cosmeceutical.html. Accessed Nov. 13, 2010.
  13. Technology report: Fractional photothermolysis. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/_NewsPage.aspx?id=1078&terms=fraxel#. Accessed Nov. 19, 2010.
  14. Technology report: Monopolar radiofrequency. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/_NewsPage.aspx?id=1378&terms=radiofrequency#. Accessed Nov. 19, 2010.
DS00890 Jan. 27, 2011

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