When do wrinkles appear and how can their progression be prevented?

07/10/2025

Wrinkles are one of the first visible signs of skin aging. Although they are a natural process, their appearance often causes aesthetic concern for many people. In fact, they are one of the main reasons for seeking aesthetic medicine consultations. In this article, we explore why and at what age wrinkles appear, and what factors influence their development.

What are wrinkles and why do they form?

Wrinkles are folds or creases in the skin that result from a combination of internal and external factors. The main cause is biological aging, which reduces the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—substances essential for keeping the skin smooth and elastic. Other contributing factors include:

Prolonged sun exposure (photoaging)
Progressive loss of subcutaneous fat
Repetitive facial movements (expressiveness)
Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and oxidative stress

At what age do wrinkles usually appear?

The age of onset varies according to genetics, skin type, and lifestyle habits. Nevertheless, we can identify three main stages

Approximate Age	Type of Wrinkle	Characteristics
25–30 years	Dynamic wrinkles	Associated with facial expressions (smiling, frowning). Found on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes.
40–50 years	Gravitational wrinkles	Caused by loss of volume and skin sagging. Appear on the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and neck.
50+ years	Static wrinkles	Visible even at rest. The skin loses thickness, hydration, and luminosity.

Where do the most common wrinkles appear?

Wrinkles can appear in different areas of the face and neck. The most common are:

Forehead: horizontal lines caused by raising the eyebrows.
Glabella (frown lines): vertical wrinkles caused by frowning.
Crow’s feet: radial lines around the eyes.
Nasolabial fold: line running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Marionette lines: vertical folds from the corners of the mouth to the chin.
Perioral lines (“barcode lines”): around the lips, especially in smokers.
Neck: horizontal wrinkles (Venus necklace) caused by sagging and posture.

What factors accelerate skin aging?

In addition to age, several factors can cause wrinkles to appear earlier or become more pronounced:

Factor	Impact
Genetics	Influences skin type and its regenerative capacity.
Unprotected sun exposure	Main cause of premature aging.
Smoking	Reduces oxygenation and skin elasticity.
Chronic stress and lack of sleep	Alter cellular repair cycles.
Diet low in antioxidants	Accelerates oxidative damage in the skin.

How can the appearance of wrinkles be prevented?

Aunque no se puede evitar su aparición, sí es posible retrasarla y minimizar su impacto mediante estrategias preventivas:

Uso diario de protección solar (mínimo SPF 30)
Hidratación adecuada y productos con retinol, vitamina C y ácido hialurónico
Técnicas de relajación facial y pausas visuales si se trabaja frente a pantallas
Dieta rica en antioxidantes (frutas, verduras, omega-3)
Evitar tabaco, alcohol y exposición prolongada al estrés

When to start aesthetic treatments

At Barraquer, we recommend evaluating each face individually. Treatments can begin at early stages as a preventive measure. The most commonly used include:

Neuromodulators (botulinum toxin) for expression lines
Dermal fillers with hyaluronic acid to restore volume
Laser and intense pulsed light to stimulate collagen
Medical peels to renew the epidermis

Wrinkles are a natural consequence of the passage of time, but their appearance does not have to negatively define one’s personal image. At the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre, we assess each case with medical precision and aesthetic sensitivity to offer effective, minimally invasive solutions tailored to each face.

Dr. Sandra Planella, ophthalmologist specialized in oculoplastic and oculofacial aesthetic surgery.