WHAT ARE WRINKLES? WHY DO THEY FORM AND HOW CAN WE FIGHT THEM?

Prof. Luca Valgimigli, Technical Director at BeC

Wrinkles are among the first visible signs of aging on our skin, but not all wrinkles are the same—and not all are caused by age alone. Understanding what wrinkles are and why they form is the first step in choosing the most effective treatments to address them, in a way that respects the skin’s natural physiology.

What Are Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are folds or creases in the skin’s surface that develop with aging, due to the gradual loss of support in the dermis, the deep structure that sustains the skin.

The dermis is made up of:

• Water and glycosaminoglycans (like hyaluronic acid), which provide plumpness

• Collagen and elastin, two essential structural proteins

• Fibroblasts, the specialized cells that produce these components

Over time, fibroblast activity decreases, and the skin loses elasticity, firmness, and hydration—leading to the formation of wrinkles.

Types of Wrinkles: Know Them to Treat Them Better

Not all wrinkles are the same. Here are the four main types:

• Dynamic or expression lines
  ➤ Caused by repeated facial muscle contractions (forehead, eye contour, lips)

• Sleep lines
  ➤ Caused by pressure on the skin against a pillow during sleep

• Gravitational wrinkles
  ➤ Caused by tissue sagging (chin, neck, eyelids) due to gravity and loss of tone

• Glyphic or actinic wrinkles
  ➤ Result from chronic sun exposure and are linked to photoaging

Why Do Wrinkles Form?

The main causes of wrinkles include:

• Decreased synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid

• Poor skin hydration

• Damage from free radicals (oxidative and photo-oxidative stress)

• Excessive sun exposure

• Slower metabolism and weakened antioxidant defenses

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and dermal fibers, accelerating skin aging.

How to Fight Wrinkles Naturally and Effectively

To be truly effective, an anti-wrinkle treatment must work on multiple levels. Here are the main approaches:

1. Antioxidants to Neutralize Free Radicals

🌿 Functional ingredients:

• Vitamin E

• Stable derivatives of Vitamin C

• Plant extracts rich in polyphenols

💡 These can be used both topically (cosmetics) and internally (supplements).

2. Muscle-Relaxing Peptides

Biomolecules inspired by snake venom that help relax facial muscles and reduce expression lines.

3. Exfoliation and Skin Renewal

Use treatments with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as bioactive muds, which promote cell turnover and smooth the skin’s surface.

4. Deep Hydration

Choose products with hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture in the skin and visibly improves firmness and elasticity.

Preventing and Treating Wrinkles: Consistency and Quality

There’s no instant solution—but a consistent and targeted routine makes a real difference.
Daily use of high-quality anti-wrinkle cosmetics, combined with a healthy lifestyle (hydration, sun protection, antioxidant-rich diet), is the most effective strategy to fight the signs of aging.

🌿 Want smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin?
Discover our natural anti-wrinkle treatments.