Causes of Wrinkles Wrinkles are a sign of ageing, but not always. There are several causes leading to wrinkles and fine lines on face. These causes include; • Ageing – dermis begins to thin providing weak support to the structures in skin and producing lesser oil and retaining lesser moisture leading to depressions in skin • Habitual facial expressions – smiling, frowning, squinting and other expressions are small muscle contractions that with time produce fine lines on face • Sun damage – excessive exposure to UV rays in sunlight breaks down collagen and produces abnormal elastin and metalloprotease encouraging rebuilding of collagen and this process of building and rebuilding leads to wrinkles • Smoking – results in breakdown of collagen in skin and synthesis of new collagen begins at slow pace forming wrinkles over time