Wrinkle Types: Dynamic VS Static

Wrinkles typically fall into two main categories: static and dynamic. Sometimes facial folds and dehydration lines can be mistaken for wrinkles but these are different and require separate treatments. Identifying your wrinkle type is crucial since the causes—and solutions—differ.

Static Wrinkles

• Static wrinkles are visible even when your face is at rest. These result from skin aging and become more prominent over time. Wrinkles can also differ in depth and thickness, coarse wrinkles are often linked to photoaging (sun damage) while finer lines are usually related to chronological aging. 

Dynamic Wrinkles

• Unlike static wrinkles, dynamic wrinkles only appear with facial movements. If you notice lines that disappear when your face is relaxed, they’re dynamic. They form because the skin bunches over contracting muscles, often seen in areas

• like the forehead and around the eyes. Dynamic wrinkles can also evolve into static ones due to repetitive movements combined with the loss of skin integrity. 

Other “Wrinkles”

• It’s essential to differentiate wrinkles from the natural facial folds, such as nasolabial folds, which become more pronounced as we lose volume and support in the fat pads. Dehydration can also temporarily exaggerate fine lines.

The Cause of Wrinkles

Wrinkles are primarily a result of aging, influenced by both internal and external factors. As skin loses integrity, it becomes less resistant  to mechanical stress (like facial movement) and environmental stressors (like sun exposure).

Wrinkle Progression with Age:

1. Dynamic Wrinkles First (Usually): These are caused by repetitive muscle movements—think of all the expressions you make daily. Facial muscles are unique in that they can attach directly to the skin, causing bunching and creasing with each contraction. As skin ages, it becomes thinner and less elastic so these lines become more noticeable.
2. Static Wrinkles Follow: Over time, the skin becomes less able to resist the pull of facial muscles contracting (some muscles actually exert more force with age as a result).  Dynamic wrinkles deepen into static ones, creating fine lines that persist even when your face is relaxed.
3. Deepening Wrinkles: Static wrinkles continue to deepen and become more pronounced, making them even more challenging to treat. Sun exposure accelerates this process, adding more lines, especially in exposed areas.

While you can’t stop intrinsic aging (aging due to internal factors like genetics), our skin isn’t as influenced by this type of aging compared to other tissues. Almost all skin aging is due to environmental, rather than intrinsic, factors. This means that prevention and your skincare choices matter—a lot. Let’s explore what works and what doesn’t.

Does Anything Actually Help Wrinkles?

Treating Dynamic Wrinkles:

Since dynamic wrinkles involve muscles, skincare alone won’t address them. The only proven treatment? Neuromodulators like Botox, administered by a licensed healthcare professional.

Treating Static Wrinkles:

Static wrinkles do involve the skin layers, unlike the dynamic type, but they remain very stubborn to treat. Retinoids can support collagen production but for the best outcome, consider in-office treatments like:

• Laser therapy
• Microneedling
• Chemical peels
• Dermal fillers

Looking at the list of options we’ve covered, it’s not exactly encouraging. In-office treatments can be expensive and some have discomfort and downtime. But while skincare may not be best choice for treating wrinkles, it can help prevent them… if you start early.

Preventive Skincare Must-Haves:

1. Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen – Protects against the number one cause of wrinkles: photoaging.
2. Retinoids – Maintain and support collagen in the skin.
3. Antioxidants - protect skin against oxidative stress. Pick Vitamin C or Niacinamide to further target aging.
4. Barrier-Replenishing Moisturizers – Support skin health and hydration.

Bonus Tip: Noticing fine lines suddenly? They might just be dehydration lines! Hydrate your skin with products like hydrating toners (think Stratia Skin Aqua Factory) to temporarily plump and smooth your complexion.

Debunking Wrinkle Misinformation

Let’s discuss some popular wrinkle-reducing hacks and products:

1. Microcurrent Devices: Claims about muscle toning and relaxation lack scientific backing. They may benefit skin health but won’t replace Botox. And muscle laxity isn’t a significant contributor to facial aging so this one just doesn’t make much sense anyway.
2. “Botox in a Bottle”: There’s no topical product that mimics Botox. Skincare addresses skin, not muscles. Instead, consider products like Lipid Gold Eye Cream that are tailored toward the delicate skin of the eye and improve the appearance of the skin without unrealistic claims.
3. Silicone Patches: These may offer some temporary results though it’s likely because occlusion improves hydration, not because they’re reducing movement while you sleep. Use them if you see a benefit but don’t expect a miracle cure.

References 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4278179/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8438644/

1. Castor Oil: Despite online claims, it won’t replace Botox either - or address wrinkles. It’s just an oil with some emollient and occlusive properties.

Final Thoughts:

Understanding wrinkles can help you better understand the options available to you in addressing them, however you decide to approach aging. The bottom line is that there’s no miracle cure here. Focus on prevention, invest only in proven treatments (if you choose to), and don’t fall for marketing hype. 

Mira is a skincare educator, blogger, and the content creator behind Skin Science by Mira and The Skincare Forum on Facebook. While skincare keeps her busy, she’s also pursuing her degree in Nursing and loves to spend her free time hiking.  As a content writer for Stratia Skin, Mira shares her evidence-based approach to skincare topics and a passion for making science accessible.