Fine Lines & Wrinkles: How to Smooth Things Over
Let’s face it: fine lines and wrinkles happen.
They’re totally normal signs of skin getting wiser with time—but that doesn’t mean you can’t soften their appearance and help your skin stay plump and glowy.
What are fine lines and wrinkles, exactly?
Fine lines are shallow, small creases that show up on the skin—think crow’s feet or smile lines. Wrinkles are a little deeper and more noticeable, forming from years of expressive living (hello, forehead furrows). These lines form when the skin starts losing collagen, elastin, and hydration—aka the things that keep it firm and bouncy.
What causes fine lines and wrinkles?
- Natural aging: Skin cell turnover slows down, and collagen production drops. It’s totally normal—but it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it.
- Sun exposure: UV rays break down collagen and speed up aging (sunscreen is a daily must).
- Facial movements: Smiling, frowning, squinting—it all adds up to creasing over time.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, lack of sleep, high-stress levels, and sugar-heavy diets can all speed things up.
- Dryness: Dehydrated skin tends to make fine lines more visible.
Skincare ingredients that actually help
These powerhouse ingredients can help plump, smooth, and support skin:
- Retinol (or bakuchiol, a botanical alternative) – Speeds up cell turnover and helps soften lines
- Peptides – Encourage collagen production for firmer, bouncier skin
- Vitamin C – Brightens, protects, and firms
- Hyaluronic Acid – Attracts moisture to keep skin plump and hydrated
- Niacinamide – Helps with texture and elasticity
- SPF – Still the GOAT for prevention
💡 Ready to put these ingredients to work? Take the skin quiz and get top notch recommendations tailored to your skin type and concern.
Tips for managing fine lines & wrinkles
- Keep skin hydrated (and drink water—your skin loves it).
- Use a serum with retinol or peptides at night.
- Wear SPF every. single. day. (even when it’s cloudy).
- Try a richer night cream to lock in moisture.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and creasing.
- Prioritize rest—your skin repairs itself overnight!
In-office treatments worth exploring
Looking to take things up a notch? These professional treatments can help target deeper lines and support long-term skin firmness:
- Microneedling: Uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries that boost collagen and smooth skin
Downtime: 1–2 days of redness
Results: Noticeable improvement after 2–3 sessions, with skin continuing to improve for months - Fraxel Laser: Resurfaces skin to reduce fine lines, sun spots, and rough texture
Downtime: 3–7 days of redness and peeling
Results: Visible improvement after one session, with gradual results over 3–6 months - CO2 Laser: Removes outer skin layers to target deeper wrinkles and texture
Downtime: 7–14 days of redness, peeling, and recovery
Results: Dramatic improvement in deep lines and skin smoothness—results continue to build over months - Botox: Relaxes facial muscles to soften expression lines (think forehead and crow’s feet)
Downtime: Minimal
Results: Visible within 3–7 days, lasting around 3–4 months - Dermal Fillers: Restore lost volume and fill deeper lines (like smile lines)
Downtime: Mild swelling or bruising for a few days
Results: Immediate and last 6–18 months - Chemical Peels: Gently exfoliate to improve texture and even tone
Downtime: Depends on the strength—light peels = zero downtime, deeper peels = 5–7 days
Results: Gradual improvement with repeat treatments - Radiofrequency or Ultrasound (e.g., Thermage, Ultherapy): Use heat to stimulate collagen deep in the skin, tightening and lifting over time
Downtime: None
Results: Develop gradually over 2–3 months, lasting up to a year or more
Note: During pregnancy, certain in-office treatments and products are off limits. Read this guide to tackling fine lines and wrinkles during pregnancy for more info.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fine Lines and Wrinkles
When should I start using anti-aging skincare?
Many people start incorporating preventative ingredients like SPF, antioxidants, and retinol in their mid-to-late 20s. You don’t need a full routine right away—just a few key products to support collagen and hydration as you age.
What ingredients help reduce the appearance of fine lines?
Look for retinol (or bakuchiol), peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients boost collagen, smooth texture, and hydrate skin—all key for softening lines over time.
Are there any natural alternatives to retinol?
Yes—bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that claims to offer similar benefits to retinol (like improved texture and reduced fine lines) but tends to be gentler and less irritating.
What in-office treatments help with fine lines and skin texture?
Non-injectable options like microneedling, chemical peels, radiofrequency, and Fraxel laser help stimulate collagen and resurface the skin. Most require a series of sessions, with gradual improvement over time.
Do injectables help fine lines and wrinkles, and how much do they cost?
Injectables like Botox relax facial muscles to soften expression lines, while fillers and Sculptra add volume to smooth deeper creases. Costs vary by provider and area, but generally range from $300–$600 for Botox and $600–$1,200+ for fillers per session.
Tips for managing fine lines and wrinkles
- Hydrate your skin daily (and drink water—your skin loves it).
- Use a targeted treatment serum with retinol or peptides.
- Never skip sunscreen—even when it’s cloudy.
- Try a nighttime routine that includes richer moisturizers or anti-aging creams.
- Invest in silk pillowcases to reduce sleep creases.
- Avoid smoking and aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night.
