07/01/2026
Wrinkles aren’t “just age”, they’re basically your skin’s collagen + elastin getting a little tired plus life leaving its cute little receipts.
So what actually causes wrinkles? The big ones:
- Sun (UV) damage: the #1 wrinkle-maker. UV breaks down collagen + elastin and creates that “crepey” texture over time.
- Collagen loss with age: from our mid-late 20s we naturally produce less collagen each year, so skin doesn’t bounce back as fast.
- Repeated facial movement: smiling, frowning, squinting = expression lines (totally normal, totally human).
- Dehydration + impaired barrier: when your skin barrier is weak, fine lines look deeper because skin looks thinner and more “crumpled.”
- Lifestyle + inflammation: smoking/vaping, poor sleep, stress, high sugar/low nutrient diets can all accelerate glycation and dullness.
- Menopause/perimenopause shifts: hormones change how your skin holds water and builds collagen (hello dryness + fine lines).
When do wrinkles start?
Most people notice the first fine lines in their late 20s to early 30s, especially around the eyes (crow’s feet) and forehead, usually from UV + expression + dehydration. Deeper lines tend to show up more through the 30s-40s, and texture/crepiness becomes more obvious when skin is drier or hormonally shifting.
How to prevent (and soften) wrinkles without freaking out about ageing
My pro-ageing approach is: protect, build, hydrate, stimulate.👇
Skincare basics that actually work:
1. SPF 50+ every single day (yes, even driving to Woolies)
2. Vitamin C (AM) to support collagen + brighten
3. Bakuchiol (PM) a gentle, plant-based collagen-supporting alternative to retinol for smoother texture + fine lines
4. LA Cleanser (Lactic Acid) to softly exfoliate, brighten dullness and help skin look smoother (without harsh scrubbing)
5. Barrier love: like Hydra3 Lift Cream, ceramides, peptides, fatty acids, squalane - plumps lines by improving hydration + resilience
6. Consistent hydration: humectants + a good moisturiser to reduce that “crinkled” look
Treatments that make a real difference:
- IPL Skin Rejuvenation: targets sun damage, redness, pigment → smoother, clearer “less aged” look
- RF Microneedling (eg: Secret RF): stimulates collagen + firms for lines + laxity
- LED: calming, healing, collagen-supportive (amazing as a maintenance treatment)
- Skin consultation + AI scan: so we’re treating your skin, not guessing.
Bottom line: wrinkles start earlier than people think but prevention is simple when you’re consistent. And remember… skin with lines is still beautiful skin. It just deserves good support.
Want a personalised plan? Write PLAN in the comments and I'll be in touch with you.