Understanding Wrinkles: Types, Causes, and the Modern Approach to Smoother Skin

Written by: Dr Tiina Meder

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Published on

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Time to read 5 min

Dr Tiina Meder

Dr Tiina Meder

Founder and CEO of Meder by Dr Tiina Meder (founded in 2009), dermatologist and cosmetic safety expert, an experienced lecturer and speaker on the topic of dermatology and skin care, sharing her expertise around the world in Japan, Taiwan, IMCAS Europe and China, FACE, CCR, APAN (Australia, New Zealand), LNE (France, Poland, Ukraine) and Microbiome Connection (USA) to name but a few. Across her career she has had more than 50 articles published. 

When most people think about wrinkles, they imagine a single problem with a single solution — usually an injectable. But the truth is, wrinkles are far more complex, and understanding their different types can help you choose the most effective, science-backed strategies for prevention and care. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of wrinkles, why they form, and how to address them with lifestyle and skincare — not just needles.

The Many Faces of Wrinkles

Wrinkles aren’t all the same. Here are the most common types:

  • Expression Lines (Mimic Wrinkles). These appear early, often before true skin ageing begins, and are linked to repeated facial movements — think forehead lines, the 11s between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet.
  • Static Wrinkles and Lines. These form due to gravity, loss of skin elasticity, and changes in facial volume. They’re often vertical and found around the mouth, jawline, and cheeks.
  • Crinkles or Fine Lines. Superficial, thin lines caused by dehydration and a weakened skin barrier.
  • Neck Wrinkles. Circular lines unique to the neck, often related to movement, posture, and skin structure.

Why Do Wrinkles Form?

Wrinkles develop for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Facial Expressions & Muscle Contraction. Our facial muscles are unique. In the body, muscles attach to bones at both ends, enabling movement. In the face, however, many muscles attach to bone at one end and to skin at the other, moving the skin when you express emotions. Human facial expressions play an important role in non-verbal communication. Over time, repeated movements can create folds and lines.
  • Aging and Hormonal Changes. As we age, our skin’s support network weakens, making it more susceptible to gravity and volume loss.
  • Dehydration & Barrier Damage. Lack of moisture and a compromised skin barrier lead to fine lines and crinkles.

Prevention & Treatment: More Than Just Injectables

🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Meder Beauty Podcast for the real science behind wrinkles and lines and how to treat them with skincare — not syringes.

Expression Lines

While Botox is a popular solution, it’s not the only — or always the best — option. Neuromodulating peptides in skincare can help relax superficial muscle contractions, softening lines without freezing your expressions. Peptides interact with the superficial part of muscles entwined into the skin, smoothing and weakening their ability to contract without paralyzing muscles. A combination of neuromodulating and remodeling peptides helps to smooth facial muscle contractions while boosting collagen synthesis simultaneously.


The best Meder solution for expression wrinkles is the Myo-Fix active care cream. We recommend using it twice a day for a 5–10 week period to prevent and diminish expression lines in the upper and mid parts of the face.


Myo-Fix active mask, used weekly, helps achieve maximum results and maintain a relaxed facial expression in the future.


Aesthetic clinics and salons offer Meder Myo-Fix biofacial treatments. We recommend a five-week course of five treatments for optimal results.

Static Wrinkles

Here, the focus is on maintaining a strong skin structure:

  • Physical Activity. Just 20–30 minutes a day helps skin cells stay active and boosts collagen production.
  • Protein-rich Diet. Collagen is a protein — ensure you’re eating enough for your body’s needs.
  • Quality Sleep. Skin repairs itself at night, so prioritise rest.
  • Microcirculation. Ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3), caffeine, green tea, and horse chestnut support healthy blood flow, delivering nutrients and removing toxins.
  • Skin Elasticity. Ingredients like remodelling peptides, apple stem cells, growth factors, and biofermented plants boost collagen synthesis, restoring the organised structure in the deep skin layers.
  • Antioxidants & Sun Protection. Shield your skin from free radicals, glycation, and UV damage with antioxidant-rich skincare and daily SPF.

The best Meder solution for static wrinkles is the Arma-Lift active care serum. We recommend using it twice a day for a 5–10 week period to prevent and diminish static lines and restore skin elasticity. 


Arma-Lift active mask, used weekly, helps achieve maximum results, tighten skin, and restore the jawline. 


Aesthetic clinics and salons offer Meder Arma-Lift biofacial treatments. We recommend a five-week course of five treatments for optimal results.

Fine Lines & Crinkles

These are best addressed by restoring moisture and the skin barrier:

  • Water-Holding Ingredients. Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, carrageenan, lactic acid, gluconolactone, aloe vera leaf juice extract, and other moisturising ingredients.
  • Microbiome Support. Prebiotics and probiotics help beneficial bacteria thrive, supporting barrier function and calming inflammation.
  • Barrier Lipids. Ceramides, squalane, shea butter, and organic oils replenish lost lipids and lock in moisture.
  • Antioxidants & Sun Protection. Shield your skin from free radicals, glycation, and UV damage with antioxidant-rich skincare and daily SPF.

The best Meder solution for crinkles and dehydrated skin is the Hydra-Fill active care serum. We recommend using it twice a day for a 5–10 week period to moisturize skin and restore water-holding capacity, a healthy skin microbiome, and barrier function.


Hydra-Fill active mask, used weekly, helps achieve maximum results and a “Glass Skin” look — perfect for preparing your skin for special occasions when you need to look immaculate.


Aesthetic clinics and salons offer Meder Hydra-Fill biofacial treatments. We recommend a five-week course of five treatments for optimal results.

Neck Wrinkles

Neck skin is drier, thinner, and relies more on elastin than collagen. Prevention and care include:

  • Relaxation & Posture. Regular stretching, massage, and proper posture reduce muscle tension.
  • Nourishing Moisturisers. Use lipid-rich creams to compensate for the neck’s natural lack of oils.
  • Elastin-Boosting Peptides. Specialised remodelling peptides boost the synthesis of key protein of neck skin called elastin to prevent and diminish existing wrinkles.
  • Caution with Energy Treatments. Avoid lasers or radio frequency directly over the thyroid gland.

The best Meder solution to prevent and diminish neck lines is the Arma-Neck moisturiser for neck skin. We recommend using it once or twice a day regularly, starting in the early 30s if possible. After the first weeks of use, you’ll notice an improvement in skin elasticity and a visible reduction in circular neck lines.

Conclusion: Personalised, Physiological Care

Wrinkle prevention and treatment are most effective when tailored to the type of wrinkle and the underlying cause. Focus on a holistic routine: healthy lifestyle, targeted skincare, sun protection, and professional treatments like microcurrent or LED therapy when needed. Remember, injectables aren’t the only answer — science-based skincare and self-care can keep your skin strong, smooth, and beautifully expressive at any age.

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