As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity and vitality, resulting in lines, wrinkles and folds (ahhh, just one of the many things in life to look forward to as we get older!). They’re not all bad though - after all, they help tell a story of our life, and can add character and individuality. But I get it - they can sometimes make our skin look tired and dull.
You may have heard the terms ‘dynamic lines’ and ‘static lines’ batted around, which are often used to describe facial wrinkles. But what do they actually mean, how are they different, and what treatments can we use to get rid of them if we decide we no longer want them?
Let’s take a look at dynamic lines first...
What are dynamic lines?
Dynamic lines are the lines that are caused by facial expressions, e.g. smiling, frowning and squinting. These repetitive movements lead to wrinkles such as forehead lines, 11s, crow’s feet and lipstick lines. But these types of lines don’t stick around when you relax your expression.
Of course, it’s human to show how we are feeling through facial expressions - we all do it. But, as we get older and our skin loses its elasticity, these dynamic lines become more permanent and visible.
How do I get rid of dynamic lines?
When it comes to reducing the appearance of dynamic lines, practitioners recommend Botox - or rather botulinum toxin (Botox is just one of many brands of botulinum toxin), a neurotoxin made from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
How does Botox work?
Botox is injected into the targeted area, and works by blocking signals from the nerve cells to the muscles, in essence, temporarily paralysing the muscles until the toxin is metabolised.
While Botox is a great way to reduce dynamic lines, it’s important to note that it is not a permanent fix, and Botox injections will need to be repeated again several months down the line.
What are static lines?
As the name suggests, when we talk about static lines, we are referring to the lines that remain even when our face is neutral. These include tear troughs (below the eyes), marionette lines (between the mouth and the chin) and nasolabial lines, which you’ll most likely know as laugh or smile lines.
What treatments are used to minimise static lines?
When it comes to reducing the appearance of static lines, dermal fillers are the treatment of choice. Substances used in fillers are either natural or synthetic, but the most popular is hyaluronic acid (HA), which is found naturally within our bodies.
How do dermal fillers work?
Like Botox, fillers are injected into the skin using a needle, or sometimes a cannula, depending on the area you’re targeting.
They work by (no big surprise here) filling the skin and smoothing it out. But how exactly? Well, the injected HA absorbs water like a sponge and fills out the wrinkles in question, while plumping up the skin, making it appear more rejuvenated.
Depending on the type of dermal filler you have, and the area you treat, you can expect the effects to last for 6-24 months.
Want to know more? You can read all about the difference between Botox and fillers here. You can also check out our Botox and dermal fillers treatment guides, which are full of useful information.
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