Face Lines: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Face Lines?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually cares for face lines. A plastic surgeon, a doctor who does surgery to change how the body looks, can also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are face lines?
Face lines are wrinkles on the face. Wrinkles are creases in the skin. The medical term for wrinkles is rhytids.
Most wrinkles come from aging changes in the skin. Aging of the skin, hair, and nails is a natural process. Wrinkles are not usually a cause for concern unless they occur at an early age.
Symptoms
Skin changes are among the most visible signs of aging. Signs of aging include wrinkles and sagging skin. Other changes can include:
- Skin that looks thinner, paler, and translucent, which means a little see-through.
- Age spots, also called liver spots, in sun-exposed areas.
- Dryness.
- Skin that is less plump and smooth, because it loses fat.
- Less strength and stretch in the skin, because the connective tissue, the support tissue in the skin, changes.
In sun-exposed skin, the loss of stretch can give a leathery, weather-beaten look. This look is common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Causes and who gets it
Common causes of wrinkles are family history, normal aging changes in the skin, smoking, and sun exposure. The greatest single factor is sun exposure.
Frequent or long sun exposure leads to early wrinkles and dark areas on the skin. Smoking contributes to wrinkles too. The wrinkling increases with the amount of cigarettes and the number of years a person has smoked. Exposure to cigarette smoke can also make skin wrinkle sooner.
Blue-eyed, fair-skinned people show more aging skin changes than people with darker, more heavily pigmented skin. Natural pigments seem to protect the skin from sun damage.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider will ask questions and examine your skin. They may ask when you first noticed more wrinkles than normal. They may also ask whether a skin spot has become painful or bleeds.
You may need a skin biopsy if you have abnormal growths or skin changes. In a biopsy, a small sample of skin is checked in a lab.
Treatment
These are some treatments for wrinkles:
- Tretinoin (Retin-A) or creams that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid.
- Chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or dermabrasion, which work well for early wrinkles.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox), which may be used to correct some wrinkles caused by overactive facial muscles.
- Medicines injected under the skin, which can fill in wrinkles or stimulate collagen production.
- Plastic surgery for age-related wrinkles, such as a facelift.
Many products claim to reduce wrinkles, but the Food and Drug Administration has approved only a few for sun-damaged or aging skin.
To limit wrinkles, stay out of the sun as much as possible. Wear hats and protective clothing, and use sunscreen daily. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your provider if your skin is wrinkling faster than normal for your age. You can also talk to a provider if you would like to consider cosmetic treatments for normal wrinkles. A skin specialist or a plastic surgeon can discuss non-surgical or surgical options with you.
Have a doctor look at any skin spot that becomes painful or bleeds.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can look at your skin and check any spots that worry you. They can also refer you to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for cosmetic treatments.
Common questions
Are face lines a sign of a health problem?
Usually no. Wrinkles are not usually a cause for concern unless they occur at an early age.
What causes face lines?
Several things cause face lines, and sun exposure is the greatest single factor. Normal aging, smoking, and family history also play a part.
Can sunscreen help with face lines?
Yes, it is advised as part of limiting wrinkles. Staying out of the sun, wearing hats and protective clothing, and using sunscreen daily help limit skin wrinkles.
Do wrinkle creams work?
Some creams, such as tretinoin, are used to treat wrinkles, but the FDA has approved only a few products for sun-damaged or aging skin. Many products only claim to reduce wrinkles.
Does smoking cause face lines?
Yes, smoking contributes to wrinkles. The wrinkling increases with the amount of cigarettes and the number of years a person has smoked.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
