Wrinkles: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Wrinkles?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, or a plastic surgeon can talk with you about options for wrinkles. Your regular health care provider can check your skin if you think it is wrinkling faster than normal for your age. 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 wrinkles?
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
Wrinkles and sagging skin are among the most visible signs of aging. As skin ages, the outer layer gets thinner. Aging skin looks thinner, paler, and clear, which doctors call translucent.
- Age spots, also called liver spots, may appear in areas that get sun.
- The skin loses some strength and stretch. This is more noticeable in sun-exposed areas and can give skin a leathery, weather-beaten look.
- The skin makes less oil, which can make it harder to keep the skin moist. Dryness and itching can follow.
Causes and who gets it
Common causes of wrinkles are family history, normal aging changes in the skin, smoking, and sun exposure. Skin changes are also related to nutrition and the environment.
The greatest single factor is sun exposure. Frequent or long time in the sun leads to early wrinkles and dark areas. It also raises the chance of skin cancer. Tanning from the sun or a tanning bed can speed up aging as well.
Exposure to cigarette smoke can make skin wrinkle sooner. Natural skin pigment seems to give some protection from sun damage. Blue-eyed, fair-skinned people show more aging skin changes than people with darker skin.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will ask when you first noticed that your skin seemed more wrinkled than normal and whether it has changed. Your provider will also examine your skin. You may need a skin biopsy, where a small piece of skin is checked, if you have abnormal growths or skin changes.
Treatment
Daily habits are the base of wrinkle care. Stay out of the sun as much as you can, wear hats and clothing that protect your skin, and use sunscreen daily. Dermatologists suggest a sunscreen or facial moisturizer with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Moisturizing can help reduce the look of some fine lines.
Some treatments for wrinkles are:
- 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 for some wrinkles caused by overactive facial muscles.
- Medicines injected under the skin to fill in wrinkles or stimulate collagen production.
- Plastic surgery for age-related wrinkles, such as a facelift.
Most skin care products take at least six weeks to work, and sometimes three months. Use products as directed, because applying more than directed can cause clogged pores or a blotchy complexion. Stop using products that sting or burn unless a dermatologist prescribed them.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your health care provider if your skin is wrinkling faster than normal for someone your age. Also talk to your provider if you want to consider cosmetic treatments for normal wrinkles from aging.
Your provider may ask whether a skin spot has changed, become painful, or bleeds. Your provider can say whether any skin lesion is worrisome.
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, talk about sun protection and skin care habits, and refer you to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon if you want to consider treatment.
Common questions
What causes wrinkles?
Common causes of wrinkles are family history, normal aging changes in the skin, smoking, and sun exposure. Sun exposure is the greatest single factor in skin aging.
Can sun protection prevent wrinkles?
Yes, protecting your skin from the sun can limit wrinkles. Dermatologists say the sun's rays can speed up signs of aging, so they suggest daily sunscreen and no tanning.
Does smoking cause wrinkles?
Yes, exposure to cigarette smoke can make the skin wrinkle sooner. Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke is part of home care.
Do wrinkle creams work?
Some products can help, but they take time. Moisturizing can reduce the look of some fine lines, and most skin care products take at least six weeks to work.
Are wrinkles a sign of a health problem?
Usually not. Wrinkles are not usually a cause for concern unless they occur at an early age.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Wrinkles
- American Academy of Dermatology - Wrinkle remedies
- MedlinePlus - Aging changes in skin
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.
