
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Understanding fine lines & wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles are caused by repeated facial expressions, gradual loss of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, and sun damage. Depending on the type of line, they can be softened with anti-wrinkle injections, SmartXEL CO2 laser resurfacing, skin boosters, polynucleotides or dermal fillers. Skin Anatomy in Southwell tailors a combination after a free consultation.
Not all lines are the same, and the type matters when choosing treatment. Dynamic lines appear when you move your face, such as frown lines between the brows, horizontal forehead lines and crow's feet around the eyes. Static lines are visible even when your face is at rest, and usually develop from years of repeated movement combined with thinning skin. Fine, crepey texture, often on the cheeks, under the eyes and on the neck, reflects skin quality rather than muscle movement.
From our mid-twenties, the skin gradually produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep it firm and springy, and holds less hyaluronic acid, so it becomes thinner and drier. Ultraviolet light speeds this up dramatically, which is why sun-exposed areas age faster. Smoking, poor sleep, stress, rapid weight loss and genetics all play a part. Meanwhile, facial fat pads and bone structure change with age, so some lines, such as nasolabial folds, are really a sign of lost support rather than skin creasing.
The most natural results usually come from treating the cause of each line rather than chasing every crease. Relaxing overactive muscles softens dynamic lines, resurfacing and collagen stimulation improve texture and static lines, and restoring lost volume lifts folds. Most clients notice they look fresher and more rested rather than different. Results vary, lines return gradually as treatments wear off or ageing continues, and a realistic maintenance plan is part of every consultation at our Southwell clinic.

What causes fine lines & wrinkles?
- Repeated facial expressions such as frowning, squinting and smiling
- Natural decline in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid with age
- Sun exposure and UV damage
- Smoking and environmental pollution
- Loss of facial volume and support
- Dehydrated skin, poor sleep and stress
- Genetics and skin type
Everyone’s skin is different. At your free consultation we look at the likely causes of your concern, and your medical history, before recommending anything.
Treatments for fine lines & wrinkles
Many clients get the best results from a combination of treatments. We recommend a plan only after a free, no-obligation consultation — and we will tell you honestly what improvement is realistic.
Anti-wrinkle injections relax the specific muscles that create dynamic lines, most commonly frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. Effects start to appear within a few days, settle by about two weeks and typically last three to four months. This is a prescription-only medicine, so every client has a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber before a first treatment, and we aim for softened lines while keeping natural expression.
SmartXEL CO2 fractional laser resurfaces the outer layer of skin and heats the deeper dermis to stimulate new collagen and elastin. It is particularly effective for crepey texture, fine lines around the eyes and mouth, and static lines that injections cannot fully soften. One to two sessions are usually enough for rejuvenation, with seven to ten days of recovery and improvement continuing for two to three months.
Skin boosters place tiny amounts of hyaluronic acid into the upper layers of the skin, drawing in moisture to improve hydration, elasticity and fine, crepey lines. They do not change your features or expression, so they suit people who want better skin quality rather than lifting. A course of treatments a few weeks apart is common, and results build gradually, with maintenance sessions to keep skin hydrated.
Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments that support the skin's own repair processes, improving thickness, elasticity and fine lines over a course of treatments. They are especially useful for delicate areas such as under the eyes, around the mouth and on the neck, where other treatments may be less suitable. Most people have three sessions a few weeks apart, with gradual, subtle improvement rather than an instant change.
Some deeper lines, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines, are caused by lost volume rather than muscle movement. CE-marked hyaluronic acid dermal fillers restore support in the cheeks and lower face, softening these folds from beneath. Results are visible once swelling settles, typically last from several months to over a year depending on the area and product, and hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved if needed.
Before & After
Unretouched before and after photos of treatment at Skin Anatomy. Drag the handle to compare — individual results vary.


Self-care tips
Simple habits that support your skin alongside — or before — any treatment for fine lines & wrinkles.
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF50 daily, even on cloudy days
- Use a retinoid or retinol at night if your skin tolerates it
- Keep skin hydrated with a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol
- Wear sunglasses to reduce squinting
- Prioritise sleep and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants
Fine Lines & Wrinkles: your questions answered
What is the best treatment for wrinkles?
How often would I need anti-wrinkle injections for fine lines?
Can CO2 laser get rid of wrinkles?
Will I look frozen or overdone?
At what age should I start wrinkle treatment?
Is there downtime after wrinkle treatments?
Where can I get wrinkle treatment near Nottingham?
Can I combine different treatments for lines?
Related skin concerns
- Acne ScarsRolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars softened by resurfacing and collagen-building treatments.
- Pigmentation & Sun DamageSun spots, age spots and uneven tone evened out with laser resurfacing and skin regeneration.
- Skin Laxity & JowlsLoose skin along the jawline, chin and neck tightened and redefined without surgery.
- Enlarged Pores & TextureRefine visible pores and rough, uneven texture for smoother, clearer-looking skin.
- Tired Eyes & Dark CirclesThin, crepey under-eye skin strengthened and brightened with regenerative treatments.
Easy to reach from across Nottinghamshire
Skin Anatomy is at 17 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA, around 30 minutes from Nottingham, 15 minutes from Newark-on-Trent and 25 minutes from Mansfield by car (approximate). Clients visit us for treatment for fine lines & wrinkles from Southwell and the surrounding villages, as well as Nottingham, Newark-on-Trent, Mansfield, Bingham and Ollerton. Find travel and parking tips for your town:
Book your free skin consultation






