Debunking Wrinkle Myths

• 12 June 2025
• Dr Zil Yassine

Last updated on July 10, 2025

As many people consider wrinkles a problem that needs to be solved, there is a lot of information (and, unfortunately, misinformation) about them. So today, we’re looking into some common wrinkle myths on causes, treatments, and prevention.

 

Are wrinkles all about genetics? 

No. While genetics do play a crucial role in collagen and elastin production, lifestyle factors also contribute. Even if you have good anti-wrinkle genes, habits such as smoking, tanning, and an unhealthy diet can speed up skin ageing.  

 

Can moisturiser get rid of wrinkles?

Unfortunately, moisturisers can’t prevent wrinkle formation, nor can they erase existing ones. However, moisturising daily will protect the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, which will keep your skin looking firmer and healthier for longer. 

Look for a moisturiser that is suitable for your skin type (eg, an unscented one for sensitive skin) and that contains peptides. Peptides work to protect collagen structures, which could delay the formation of fine lines. 

 

Do I need to wear sunscreen all the time?

You need to wear sunscreen if you’re going to be outdoors for as little as 10 minutes during peak sun hours (10 am-4 pm). Yes, this rule even applies on cloudy days. 

Vitamin D is essential for skin health (as well as your bones and muscles), so you should ideally get 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily outside those peak hours. If that isn’t possible, however, sunscreen won’t stop vitamin D production, though it will slow it down.

 

Do I need a lot of skin care products for wrinkles?

The products you need largely depend on your skin type. However, most people generally only require: 

• A cleanser with salicylic, glycolic, lactic, or malic acid
• A moisturiser containing peptides
• Retinol serum for anti-aging 
• SPF 50+ sunscreen 

If you have particularly oily skin or your cleanser doesn’t have one of the aforementioned acids, you can use an exfoliator 1-3 times per week.

Note: you don’t need to shop for expensive products. As long as you’re buying from a trusted brand, the products don’t cause an adverse reaction, and the formulas have the necessary ingredients, cheaper alternatives will work just as well.

 

Does dairy cause wrinkles?

The jury is still out on whether dairy has a positive, negative, or no effect on skin health. In some individuals, dairy may increase inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially resulting in premature aging. 

However, not everyone will have this reaction. Additionally, dairy is an excellent source of calcium, which your skin needs to stay happy and firm. 

Ultimately, it depends on how your body reacts to dairy products. If you feel sluggish, bloated, or constipated after eating dairy, consider exploring alternatives. If not, you can still consume it in moderation. 

 

Do I need to stop moving my face to avoid wrinkles?

This is one of the most common wrinkle myths. In truth, multiple types of wrinkles form for a few different reasons. Expression wrinkles are only one part of the equation. 

Atrophic Crinkling Rhytids form due to a loss of collagen as we age. Lifestyle habits, such as an overabundance of sun exposure, also influence how early atrophic crinkling rhytids appear.

Permanent Elastotic Creases develop where the skin naturally creases (lips, cheeks, the bottom of the neck), and unlike crinkle lines, these are deep wrinkles. Fairer skin, sun exposure, and smoking can influence how early you get these and how deep they’ll be.

Compression wrinkles may form on your face and neck if you sleep on your stomach.

Gravitational folds form when the skin begins to sag as we age. With continued loss of elasticity and the forces of gravity, jowls form around the neck and chin. 

 

Are anti-wrinkle creams as effective as other methods?

Creams containing retinol do stimulate collagen production and cell turnover, which can help your skin look healthier and firmer. However, it’s generally only effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines. Expression wrinkles, creases, and gravitational folds aren’t likely to respond to it. 

 

Can I get any treatment for my wrinkles?

No. There are a few treatment options for a reason. For example, facelifts are a surgical procedure best suited for reducing sagging. Fillers are best suited for plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of static fine lines, such as crows’ feet. Toxin injections, meanwhile, are best for slowing the development and lessening the severity of dynamic (expression) wrinkles like smile lines and forehead creases. 

 

Debunking wrinkle myths: the takeaway

Wrinkles are a common pain point. While there is a lot of information, treatments, and products out there to fight them, not everything is going to work for you. Ultimately, it’s always best to keep healthy habits, cut unhealthy ones, and follow a good skin care routine. And should you want to pursue treatment, book a consultation with a specialist.