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What Causes Wrinkles and How to Slow Them Down

September 29, 2026
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Wrinkles are a natural part of life. They show years of laughing, squinting in the sun and everything in between. But if you’ve started noticing fine lines settling in or deeper creases that weren’t there before, you’re not alone in wanting to understand why, and what you can do about it.

The good news is that while you can’t stop time, you can slow down how quickly wrinkles form and soften the ones you already have. Here’s a look at what causes wrinkles and the treatments that can help.

What Causes Wrinkles?

Natural Collagen and Elastin Loss

Collagen and elastin are the proteins that keep skin firm, smooth and bouncy. As we age, the body gradually produces less of both. Skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making it easier for lines and creases to form and harder for skin to bounce back.

Sun Exposure

UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of early skin aging. Over time, UV rays break down collagen and elastin faster than the body can replace them, leading to wrinkles, uneven texture and sun spots. In Calgary, higher elevation and plenty of sunny days mean skin can be exposed to more UV than you might expect, even in winter.

Repeated Facial Expressions

Every time you smile, frown or raise your eyebrows, the muscles under your skin contract. Over years, these repeated movements create lines on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes.

Volume Loss

As we age, we naturally lose some fat and structural support in the face. This can cause skin to sag and deeper folds to form, especially around the mouth, cheeks and under the eyes.

Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, poor sleep, dehydration and dry skin can all speed up the signs of aging. Calgary’s dry climate and Chinook winds can also leave skin dehydrated, making fine lines more noticeable.

Dynamic vs Static Wrinkles

Not all wrinkles are the same, and knowing the difference helps determine the right treatment.

  • Dynamic wrinkles appear when your face moves, like forehead lines when you raise your eyebrows or crow’s feet when you smile. They fade when your face is at rest.
  • Static wrinkles are visible even when your face is relaxed. They often start as dynamic wrinkles that have deepened over time, or form from collagen and volume loss.

How to Slow Down Wrinkles at Home

A consistent daily routine goes a long way in protecting your skin:

  • Wear sunscreen every day. A broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature wrinkles.
  • Moisturize regularly. Hydrated skin looks smoother and plumper.
  • Use proven ingredients. Retinoids, vitamin C and peptides can support collagen and improve skin texture over time.
  • Avoid smoking and get quality sleep.
  • Invest in medical grade skincare. BLAA carries Colorescience and Vivier’s medical-grade skincare line, and our team can help you choose products that suit your skin and support your results between treatments.

Treatments That Help Reduce and Prevent Wrinkles

At-home care is a strong foundation, but professional treatments can target wrinkles in ways skincare alone can’t. At Bonaventure Laser & Aesthetics, every treatment plan starts with understanding your skin.

Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators relax the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, softening forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. Starting early can also help prevent these lines from settling in permanently.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers restore lost volume and soften deeper folds and static wrinkles. They’re commonly used around the cheeks, lips, under eyes and jawline to create a refreshed, balanced look.

RF Microneedling

Potenza RF Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It helps firm skin, refine texture and smooth fine lines over time.

Laser Treatments

Our laser treatments target sun damage, uneven texture and pigmentation while supporting skin rejuvenation. They’re a great option for addressing the effects of UV exposure that contribute to aging skin.

Many patients see the best results by combining treatments. For example, neuromodulators can address movement lines while RF microneedling improves overall skin quality. Our team will recommend a plan based on your skin, goals and budget.

Find the Right Wrinkle Treatment in Calgary

Everyone’s skin ages differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. At Bonaventure Laser & Aesthetics, our team of licensed medical professionals takes the time to understand your skin and build a personalized plan designed for natural-looking results.


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