The wrinkles that appear on the skin of a human body are mainly caused due to the loss in elasticity of the collagen layer. Collagen is a connective tissue layer that supports the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin. This implies that, the way the skin looks is directly dependent on the collagen which is a part of the natural bolster for the structure of the skin. During the process of aging, the loss of collagen elasticity and support of the overlying skin causes wrinkles on the face. A pictorial representation of the layer of the skin is depicted left:

The epidermis which is the outer layer of the skin thins, even when the number of cell layers remains unchanged with aging. There is a decrease in the number of pigment containing cells (melanocytes) but the remaining melanocytes increase in size. The aging skin therefore appears thinner, and more translucent. In the sun exposed areas, age spots or liver spots may appear. The skin strength and elasticity is considerably reduced due to the changes in the connective tissue. This is known as elastosis and is prominent in sun-exposed areas.

Factors responsible for causing wrinkles

Wrinkles are caused due to genetic predisposition and various other external factors. These factors are described below:

Natural Aging

Aging Effect of the Sun

Environmental Factors

Hormones

Muscle use

Rapid weight loss

Gravity