Here’s What You Need to Know About Gravitational Wrinkles and Folds

1. Gravitational Folds Basics

In our mid-20s, the skin starts to lose 1% of its collagen each year as we age so with continued loss of elasticity, the skin eventually begins to sag because it’s no longer attached to the latent fat muscle underneath. These “folds” are known as jowls around the neck and chin areas (time + gravity = gravitational folds.) Examples of gravitational folds include nasolabial folds, which run from the sides of your nose down to the corners of your mouth, and marionette lines, which run from your mouth corners down to your chin.

Gravitational folds are among the four different kinds of wrinkles and folds that surface as we age. Other types of wrinkles include permanent elastotic creases, crinkle lines, and dynamic expression lines.

2. Are Wrinkles Caused by Gravity?

As the name implies, gravitational folds are caused by gravity as a result of a downward pull on loose skin. These wrinkles and folds are aggravated by intrinsic aging, a pre-determined and unavoidable process due to the skin’s natural loss of elasticity. Extrinsic factors also come into play. This type of aging is somewhat preventable as it has to do with your diet, whether or not you smoke cigarettes, alcohol consumption, sleep habits, and unprotected sun exposure —90% of aging is caused by damaging UVB rays.

3. Can You Treat Gravitational Folds?

Here’s the thing: wrinkled skin is not 100% treatable. However, gravitational folds can be reduced by replacing some of the lost volume with dermal or fat fillers — but they’re not for everyone. Speak to a reputable dermatologist or plastic surgeon before making such a decision as a professional can provide a customized analysis so you can determine the best treatment options based on your age, skin type, etc. 

Of course, as with other wrinkles, it’s crucial that you maintain a results-driven skincare routine that incorporates the antioxidant power of vitamins E and C, retinoids (whether prescribed or OTC), and hyaluronic acid — at the minimum. Depending upon your skin type, you may need additional products with ingredients that incorporate skin brighteners to assist with age-induced hyperpigmentation, which is 100% exasperated by excessive (and unprotected) sun exposure. While you can’t prevent gravitational folds, limit your time in the sun and wear an SPF every single day — even when it’s cloudy.

4. Research Suggests…

Obviously, no one has superhero powers to fight gravity. Clinical studies indicate that the increase of wrinkles with age may be associated with changes in the composition of the different layers of the skin. Reducing the moisture content of the stratum corneum by 11% produces wrinkles 25-85% larger.  A reduction and change in the pre-stress distribution, which represents the natural tension and relaxed skin tension lines in real skin, also influences the wrinkle height in a similar manner to real aging skin. Typically, there can be up to a 100% increase in the height of wrinkles as the skin ages.

5. Beyond Botox and Fillers

While getting injectables is a personal choice, we came up with the perfect alternative to Botox — and you don’t even have to go to the dermatologist’s office. 

SiO’s skin-smoothing patches are the perfect nighttime remedy to hydrate, plump, and rejuvenate your skin while catching some z’s (Good night wrinkles!). SiO patches are made of medical-grade silicone, so they comfortably hug the skin, gently compressing it to stay flat and smooth, which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The best part? You’ll see results in just a few hours! 

For gravitational folds, we suggest the SiO Superlift Pack that supports gravitational folds, as well as other types of wrinkles.