True or false: fine lines and wrinkles are one and the same. 

Despite our instinct to group all facial creases and folds under these terms, many aren’t aware that there is a difference between fine lines and wrinkles.

Surprised? So were we! And it got us thinking: if fine lines and wrinkles are different, then how we treat them must be, too — right? 

In this guide, we’re taking a closer look at the key differences between fine lines and wrinkles. We’ll also share our go-to 3-step routine for fighting signs of aging.

Fine Lines vs. Wrinkles

Why is it important to know the difference between fine lines and wrinkles? Because knowing which one you’re dealing with is crucial for choosing the right course of action. But first, you need to understand the difference between fine lines and wrinkles to correctly pinpoint which is affecting your complexion.

What Are Fine Lines?

Fine lines are shallow creases along the skin. They’re surface-level and don’t penetrate any more than 1 mm deep (thinner than a thread of string). 

First appearing around your 20s and 30s, fine lines are one of the earliest signs of visible aging. As we age, our skin produces less and less collagen (the protein that influences the firmness of skin). In turn, skin loses elasticity and feels less firm, and that’s when fine lines on the face start to appear. 

Sun exposure and increased use of facial muscles can also accelerate the onset of fine lines.

There are different types of fine lines broken down by where they appear.

Types of Fine Lines 

• Canthal lines: fine lines under/around the eyes; also known as crow’s feet
• Glabellar lines: fine lines on the forehead, between your eyebrows; also known as worry or frown lines
• Nasolabial folds: fine lines around the mouth or fine lines on the cheeks; also known as parentheses or smile lines
• Radial lip lines: fine lines on your lips; also known as lipstick lines

Although we tend to stress about fine lines, they’re usually not as noticeable as we think they are. Unlike wrinkles, you typically only see them when closely examining your face in a mirror or making certain expressions.

Now that you know what fine lines on the skin are, let’s talk wrinkles.

What Are Wrinkles?

The biggest difference between fine lines and wrinkles is that wrinkles are more noticeable. They often occur from repeated muscle contractions under the skin. This can happen over time from wrinkling your brows when concentrating or simply laughing.

Therefore, you’ll usually see wrinkles in expressive parts of your face, such as your forehead or around the eyes and mouth. 

Wrinkles typically fall into one of two categories.

Types of Wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles: these develop due to repeated facial movements, such as squinting or frowning.

Static wrinkles: these develop due to loss of elasticity and are present even when your face is at rest.

If untreated, fine lines will usually deepen and progress into wrinkles, becoming more visible over time. Similarly, dynamic wrinkles can progress into static ones.

As for why they happen, wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. Like fine lines, they can also appear due to sun exposure, pollution, and other factors.

In short, the biggest differences between fine lines and wrinkles are their size, depth, and origin. 

So do you have to settle for a straight face all the time to ward off wrinkles? Where’s the joy in that?

When it comes to figuring out how to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, the key is to reach for the right products.

How to Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Skincare

Unfortunately, we can’t fight off visible signs of aging forever, but we can reduce them with the right skincare. 

Knowing which products are worth the splurge and figuring out the correct order to apply them is another story. Fortunately, this is our area of expertise. 

Keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay is as easy as 1, 2, 3.  

1. Purify

Cleansing the skin is crucial for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. A two-in-one face wash, like embody's One & Done Oil Cleanser, purifies the skin and removes every last trace of grime — all without stripping it of its natural oils. 

The result? A squeaky-clean, balanced complexion and radiant, youthful finish. 

2. Protect

No matter what your skin goals are, environmental defense is key for optimal complexion health. But not all SPFs are anti-aging. 

Our holy grail for UV protection? Relief Sun SPF 50+ is an organic sunscreen that shields your skin while nourishing it with ingredients like vitamins B, C, E, amino acids, and minerals.

An SPF that protects skin and fights visible signs of aging? Check.

3. Hydrate

Lastly, skin moisture is essential for preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

The difference between a dry complexion and one that’s hydrated is obvious — a notable lack of radiance, firmness, and even flakiness in some cases.

Snail filtrate formulations, like in our Silk Cream, will keep your skin hydrated while actively improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydrated, youthful glow? Snailed it. 

Treat Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Forever Beaumore

Despite the differences between fine lines and wrinkles, one thing remains the same: you deserve to feel beautiful at every age.

Stock up your anti-aging arsenal with products that blend time-honored beauty traditions with modern science to make you feel your best at every stage of life.