Why do we get wrinkles as we age?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Collagen and elastin break down
Blood vessels expand — Wrong. Blood vessel changes affect skin color and circulation, but wrinkles form due to decreased production and breakdown of collagen and elastin proteins in the dermal layer.
Collagen and elastin break down ✓ — Correct! Wrinkles develop as skin loses its structural proteins. Collagen provides firmness while elastin allows skin to stretch and bounce back. With age, fibroblast cells produce less of these proteins, and existing ones break down from UV damage, oxidation, and repeated facial expressions. The skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, forming permanent creases.
Skin cells multiply faster — Wrong. Skin cell production actually slows with age, not speeds up. Wrinkles form because collagen and elastin proteins that keep skin firm and elastic gradually break down over time.
More Human Biology questions
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