What Works Skin — Independent · Evidence-First · Ad-FreeIssue 014 · 20 April 2026 · Next: 04 Maywhatworksskin.com

Concern · Anti-aging · Fine lines

P. 20 · GUIDE

Fine lines & early wrinkles.

Retinoid-led prevention is the only conversation.

The conversation that should be entirely about prevention is, on social media, almost entirely about reversal. Topicals can soften visible lines and noticeably improve texture; they cannot replace the thirty years of high-UVA-PF SPF you should have started yesterday.

— § 01

The triggers worth tracking.

Cumulative UV (photoaging)

The single largest contributor. SPF prevents what topicals can only partly reverse.

75%
Intrinsic / chronological

Collagen synthesis declines ~1% per year after 25. Mostly genetic.

55%
Glycation

Sugar cross-linking with collagen. Diet contributes; topicals contribute less.

40%
Tobacco / pollution

Free-radical load + microvascular damage. Quitting reverses some.

65%

— § 02

Ingredients that actually work.