Expression Lines Explained: Why They Appear and What You Can Do About Them
Every time you smile, laugh, frown, or squint, tiny facial muscles contract to create movement. Over time, these repeated expressions leave their mark in the form of expression lines. While they’re a natural part of ageing, understanding why they appear can help you take steps to keep your skin looking smoother and more refreshed. At Dr Tranter Aesthetics, we regularly see patients who want to learn more about why these changes happen and what they can do about them.
Dynamic vs. Static Lines
Not all wrinkles are the same. Expression lines develop in two main stages:
Dynamic lines – These are lines you see only when making a facial expression, such as frowning, raising your eyebrows, or smiling. For example, frown lines between the eyebrows may appear when concentrating, or “crow’s feet” can appear when laughing.
Static lines – Over time, repeated folding of the skin can cause lines to become visible even when the face is at rest. These are deeper-set wrinkles that remain even without movement.
This transition from dynamic to static is a normal part of the ageing process, influenced by genetics, sun exposure, lifestyle, and skin quality.
Where Expression Lines Commonly Appear
The most common areas people notice expression lines are:
Frown lines between the eyebrows.
Horizontal forehead lines from raising the eyebrows.
Crow’s feet around the outer corners of the eyes.
Smile lines (nasolabial folds) from years of talking and laughing.
At Dr Tranter Aesthetics, we often see patients concerned about these specific areas, particularly when the lines start to linger even when the face is at rest.
What You Can Do About Expression Lines
While you can’t stop natural ageing, there are ways to support your skin and keep it looking its best:
Daily skincare with sun protection helps slow down further damage.
Healthy lifestyle choices like hydration, balanced nutrition, and not smoking protect skin quality.
Anti-wrinkle treatments can be used to temporarily relax the underlying muscles, softening the appearance of lines and preventing them from becoming more pronounced.
The team at Dr Tranter Aesthetics takes a tailored approach, assessing each patient individually to determine the safest and most effective plan for their needs.
A Normal Part of Ageing with Options to Refresh
Expression lines aren’t flaws. They’re part of a life full of emotion But if they begin to feel more noticeable than you’d like, modern treatments can help you look as refreshed as you feel.
We focus on natural results that keep your expressions intact while giving your skin time to rest and stay smooth.
