Researchers Reveal Physical Mechanism Behind Aging Wrinkles

New research from Binghamton University has experimentally demonstrated that wrinkles form because aging skin stretches more sideways under tension, causing it to buckle similarly to Silly Putty. The study led by Associate Professor Guy German revealed that when skin stretches in one direction, it contracts in the other, and this contraction becomes more pronounced with age, leading to wrinkles. This behavior is linked to changes in the arrangement and degradation of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, which provide structural support and elasticity to the skin. The findings provide concrete evidence supporting the physical mechanism behind wrinkle formation, moving beyond previous theories that focused mostly on genetics and environmental factors. The study also draws an analogy to how a favorite hoodie stretches and loses shape over time, reflecting the skin's mechanical changes. This breakthrough offers scientific clarity amidst a market flooded with anti-aging claims and helps better understand the aging process of skin.