Understanding & Treating Fine Facial Wrinkles: What You Need to Know (From a Physician Who Gets It)
By Dr. Jenkins Clarkson | Ageless Perfection Medical Aesthetics, Powell, WY
Let’s talk about something just about everyone faces eventually—fine facial wrinkles. If you’re noticing subtle creases around your eyes, mouth, or forehead, you’re not alone—and you’re not vain for caring. These lines are part of being human, but they can also carry an emotional weight that’s worth acknowledging.
I’ve had patients in my treatment chair say things like, “I still feel young, but I don’t look like myself anymore,” or “I don’t want to erase everything—just soften it.” That’s the kind of honesty I appreciate. You’re not trying to be someone else. You just want to feel confident in the mirror again.
So let’s dive in—what causes fine lines, what can we do about them, and how can we care for our skin in a way that’s safe, natural-looking, and tailored to real life in places like Powell, Wyoming.
What Are Fine Lines, and Why Do We Get Them?
Fine lines are those faint, early wrinkles that often show up first—around the eyes (crow’s feet), on the forehead, between the brows, or near the mouth. They’re different from deeper folds or etched-in creases. Think of them as your skin’s early whispers of time.
What causes them?
- Collagen and Elastin Breakdown
Collagen is what gives your skin structure, and elastin allows it to bounce back. With age, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors, those proteins break down. It’s like a balloon slowly deflating over time—that firm, smooth surface loses its snap. - Expression and Movement
Every time you smile, frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows, you’re making little folds in your skin. Over years, those folds can start to leave a mark. - Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
UV exposure (even on cloudy Wyoming days), wind, dry air, pollution, lack of sleep, dehydration, smoking—all of these can speed up skin aging. And here in Wyoming, with our dry winters and wind exposure, it’s no wonder we see fine lines earlier than folks living in more humid places.
How Fine Lines Affect How We Feel
It’s not just about looking older—it’s about how that change makes us feel. I’ve had strong, capable women tear up in my office over changes they can’t quite put into words. They’ll say, “I don’t recognize myself,” or “I look tired even when I’m not.”
There’s nothing superficial about wanting to feel comfortable in your own skin. You deserve to feel good when you catch your reflection—not because beauty is everything, but because confidence affects every part of life.
Can You Prevent Fine Lines?
Yes—and no. We can’t stop time, but we can slow its effect on the skin.
Here’s where a smart skincare regimen—especially one grounded in science-backed ingredients—comes in. At Ageless Perfection, we lean heavily on Alastin Skincare because it’s not just about hydration or fancy packaging. It’s about proven ingredients that support skin structure and repair.
Prevention Strategies I Recommend:
🟤 Daily Sunscreen
This is non-negotiable—even in winter, even if it’s cloudy. Alastin’s HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 36 with a beautiful, lightweight tint that evens skin tone.
🟤 Antioxidants
These help your skin fight environmental damage. Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex includes antioxidants that protect collagen and support skin renewal.
🟤 Retinols
Think of retinol as exercise for your skin. It encourages turnover and collagen stimulation. Alastin’s Renewal Retinol is a medical-grade option that’s gentle enough for daily use but powerful enough to make a real difference over time.
🟤 Hydration and Barrier Repair
Alastin’s Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer and Gentle Cleanser help maintain your skin’s barrier, which is especially important in our dry Wyoming climate.
When Fine Lines Are Already Showing: What Helps?
Once those lines have made an appearance, we shift from prevention to treatment and correction. This is where experience, customization, and physician-led care really make a difference.
Here’s what I offer at Ageless Perfection, depending on what your skin needs:
1. Botox or Dysport
These are neuromodulators—think of them as “wrinkle relaxers.” When used in small, artful doses, they soften the muscle activity that creates fine lines (especially in the forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines).
Quick note: My goal is never a frozen face. We’re going for refreshed—not robotic. I adjust every dose based on your muscle strength, goals, and facial structure. Every time.
2. Microneedling with Growth Factor Serum
Microneedling is like aerating your lawn—it creates tiny channels in the skin that stimulate repair and collagen production. When we add growth factors or PRP (your own platelet-rich plasma), the results are even more impressive. Skin gets smoother, more even-toned, and fine lines soften naturally.
3. OPUS Plasma Skin Resurfacing
This is my go-to for more advanced fine lines or areas that need real texture refinement. It combines radiofrequency with plasma energy—think of it as high-tech exfoliation meets deep tissue stimulation. Clients love that it delivers results with less downtime than traditional CO2 lasers.
We typically use a series approach—3 sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. And yes, we talk through every step together.
4. Facial Fillers (When Needed)
If fine lines are caused by lost volume (which often happens in the cheeks or around the mouth), a little hyaluronic acid filler can help. We’re not talking “puffy lips” or Instagram trends—we’re talking structure and balance. Think of it as restoring the scaffolding under your skin.
The Role of Medical-Grade Skincare After Treatments
If you’re investing in procedures, you want to protect and maintain those results.
That’s why I pair every in-office treatment with a personalized skincare regimen, including:
- Alastin’s TriHex Transition Duo for post-procedure recovery. It supports healing, reduces downtime, and keeps inflammation in check.
- Restorative Eye Treatment for softening fine lines around the delicate eye area
- Regenerating Skin Nectar to prep skin before procedures and enhance collagen remodeling afterward
These aren’t just “extras.” They make your investment work harder—and last longer.
Real Talk from Real Wyoming Life
We don’t do fluff here. My patients are ranchers, teachers, nurses, business owners, and retired folks who want to age well without feeling like they’ve signed up for a beauty contest.
The wind, the sun, the dry air—it all takes a toll. But I also see patients who say, “I feel guilty spending money on myself,” or “Is it silly to care about this at my age?”
Here’s what I tell them:
It’s not silly. It’s okay to want to feel good when you look in the mirror.
You’ve worked hard. You’ve raised families. You’ve cared for others. Wanting to care for yourself doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you human.
And I’ll be right here to help you do it safely—with honesty, warmth, and decades of medical experience to guide us.
What to Expect at Ageless Perfection
Everything I do here is grounded in physician-led care. This isn’t a spa, and it’s not a chain. When you come in, you’ll sit down with me. I’ll look at your skin, we’ll talk about your concerns, and I’ll explain exactly what I see—and what’s realistic.
No sales pitch. No pressure. Just a conversation.
You’ll get:
✅ A treatment plan tailored to your skin, your budget, and your timeline
✅ Guidance on how to combine in-office treatments with at-home care
✅ Clear answers to your questions (and honest ones—if something’s not needed, I’ll tell you)
So, What’s Next?
If you’re curious about fine lines—whether you’re just starting to notice them or you’ve been thinking about doing something for years—I’m here.
Let’s talk about what’s right for you, right now. You don’t need to know what to ask. Just come as you are. I’ll walk you through the options.
We might start with sunscreen and retinol. We might explore Botox or OPUS. We might just talk and make a plan for down the road.
Whatever it is—it’ll be grounded in care, trust, and a belief that you deserve to feel good in your skin.
Want to chat?
📞 Call or message Ageless Perfection Medical Aesthetics in Powell.
Let’s find the approach that fits you—your skin, your goals, and your life here in the Basin.