I’m In My 20s — Why Do I Already Have Wrinkles?

You’re brushing your teeth, glancing in the mirror, and there it is, a faint line on your forehead or around your eyes. Wait a second. How do you already have wrinkles?

First of all, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and no, you’re not falling apart. It’s totally normal to start seeing subtle signs of aging earlier than you expected. In fact, for many people, fine lines can start to show up in their mid to late 20s.

Kathleen J. Smith, MD, and our team at Dermatology Specialists of Atlanta know how frustrating wrinkles are at any age. So, in addition to our advanced treatments, we want to bring our patients some peace of mind. 

In this blog, we talk about why early wrinkles happen, what’s actually normal, and how you can slow the roll of early wrinkles with healthy skin habits (and maybe a little help from our expert dermatologist).

Why do wrinkles start so early?

Wrinkles are a natural part of how our skin ages, but they’re not just about birthdays. Several factors, including your lifestyle and environment, play a role in how early fine lines appear. Here’s a closer look at a few of the common causes of early wrinkles. 

Sun exposure (UV damage)

The leading cause of premature aging? The sun. Even if you’ve never had a major sunburn, repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure can break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin firm and smooth.

If you’ve spent your teen years tanning or skipping sunscreen, those early lines might be your skin’s way of showing it.

Facial expressions

Laughing, squinting, frowning — they all use tiny facial muscles that crease the skin over time. These lines (often called “expression lines” or “dynamic wrinkles”) can start forming in your 20s and become deeper with age.

Dehydration and poor skincare

Not drinking enough water or skipping moisturizer can make fine lines more noticeable. Dry skin lacks the plumpness and elasticity that help smooth things out.

And if you’re not removing makeup at night or aren’t using any skincare products at all? Your skin might be aging faster than it needs to.

Smoking and vaping

Cigarette smoke (and even secondhand smoke) breaks down collagen faster than usual. Vaping can also lead to dehydration and skin damage. Plus, repetitive lip-puckering movements can contribute to fine lines around the mouth.

Stress and lack of sleep

Chronic stress raises your cortisol levels, which increases inflammation and can lead to breakdown of skin structures. Combine that with not getting enough rest, and your skin’s ability to repair itself takes a hit.

Genetics

Sometimes you can blame your family tree. Genetics play a significant role in how your skin ages. If your parents or older siblings developed wrinkles early, there’s a chance you might too, even if you’re doing everything “right.”

Preventing and treating early wrinkles

Now for the good news: Just because you see early signs of aging doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them. There’s a lot you can do to both prevent and soften wrinkles, starting now.

Wear sunscreen. Every. Single. Day. 

Rain or shine, indoors or out, UV rays are still present, and daily SPF is your skin’s best anti-aging defense.

Start a consistent skincare routine

Cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF are your basics. Add a gentle retinoid or peptide serum to boost collagen production, and consider antioxidants like vitamin C to fight free radical damage.

Not sure where to start? No sweat. We can help you select products based on your specific needs and skin type.

Take care of yourself

Water-rich fruits and veggies, healthy fats, and foods high in vitamin E and C can support healthy skin from the inside out.

Get serious about sleep

We (and the National Institutes of Health) recommend aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Pro tip: Try sleeping on your back to avoid smooshing your face into your pillow (yes, “sleep wrinkles” are real!).

Kick the bad habits

Smoking, vaping, and even excessive alcohol consumption are bad habits that dehydrate the skin and accelerate aging. Quitting (or cutting back) can make a noticeable difference.

When to call in the experts

If your fine lines are bothering you or you just want to start a solid anti-aging plan, your 20s are a perfect time to check in with a dermatologist.

We can help with:

• Personalized skincare recommendations
• Chemical peels or facials
• Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling
• Laser treatments
• Fillers
• Preventive Botox® (yes, it’s a thing)
• Morpheus8®

There’s no “right” time to start anti-aging treatments. It all depends on your skin, your goals, and your comfort level. What matters most is being proactive, not panicked.

Wrinkles in your 20s? It’s totally normal

Having a few fine lines doesn’t mean your skin is doomed. It means your face moves, feels, and expresses joy, stress, and everything in between. That’s not a flaw; it’s human.

Still, if you want to take charge of your skin’s future, now’s a great time to start. With a few mindful changes and the right support, you can keep your skin looking healthy, radiant, and smooth for years to come.

Want help building an age-defying skincare plan that actually works? Call or click to schedule a consultation with the team at our Decatur, Georgia, office today.