There is a study that was published in 2010, in the **British Journal of Dermatology**. > [**An 8-year longitudinal study on the progression of expression lines into persistent wrinkles**][1] > - **Methods:** Standardized images were captured at baseline and at 8 years of 122 women (ages 10–72 years, skin types I–VI) with and without a smiling expression. The wrinkle pattern with expression at baseline was compared with the pattern without expression at 8 years. Severity of facial wrinkling was quantified using computer-based image analysis. Skin colour, hydration, sebum and pH were measured at baseline. A structured questionnaire captured demographic and lifestyle data at baseline and at 8 years. > - **Results:** Each subject’s unique pattern of persistent facial wrinkling observed without expression at year 8 was predicted by the pattern of lines observed with a smiling expression at baseline. Having a drier, more alkaline stratum corneum, a lighter complexion, being middle-aged (40s) or becoming menopausal were associated with faster persistent wrinkling. > ![Wrinkles][2] > <br>*Temporary facial wrinkles visible only with a smiling expression in 1999 were predictive of and progressed into persistent wrinkles visible without expression in 2008.* <br><br><br> > ![Ethnicity][3] > <br>*African Americans showed the least change in both persistent and temporary wrinkling from 1999 to 2008, significantly less than that of Caucasians* >[[Additional Source][4]] <br> > **Conclusions:** > - Persistent wrinkles evolve from temporary wrinkles. > - The pattern of expression lines predicts the pattern of future persistent wrinkles. > - While skin wrinkling progressively increases over one’s lifetime, the most significant period of change was in the 40s. > - Certain intrinsic and extrinsic factors are not causative, but influence the rate, of facial wrinkling > - Lighter and/or dryer skin individuals are more prone to skin wrinkling than their darker and more hydrated counterparts. <br>**More:** - [The anatomy and pathogenesis of wrinkles][5] - [Mayo Clinic - Wrinkles: Causes][6] [1]: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09709.x/abstract [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/oVRSv.jpg [3]: https://i.sstatic.net/EstOG.jpg [4]: http://pgbeautyscience.com/assets/files/posters/AAAS09/Hillebrand%20P101%203MB.pdf [5]: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1985.tb02042.x/abstract [6]: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wrinkles/ds00890/dsection=causes