The Impact of Winter on Facial Wrinkles: A Study on Expression Muscles

As winter sets in and temperatures drop, many individuals notice changes in their appearance, particularly related to laugh lines and overall skin health. A recent survey conducted by the Icy Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery facility, aimed to uncover the relationship between winter conditions and facial muscle tension. The survey included responses from 300 men and women aged between 20 and 50 across Japan, highlighting the significant impact that winter has on how individuals perceive their skin and facial features.

The Findings: A Clear Relation between Temperature and Facial Appearance

A staggering 71% of respondents reported feeling that laugh lines become more pronounced during the winter months. In fact, of those surveyed, 42.3% stated that they experience this phenomenon every winter, while 28.7% admitted to noticing it occasionally.

Q1: Do you feel that laugh lines appear more pronounced in winter?

- Every year: 42.3%
- Occasionally: 28.7%
- Rarely: 18.3%
- Never: 10.7%

The primary reason cited for this perception relates to the stiffening of facial muscles due to cold weather. An impressive 75% of participants acknowledged experiencing this tension when temperatures drop, indicating a potential connection between muscle contraction and facial expression.

Q2: Do you feel more tension in your facial muscles when the temperature drops?

- Strongly feel it: 35.7%
- Somewhat feel it: 39.0%
- Rarely feel it: 17.3%
- Never feel it: 8.0%

Interestingly, respondents noted that the moments when they feel this tension most acutely align with outdoor exposure. Nearly half (47.3%) indicated that exposure to cold wind is the primary trigger for facial muscle tightness, followed by 28% reporting this feeling upon waking up each morning.

Q3: When do you most notice tightness in your facial muscles during winter?

- When outside (exposed to cold wind): 47.3%
- In the morning upon waking: 28.0%
- In office or dry indoor environments: 15.7%
- When returning home at night: 9.0%

Aging Perception and Seasonal Trends

With winter's chill, individuals also frequently express a sense of accelerated aging. The survey found that 72% of respondents believe they appear older during the winter months. This perception is affected not only by deeper laugh lines but also by winter's drying effects, leading to dull skin and reduced elasticity.

Q4: Do you feel you look older in winter?

- Strongly feel it: 31.3%
- Somewhat feel it: 41.0%
- Rarely feel it: 19.7%
- Never feel it: 8.0%

Winter Facial Care: Moisturizing and More

In response to these concerns, the survey additionally assessed what care measures participants are willing to adopt for their facial muscles in winter. A resounding 68.7% highlighted that enhancing their moisturizing routines is their top priority, while 52.3% are interested in facial massages or stretches. Furthermore, about 31.7% expressed a willingness to use facial devices, and 24% showed interest in medical aesthetics treatments, such as hyaluronic acid injections.

Q5: What measures are you interested in for facial care during winter? (Multiple responses allowed)

- Enhance moisturizing care: 68.7%
- Facial massage/stretches: 52.3%
- Use facial devices: 31.7%
- Interested in medical aesthetics (like hyaluronic acid) 24.0%
- Not doing anything specific: 18.3%

Conclusion

The findings from this research underscore a prevalent association between winter weather and facial appearance concerns, particularly regarding laugh lines and overall skin condition. With around 70% of those surveyed reporting deeper lines, awareness is key to addressing these winter-related skin issues. As recommended by Dr. Kota Takakuwa, the director of Icy Clinic, self-care practices should include regular moisturization and facial exercises, especially during colder months. For those seeking more immediate solutions, medical aesthetic options can be considered. Overall, awareness and early intervention are crucial to maintaining a youthful appearance through winter.

About Icy Clinic

Icy Clinic offers services from board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic dermatology. They provide tailored treatments addressing issues like wrinkles, fine lines, and overall skin quality for individuals seeking to enhance their appearance.

Clinic Locations:

- Shinjuku Clinic: 2-5-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 3 minutes from Shinjuku Station South Exit.
- Shibuya Clinic: 3-16-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 3 minutes from Shibuya Station.
- Ueno Clinic: 3-16-5 Higashi Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 1 minute from Ueno Station.
- Ikebukuro Clinic: 2-15-3 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 5 minutes from Ikebukuro Station East Exit.
- Tokyo Clinic: 3-6-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 5 minutes from Tokyo Station.
- Omiya Clinic: 1-60 Daemoncho, Saitama-shi, Omiya-ku, 1 minute from Omiya Station East Exit.