When it comes to treating wrinkles, many people wonder is there a “right” age to begin? The truth is there’s no universal answer.
The best time for wrinkle treatment depends on your skin, lifestyle, genetics, and personal goals. Some people start exploring wrinkle reduction in their mid-20s, while others wait until later in life when lines become more noticeable.
This guide helps you decide if the time is right for you to start with cosmetic injectables now, and what alternatives like skincare, laser treatment, or microneedling may suit you if injectables aren’t the right fit.
How wrinkle treatment injections work
Understanding wrinkle reduction treatment options
Wrinkle treatments with cosmetic injectables work by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles that cause expression lines. This softens the appearance of existing wrinkles and helps prevent new ones from deepening.
The wirinkle reduction treatment process typically involves a series of very small injections in targeted areas such as:
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Frown lines between the brows
- Lines around the mouth
For those not ready for injectable wrinkle treatment, there are still effective ways to support your skin:
- Medical-grade skincare (antioxidants, retinol, peptides)
- Chemical peels for brightening and smoothing
- Microneedling and fractional laser to stimulate collagen
- Laser resurfacing for tone and texture
These non-injectable options can effectively delay the need for more intensive wrinkle treatment or complement injectables as part of a comprehensive anti-aging strategy.
What age is “too young” to start treating wrinkles with injectables?
In recent years, younger patients have increasingly explored preventative wrinkle reduction, sometimes as early as 18.
If you take good care of your skin with sunscreen, a tailored skincare routine, and healthy lifestyle choices, you usually don’t need injections to treat wrinkles before 25–30.
In some cases, genetics play a role and if fine lines appear earlier due to family traits, earlier treatment might be considered in consultation with a qualified practitioner.
So, when should you start wrinkle treatment injections?
The answer to when you should begin treating wrinkles is highly individual. The key is to start when wrinkles begin to bother you or when a practitioner assesses that early treatment could help prevent them from becoming more pronounced.
In your late 20s to early 30s, you might consider injections as a preventative wrinkle treatment or if fine lines are visible even when your face is at rest.
In your 40s and beyond, wrinkle reduction injections are often used alongside other therapies to soften deeper lines and maintain skin smoothness.
The best approach is always to book a consultation with a qualified health professional who can recommend treating wrinkles with whether injectables is the right step for you now, or whether other treatments may be a better fit at your stage.
An in-depth, decade-by-decade guide to wrinkle treatment
The decade-by-decade guide below is based on average ageing patterns and what we commonly see in clinic. It highlights the types of wrinkle reduction treatments often recommended at each stage of life.
The best approach to treating wrinkles will vary from person to person. Always seek personalised advice from a qualified health professional before deciding on any wrinkle treatments.
Treating wrinkles in your 20s
Most people in their 20s don’t yet need wrinkle reduction. Instead, this stage is all about prevention.
Best strategies at this age:
- Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen
- A consistent skincare routine with antioxidants like vitamin C
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
- Staying hydrated and well-rested
If you’re noticing fine lines forming, particularly around the eyes due to squinting or expressive movement, you may discuss small amounts of injectables with your practitioner, but in most cases lifestyle and skincare are the priority.
Treating wrinkles in your 30s
Your 30s are when fine lines become more noticeable, even when your face is at rest. This is often the age when people first start wrinkle reduction treatments.
Typical concerns in your 30s:
- Lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)
- Horizontal forehead creases
- Early frown lines between the brows
Best strategies at this age:
- Cosmetic injectables for wrinkle prevention and reduction in areas of high muscle activity
- Microneedling or fractional laser treatments for skin texture
- Continued sunscreen and skincare for prevention
At this stage, wrinkle treatments can help maintain a fresh, natural look and prevent the deepening of lines.
Treating wrinkles in your 40s
By your 40s, collagen and elastin production slows, and wrinkles may become deeper or more established.
Typical concerns in your 40s:
- Deeper forehead lines
- Crow’s feet that remain even at rest
- Smile lines and volume loss
Best strategies at this age:
- Wrinkle reduction injectables for dynamic lines
- Dermal fillers to restore volume in certain areas
- Advanced resurfacing treatments like laser or microneedling to stimulate collagen
- Continued sunscreen and skincare for prevention
Treating wrinkles in your 50s and beyond
In your 50s and older, skin naturally thins and loses elasticity. Wrinkles are more prominent, and sagging may also be a concern.
Typical concerns in your 50s+:
- Deep facial creases
- Skin laxity
- Fine lines across cheeks or lips
Best strategies at this age:
- Wrinkle reduction injectables to soften lines
- Fillers for restoring lost volume
- Skin tightening and collagen boosting treatments to lift and firm
- Continued sunscreen and skincare for prevention
At this stage, wrinkle treatments are usually part of a larger skin rejuvenation plan that supports both structure and surface quality.
Ready to find the right wrinkle treatment for you?
There’s no single “perfect” age to start treating wrinkles. The right time is when lines begin to bother you or when a professional assessment suggests early treatment could help prevent deeper creases.
The best next step is to book a personalised consultation with Dr Lindsay at Define Laser, where your skin can be assessed and a tailored plan recommended to suit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What age should I start treating wrinkles?
Most people begin considering treatments in their late 20s to early 30s when fine lines appear. The right age varies depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin condition.
How long do wrinkle treatments last typically?
Results typically last around 4 to 6 months, depending on factors like your metabolism, muscle strength, and treatment area. Many patients return when they start to notice wrinkles reappearing, while others prefer a more consistent maintenance schedule.
Do wrinkle treatments look natural?
Yes, when performed by an experienced practitioner, results can look subtle and refreshed rather than “frozen.”
Can lifestyle delay wrinkles?
Absolutely. Sunscreen, skincare, diet, hydration, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol are powerful ways to slow the ageing process naturally.
