Research from Erasmus MC shows that men develop wrinkles earlier and in greater numbers than women. By old age, a man's face is covered by wrinkles 4.5% of the time, compared to 3.6% for women. Women's wrinkles typically begin forming after menopause. After age 75, however, women catch up and ultimately have more wrinkles.
Between ages 51 and 75, men consistently show significantly more wrinkles. Women surpass them only after 75, often with more on the upper lip. Key risk factors include smoking and sun exposure—particularly for women—along with low BMI, which reduces subcutaneous fat and deepens wrinkles. Additionally, higher alcohol consumption correlates with more wrinkles in women.
Among Northern European skin types (1, 2, and 3), the fairest skin wrinkles most slowly, though it develops pigment spots earlier—another marker of aging. Each skin type appears to age uniquely.
