Deep Wrinkles: Why They Form—and How to Visibly Address Them

Deep wrinkles develop gradually and are influenced by repeated facial expressions, sun exposure, hydration, and changes in skin's visible firmness over time. The right routine can help protect skin and visibly reduce the look of deep wrinkles with continued use.

What are deep wrinkles?

Deep wrinkles are more noticeable creases that remain visible even when the face is relaxed. They often appear where skin moves repeatedly—such as around the eyes, forehead, mouth, neck, and jawline—and can become more visible as skin looks drier, less firm, or less smooth.

What causes deep wrinkles?

Repeated facial expressions can create visible lines that become more defined over time. Sun exposure contributes to signs of photoaging, while dryness can make creases look more pronounced. As skin’s visible firmness and elasticity change, lines can appear deeper and facial contours can look less lifted.

This is why a strong deep-wrinkle routine usually focuses on three priorities: daily SPF protection, formulas that visibly smooth and firm with continued use, and hydration to help skin look plumper and softer in minutes.

How can you help prevent deep wrinkles from looking more pronounced?

One of the most effective daily habits for helping prevent deep wrinkles from looking more pronounced is wearing broad spectrum SPF every day. RoC’s RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 is a daily face cream formulated with Clinical Retinol and SPF 30 to target deep wrinkles while helping protect from signs of photoaging. Apply generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every 2 hours.

Consistency matters, especially with Retinol. RoC Retinol formulas use Clinical Retinol, America’s #1 Most Awarded Retinol*. New users should introduce one Retinol product at a time, starting every other night until skin is accustomed, then increasing frequency. Always apply SPF 30 or higher in the AM when using Retinol.

Best RoC products for visibly reducing the look of deep wrinkles

Depending on your routine, you may not need every product. Instead, choose formulas that fit your skincare goals and when you prefer to use them.

RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

Best for: daytime deep-wrinkle care plus SPF. In minutes, skin is hydrated. With continued use, in 8 weeks, 100% had a reduction the look of fine lines and wrinkles**.

RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Best for: overnight visible skin renewal. This age-defying night cream works while you sleep to address the appearance of even deep-set wrinkles. In minutes, skin is hydrated***; In 8 weeks, the look of wrinkles was visibly reduced by up to 50%*****, with continued use, in 12 weeks, 93% had a visible improvement in the appearance of deep wrinkles****.

RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Serum

Best for: face and neck smoothing. This light, silky serum is formulated with Patented Clinical Retinol to address deep-set wrinkles. With continued use, it is clinically proven to visibly smooth, firm, and reduce the look of wrinkles in 4 weeks†; in 12 weeks, 89% had a visible reduction in the look of deep wrinkles.†

RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Filler

Best for: targeted creases. This intensive wrinkle filler is formulated with Clinical Retinol to fill in the look of creases and visibly re-plump skin. In minutes, the appearance of fine lines begin to visibly diminish1; with daily use, the serum visibly reduces the look of even deep wrinkles.1

RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream

Best for: mature skin concerns, including persistent dryness, the look of deep wrinkles, and loss of firmness. Developed with Dermatologists, this skin-cushioning formula is powered by RoC’s Patented Clinical Retinol and is infused with Bio-Ceramides and Calcium. In minutes, 100% had more supple, hydrated skin2; with continued use, in 1 week, 96% had firmer skin3. In 12 weeks, 100% had the look of deep wrinkles visibly reduced3.

Prefer a set? The Deep Wrinkle Essential Duo pairs the Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 with the Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. For a fuller regimen, the Deep Wrinkle Daily Routine includes DERM CORREXION® Serum Cleanser, Deep Wrinkle Serum, Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, and Deep Wrinkle Night Cream.

The bottom line

While deep wrinkles are a natural part of skin aging, a consistent routine can make a visible difference. Daily SPF, hydration, and clinically tested formulas with Clinical Retinol can help skin look smoother and visibly reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles over time.

* Based on a 3rd party study using publicly available data sources from publications & media sources hosting beauty awards from Jan. 2015 to Feb. 2025.

** Instrumental measurements - 33 subjects - 8 weeks

*** Corneometric measurements - significant increase in skin's hydration after a single application - 28 subjects

**** Clinical measurements - 28 subjects - total study duration: 12 weeks

***** Based on the evaluation of crow’s feet during an 8 week clinical study – 67 subjects

† Clinical measurements - 29 subjects - total study duration: 12 weeks
***** Based on the evaluation of crow’s feet during an 8 week clinical study – 67 subjects

1 Instrumental measurements - 31 subjects- total study duration: 4 weeks

2 Corneometric measurements - significant increase in skin hydration after application - 32 subjects

3 Instrumental measurements - 32 subjects - total study duration: 12 weeks