Published on: Jan 27, 2026
New experimental research from scientists at Binghamton University reveals why wrinkles form as we age: aging skin stretches in one direction, contracts in another, and eventually buckles under pressure.
By examining human skin samples, a research team led by Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering Guy German found that older skin is significantly more prone to wrinkling. The mechanism behind this process lies in how skin responds to mechanical forces. When skin is stretched, it naturally contracts in the opposite direction and this contraction becomes more pronounced with age, leading to buckling and wrinkle formation.
German compares this process to a well-worn hoodie that stretches unevenly over time. Skin behaves in a similar way, gradually losing its mechanical balance.
“This is no longer just a theory,” German explained. “We now have direct experimental evidence revealing the physical mechanism behind skin aging.”
While scientists have long suspected that wrinkles result from factors such as genetics, disease, and sun exposure, earlier studies relied largely on computational models. These models suggested age-related changes in the dermal layer the collagen- and elastin-rich structure that provides skin support but lacked validation using real human tissue. This study is the first to experimentally confirm those predictions using actual skin samples.
For German, this research represents a lifelong goal a “holy grail” in skin mechanics. With countless anti-aging products flooding the market, he wanted to understand what truly drives skin aging and separate science from speculation.
To conduct the study, German and his team used a low-force tensometer to stretch small skin samples from individuals aged 16 to 91, mimicking everyday mechanical forces. They observed that as skin is stretched, it contracts laterally and this effect intensifies with age, ultimately causing wrinkles.
Source: https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/5684/your-skin-buckles-as-you-age-and-thats-why-wrinkles-form
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