What are all these wrinkles on our skin for?

[Deadpangod3]

As the title says, what are all the wrinkles you see on your skin for, and what purpose do they serve?

[Dkmdlb]

Because grip.

[ZetaX]

Those on your palms are for higher grip on things to hold or stand on. Most of the others are only there if the skin is not stretched around that place (e.g. elbow; or due to age).

[Deadpangod3]

But if you look closely anywhere on your skin you will see tons of little tiny wrinkles that in some places near a joint seam to get deeper when you move said joint.

[BagelRabbit]

The wrinkles you see on places other than your fingertips and feet are a product of the fact that skin is not infinitely elastic. If you did not have these wrinkles, your skin simply could not stretch enough to allow you to move properly.

As people age, their skin becomes less elastic, which causes more wrinkles.

Hope this helped.

[FREEFALL1984]

yeah, think how much tighter scar tissue feels compared to normal skin. I burned my knuckle quite badly a few years ago and for about 6 months it hurt to clench a fist, I imagine this is partly because scar tissue lacks these little ridges (as well as the scar tissue being slightly thicker than surrounding skin)

[Deadpangod3]

Ahhh ok.

That explains it, thanks

[Nuke]

it also increases your surface area. elephants evolved wrinkly skin so that it allows them to radiate heat better.

[lajoswinkler]

This?

It improves elasticity (like an accordion) and increases surface area. It's something which has evolved long time before there were any primates on Earth.

I can't confirm this, but I'm pretty sure it also has an antibacterial purpose. Our skin secretes enzymes which catalyze the breakup of microbes. If the skin was absolutely flawless, less secretions would be able to cling to it.

[Everten P.]

To cool you off!