The Naked Truth About Aging: How The Face Ages from Skin, Muscle, and Skeleton
Let’s face it – we all age. No matter how much we try to fight it with anti-aging creams, Botox injections, or expensive facials, time marches on, and our once-youthful skin starts to sag, wrinkle, and lose its glow.
But have you ever wondered why expression lines deepen or the nasolabial fold looks more pronounced— why skin aging occurs in the first place? How does the face age, and what can we do to slow down the process? At Rejuvenation MD Aesthetics and Vein Center, we believe that knowledge is power, so let’s dive into the anatomy and physiology of the face and explore the naked truth about how the face ages.
Skin: The First Line of Defense
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it’s the first line of defense against external factors such as UV rays, pollution, and toxins. As we age, the facial skin undergoes several changes that contribute to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. The changes that contribute to aging skin include:
Reduced Collagen And Elastin Production
Collagen and elastin are two proteins that give the skin its elasticity and firmness. As we age, the production of these proteins slows down, leading to sagging and deep wrinkles.
Decreased Oil Production
The skin produces less oil as we age, which can lead to dryness, itching, and irritation.
Thinner Skin And More Translucent Skin
The skin becomes thinner and more transparent as we age, which makes veins and finer wrinkles more visible.
Muscle: The Foundation of Youthful Appearance
The muscles in the face play a crucial role in facial expressions and contribute to a youthful appearance. However, as we age, the muscles weaken and lose volume, which can result in a drooping or sagging appearance. This can contribute to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth.
Between the facial muscles is facial fat. Facial fat pads and the volume they contribute to the face are associated with a youthful appearance. Over time, hormones change and each fat pad inevitably loses volume resulting in facial aging.
Skeleton: The Hidden Culprit of Aging
Believe it or not, the bones in your face also play a role in how you age. As plastic surgery has advanced, doctors have realized how much more important a role facial bones play in aging, how much they change, and how predictably they change. As we age, the facial bones shrink and change shape, which can result in a loss of volume and definition. This can cause hollowed cheeks, a sunken facial appearance, and loose skin.
As we age, the angle of the jaw increases and jaw length decreases. Loss of jaw definition can also contribute to sagging skin on the lower face and the aging appearance of the neck.
How To Slow Down Premature Aging
So, what can we do to slow down the aging process and maintain a youthful appearance? Here are some of my favorite tips:
Wear SPF
SPF protects your skin cells from damage. Sun damage is one of the biggest contributors to premature skin aging, so it’s essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even if it’s cloudy outside. Make sure your SPF has zinc as well. Zinc will give you an added layer of protection from UV rays that you are exposed to through windows while driving, blue light, etc. I love the Rosegold Tinted SPF 50 for a little coverage and the Clear Matte SPF 50 for workouts and days at home.
Get The Botox
Botox injections can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing the muscles that cause them. This can be particularly effective in the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. Prevention is key, if a line is there at rest, we can’t get rid of it completely, but it can soften over time with consistent injections.
Try Dermal Filler
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that add volume to the face and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Facial fillers can also restore youthful contours and enhance facial features.
Invest In A Good Skincare Routine
A consistent medical-grade skincare routine can help keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. Use products that contain retinoids, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients to help stimulate collagen production and protect against free radicals.
Consider Laser Treatments
Laser treatments can help improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and stimulate collagen production. They can also help treat sun damage, age spots, and acne scars.
Now that you have a better understanding of how the face ages, you can make a more informed decision regarding how to prevent premature aging. If you still have questions, leave a comment below, reach out on Instagram, or schedule a consultation at our Greensboro or Asheboro clinics. At Rejuvenation MD Aesthetics and Vein Center, we offer a range of in-office facial rejuvenation treatments and skincare products to help you maintain a youthful appearance. Dr. Chaudhary can customize a treatment plan based on your unique needs and preferences, ensuring maximum comfort and safety.
Umbreen Chaudhary, MD
Umbreen Chaudhary is the founder of Rejuvenation MD Aesthetics & Vein Center and Rejuvenation MD Skincare. Dr. Chaudhary has over sixteen years of experience in aesthetic medicine and strives to provide natural-looking results to her patients.
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