Facial Changes That Can Make You Look Older Than You Really Are

Aging is a natural process that everyone experiences, but certain facial changes can make you look older than you actually are. Although our genes play a substantial role in how we age, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and skincare habits also influence our appearance. Understanding these factors can help you take steps to maintain a youthful look. In this blog, we will explore the top facial changes that can make you look older than you are and how to address them.

1. Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Causes:

Wrinkles and fine lines are among the most common and noticeable signs of aging. They typically appear around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Several factors contribute to their formation, including:

• Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to premature wrinkles.
• Repetitive Facial Expressions: Smiling, frowning, and squinting can cause dynamic lines to form due to repetitive muscle contractions.
• Smoking: It reduces blood flow, depriving the skin of oxygen and essential nutrients, leading to a dull, uneven complexion. Additionally, the chemicals in cigarettes damage collagen and elastin, accelerating the formation of wrinkles and lines.
• Natural Aging: As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and ability to retain moisture, leading to wrinkles.

Solutions:

To reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, consider these options:

• Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, reapplying every 90 minutes, if out in the sun especially, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Skincare Products: Use anti-aging products such as, ZO Skin Health, containing retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and topical antioxidants to promote collagen production, help protect from environmental factors and hydrate the skin.
• Cosmetic Treatments: Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) and dermal fillers can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Skin resurfacing to stimulate collagen and elastin with Microneedling RF or Venus Viva can also improve skin texture and tone.

2. Loss of Volume

Causes:

As you age, you may notice a loss of volume in your face, particularly in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area. This can lead to a hollow, sunken appearance.

• Fat Loss: The natural loss of fat in the face can result in sagging skin and a less youthful look.
• Bone Resorption: The bones in your face also shrink and change shape over time, contributing to volume loss.
• Collagen Decline: Reduced collagen production leads to less firm and plump skin.

Solutions:

To restore lost volume, consider these approaches:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers (RHA, Restylane, Versa) can restore volume to areas such as the cheeks and under eyes, providing a youthful contour. Recently biostimulators, such as Sculptra, Renuva, and Radiesse, have become a more popular options because of their longevity.
• Fat Grafting: This procedure involves transferring fat from one part of your body to your face to restore volume naturally.
• Skincare: Products, like Defenage, containing peptides, retinoids, SPF, antioxidants, and growth factors can help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

3. Sagging Skin

Causes:

Sagging skin is another common sign of aging that can make you look older. It often occurs due to a combination of factors:

• Gravity: Over time, gravity pulls the skin downward, causing it to sag.
• Loss of Elasticity: As collagen and elastin fibers degrade, the skin becomes less firm and more prone to sagging.
• Weight Fluctuations: Significant weight loss or gain can stretch the skin, leading to sagging.

Solutions:

To combat sagging skin, consider these treatments:

• Facelift: A surgical facelift can tighten and lift sagging skin for a more youthful appearance.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: Emface, and radiofrequency treatments like Exilis, can stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin without surgery.
• Skincare: Incorporate products with retinoids and peptides to help improve skin firmness and elasticity.

4. Hyperpigmentation and Age Spots

Causes:

Hyperpigmentation, including age spots and dark patches, can make your skin look older. These changes are often caused by:

• Sun Exposure: Spending too much time in the sun, may lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone.
• Hormonal Changes: Taking birth control pills, being pregnant, and menopause can cause melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation.
• Inflammation: Skin injuries, acne, or other inflammatory conditions can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Solutions:

To address hyperpigmentation and age spots, try these options:

• Sun Protection: Consistent use of medical grade sunscreen, such as EltaMD, is crucial to prevent further extrinsic pigmentation.
• Topical Treatments: Products containing ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and hydroquinone can help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
• Professional Treatments: Chemical peels, Intense Pulse Light (IPL), and Venus Viva can effectively reduce hyperpigmentation and promote a more even complexion.

5. Dry and Dull Skin

Causes:

Dry, dull skin can make you look older by emphasizing fine lines and giving your complexion a tired appearance. Factors contributing to dry skin include:

• Decreased Oil Production: As you age, your skin produces less oil, leading to dryness.
• Environmental Factors: Cold weather, wind, and low humidity can strip moisture from your skin.
• Improper Skincare: Harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, and lack of hydration can worsen dryness.

Solutions:

To improve dry and dull skin, consider these strategies:

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water and use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to maintain hydration.
• Cleansing: Use mild cleansers and avoid over-exfoliating to preserve your skin’s natural oils. See your medical aesthetician on monthly basis, so they make recommendations and perform a Hydrafacial MD treatment to nourish your skin with peptides, vitamins, and hydration.
• Skincare Ingredients: Look for products with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to help lock in moisture and restore a healthy glow.

6. Changes in Facial Contours

Causes:

Changes in facial contours, such as jowls and a less defined jawline, can contribute to an older appearance. These changes are influenced by:

• Gravity: The effects of gravity over time can alter facial contours.
• Fat Redistribution: As you age, fat may shift from the cheeks to the lower face, leading to jowls and a less defined jawline.
• Muscle Atrophy: Reduced muscle tone can affect the appearance of facial contours.

Solutions:

To address changes in facial contours, explore these options:

• Non-Surgical Treatments: Emface for submental area and jowls, radiofrequency such as Exilis, can help tighten and tone the skin without surgery.
• Fillers: Fillers can help by adding volume to areas like the cheeks, jawline, and chin, creating a more defined and balanced facial structure. They can also smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, enhancing overall facial symmetry and youthful appearance.
• Surgical Procedures: A lower facelift or neck lift can provide more dramatic and long-lasting results for a defined jawline and improved facial contours.

Aging is an inevitable process, but understanding the factors that contribute to looking older can help you take proactive steps to maintain a youthful appearance. By addressing them early on, you can achieve a more vibrant and youthful look. Whether through skincare products, non-surgical treatments, or surgical procedures, there are numerous options available to help you look as young as you feel. Always consult with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for your specific needs and goals.