As the years go by, our bodies accumulate not only wisdom and experience, but also visible transformations. While aging affects every aspect of our being, changes in the face are often…
As the years go by, our bodies accumulate not only wisdom and experience, but also visible transformations. While aging affects every aspect of our being, changes in the face are often the most noticeable and, frequently, the ones that concern us most. But what exactly happens to our skin and features? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
How time shapes your face
Facial aging is a complex process that goes far beyond simple wrinkles. It involves dozens of changes, some subtle and others more pronounced
- Bone and cartilage changes: The forehead may appear wider as the hairline recedes. The ears tend to lengthen slightly due to continued cartilage growth. The tip of the nose may droop slightly due to weakening of the connective tissue.
- Fat redistribution: In youth, facial fat is evenly distributed, creating volume that enhances the cheekbones, temples, and areas around the eyes and mouth. With age, this fat volume decreases, clumps together, and shifts downward. This causes once-full features to sag, and the skin loses firmness, becoming flaccid. Paradoxically, other areas, especially the lower half of the face, can accumulate fat, resulting in a double chin and drooping cheeks.
- Wrinkles and lines:
- Expression lines ( forehead, between the eyebrows) are the result of constant muscle movement that, over time, folds the skin.
- Other wrinkles deepen due to the aforementioned loss and displacement of fat.
- Fine wrinkles are primarily caused by sun damage, smoking, and the natural degeneration of the skin components that keep it dense and elastic.
Strategies for a younger-looking face
While some embrace the changes of aging as a reflection of a fulfilling life, others prefer to minimize its effects. Fortunately, there are several options for achieving a more youthful appearance.
- Surgical approaches:
- A facelift is a procedure that removes excess tissue and tightens sagging skin on the lower part of the face. Modern techniques have improved, offering more natural-looking results. However, it is an expensive surgery and often requires additional procedures.
- Non-surgical alternatives: Most current rejuvenation treatments are non-invasive or minimally invasive. While not inexpensive, especially considering the need for repeated treatments, they offer significant results. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Sun protection: The most effective way to maintain youthful skin is through consistent sun protection. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. A wide-brimmed hat is an excellent complement.
- Creams and lotions:
- Moisturizers soothe dry skin and can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They often contain humectants such as glycerin, which attract and retain water in the skin.
- Exfoliating creams improve the appearance by removing dead cells that do not shed as easily on mature skin.
- There are prescription creams (such as Avita, Avage, Renova, and Retin-A) approved by the FDA that contain retinoids (vitamin A derivatives). These compounds stimulate collagen production and modify melanin, helping to reduce wrinkles and sunspots.
- Botulinum toxin injections: Commonly known as Botox , these injections are used to treat expression lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. They work by partially immobilizing the muscles that cause them, smoothing the skin. Other approved brands include Myobloc and Dysport.
- Dermal fillers: These are used to treat lines and folds caused by collagen and fat loss. They are the second most popular cosmetic procedure after botulinum toxin. They are especially effective for nasolabial folds (from the nose to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (from the corners of the mouth to the chin). Hyaluronic acid is the most popular filler; it lasts longer than collagen (up to six months), and its effects are prolonged with repeated injections.
- Laser treatments: Lasers are used to treat pigmented spots (freckles, sunspots), broken capillaries, or for overall skin rejuvenation . They remove the superficial layers of skin to reduce wrinkles caused by sun damage and acne scars. Non-ablative lasers work on deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. Recovery time varies depending on the type and intensity of the treatment.
The wisdom and experience that come with aging are a treasure, and the way our face reflects them is part of our story. Fortunately, if you wish to soften the signs of time, science and technology offer a range of options to maintain a fresh and vibrant appearance.
What other tips or treatments do you know for facial care and rejuvenation? Which of these options do you find most interesting?