Aging is a natural process, and one of the first places it becomes visible is on the face. As we age, the structural components of our skin—collagen, elastin, and fat—begin to break down, causing changes in appearance.
However, understanding how and why the face changes with time can help guide decisions on skincare and aesthetic treatments, which can be tailored to your specific stage of life. In fact, at Ericsson Aesthetics in Cary, I offer several treatments designed to slow down or address the visible effects of aging, allowing you to look and feel your best at every age. So, let’s take a closer look at how the face changes as we age!
At What Age Does Your Face Change the Most?
Many people notice the most significant changes in their facial appearance between the ages of 40 and 50. This is when the skin loses its youthful firmness, and gravity starts to take its toll.
Around this time, you might notice:
- Deepening of nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to your mouth)
- Sagging skin, particularly around the jawline, creating jowls
- Volume loss in the cheeks
- Increased visibility of fine lines and wrinkles
While these changes are more pronounced during this period, they often begin in your 30s. However, lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and stress can accelerate these signs of aging, making them appear even sooner.
For those looking to address these changes, treatments such as dermal fillers and microneedling can often restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin.
Does Your Face Change After 25?
Though significant changes might not occur until later, your face does start to change after the age of 25. This is when your skin’s natural collagen production declines by about 1% per year. While the effects may not be immediately visible, you might start noticing subtle shifts:
- Fine lines forming around the eyes and mouth
- Slight loss of elasticity in the skin
- A duller, less vibrant complexion
These changes might seem small, but addressing them early with preventative care, such as chemical peels and medical-grade skincare products, can have long-lasting benefits.
How Does the Aging Process Affect the Skin?
Aging affects the face in several key ways, primarily due to the reduction in collagen and elastin production. Here are the main components impacted:
- Skin Texture and Tone: As collagen levels drop, the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. This results in a rougher texture and may cause the skin to appear uneven.
- Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Over time, repeated facial expressions (such as smiling or frowning) create lines in the skin that deepen as elasticity decreases.
- Volume Loss: The fat pads under the skin shrink and shift, leading to a hollow appearance, particularly under the eyes and in the cheeks.
- Sagging Skin: Gravity plays a significant role as we age, pulling the skin downward, particularly around the jawline and neck.
While the natural aging process is inevitable, many clients at Ericsson Aesthetics have found success in restoring youthful appearance through personalized treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy and radiofrequency microneedling, both of which stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.
How to Address Facial Aging at Any Age
No matter your age, there are steps you can take to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. In your 20s and early 30s, preventative care is key. Start by maintaining a consistent skincare routine that includes sun protection and hydration.
As you enter your 40s and 50s, consider more advanced treatments like those offered by Ericsson Aesthetics to target specific concerns such as volume loss or sagging. I can even tailor treatments to your skin’s unique needs, helping to restore balance and vibrancy to your appearance. Book your appointment today!
