Collagen production slows, elastin fragments, and the extracellular matrix weakens that can decrease firmness and elasticity.
Photo Credit: istockphoto
Signs of facial aging, such as wrinkles and folds, poor skin tone and texture, and an imbalanced distribution of soft tissue, can have deleterious psychological, emotional, and social effects because facial aging alters self-perception and how individuals are seen by others.
We age and get wrinkles due to factors like fall in skin cell production, loss of collagen, elastin, lifestyle factors, UV rays exposure, decreased skin turnover and oil, among others. Collagen offers strength and elastin improves skin elasticity. As we age, production of collagen and elastin decline that can cause skin to sag and become vulnerable. With time the repeated facial expression like smiling and frowning can also cause the skin to form creases.
However, we leave no stone unturned to prevent early onset of wrinkles on our face, neck, and other prominent areas of the body. Ageing causes maximum impact and changes on facial appearance leaving many looking for ways to slow down the process. But, you can heave a sigh of relief now.
Renowned Dr Thomas Paloschi, MD, US-trained, popularly known as Dr Longevity took to his Instagram handle and shared the major factors that can cause facial ageing and how people can slow down the process.
“Facial aging is not a surface-level process. It reflects progressive changes in bone structure, fat compartments, collagen architecture, UV exposure, and hormonal signaling over time. The important point is that many of these pathways are modifiable. Daily photoprotection, resistance training, adequate protein intake, sleep, metabolic health, and appropriate medical guidance can help slow visible aging while supporting overall health,” emphasied the doctor. 1
According to a study published in National Library of Medicine, “Signs of facial aging, such as wrinkles and folds, poor skin tone and texture, and an imbalanced distribution of soft tissue, can have deleterious psychological, emotional, and social effects because facial aging alters self-perception and how individuals are seen by others.” 2
The doctor said that “facial aging starts beneath the skin: that’s why topical treatments are not enough.” Facial aging is commonly blamed on skin alone, but skin is the final layer. The visible changes we see on the surface come from deeper alterations in bone framework, deep fat compartments, superficial fat pads, retaining ligaments & fascia, and dermal collagen & elastin.
The Bone Framework: The doctor highlighted that the facial skeleton does not remain fixed with age and it continues to reshape. Studies indicate orbital enlargement, midface/maxilla bone loss, and mandibular angle widening, all of which decrease support that keeps tissues lifted, revealed the doctor. However, the happy news is that some of these changes can be slowed.
Skin & Collagen: According to Dr Thomas Paloschi, the dermis thins with age. Collagen production slows, elastin fragments, and the extracellular matrix weakens that can decrease firmness and elasticity. These cellular pathways can be influenced.
UV Damage: UV accelerates every layer of facial aging. It fragments collagen, stiffens elastin, damages DNA, and speeds visible aging far more than time alone. Daily photoprotection can slow down this procedure, added Dr Thomas.
Hormonal Shifts: Estrogen can support skin thickness, collagen density, and hydration. After menopause, rapid decline takes place that can cause dryness, thinning, and faster aging. Some hormonal effects are clinically modifiable through appropriate hormone replacement therapy or HRT under medical supervision, disclosed the doctor.
1. Strength Training: It can support bone structure and facial scaffold. The doctor has recommended strength training 2-3 times per week. He has recommended to reduce sugars and walks post meals as it can improve inulin sensitivity.
2. Protein: It helps in maintaining dermal along with soft-tissue proteins.
3. Vitamin D: It is essential for bone remodeling.
4. Retinoids: It can significantly increase collagen and improve texture.
5. Daily Sunscreen: It slows down photoaging.
6. Red Light Therapy: It helps in boosting mild collagen production.
7. Barrier Repair: It helps in reducing water loss and inflammation.
8. Stable Glucose: It can reduce collagen glycation.
9. Sleep: It can immensely optimize nightly repair.
10: Lower Stress: It can bring down collage breakdown.
11. Hydration: It helps in supporting dermal plumpness.
12. Avoid Midday UV: It has emerged as one of the strongest preventable accelerators.
The doctor concluded the post saying, “the visible changes of aging begin in deeper structures, and many of those pathways are modifiable. And, while aging is universal, its rate is not. We can slow it while improving overall health.
FAQs
How does facial ageing differ from general skin ageing?
Facial ageing is a complex process involving changes beneath the skin, including bone structure reshaping, fat compartment loss, collagen and elastin decline, and hormonal shifts. Unlike general skin ageing, it affects deeper tissues such as the facial skeleton, ligaments, and fascia, which contributes to visible signs like sagging and wrinkles.
What are the most effective daily habits to slow down facial ageing?
Key daily habits include consistent photoprotection with sunscreen, adequate protein intake, strength training 2-3 times weekly to support bone and facial structure, good sleep for repair, stable blood glucose levels, hydration, and stress reduction. Avoiding midday UV exposure also significantly slows photoaging.
How do retinoids and red light therapy compare in preventing facial ageing?
Retinoids are topical agents that significantly boost collagen production and improve skin texture, addressing surface and dermal ageing. Red light therapy stimulates mild collagen production and supports skin repair but generally provides more subtle effects. Both can be complementary in a prevention regimen.
Can hormonal therapies help with signs of facial ageing post-menopause?
Yes, estrogen supports skin thickness, collagen density, and hydration. Post-menopause, estrogen decline can accelerate ageing effects like dryness and thinning. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when supervised by medical professionals, can modulate these hormonal effects and improve skin quality.
Is strength training really beneficial for facial ageing and how?
Strength training benefits facial ageing by supporting bone structure and the facial scaffold which help maintain tissue lift and contour. Dr. Paloschi recommends strength training 2-3 times per week as part of a holistic approach to slow the underlying structural changes driving visible ageing.
Dr Thomas Paloschi, MD, US-trained|12 Proven Ways To Reduce Facial Ageing
National Library of Medicine|The Facial Aging Process From the “Inside Out”
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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