Understanding How the Face Ages - And What You Can Do to Slow It Down
- Antoinette Hamilton
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Ageing is a natural and inevitable process, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to maintain a fresh, healthy appearance for as long as possible. As we grow older, a number of changes occur beneath the surface of the skin that contribute to a more tired, sagging or hollow look. By understanding how the face ages, you can make informed decisions about skincare and treatments that will help slow down the visible signs - and keep you feeling confident at every stage of life.
How the Face Ages Over Time
The ageing process isn’t just about wrinkles. It’s a gradual structural shift that happens in the deeper layers of the face, including bone, fat, muscle and skin.
1. Loss of Facial Volume and Fat Pads
One of the most noticeable signs of ageing is volume loss. As we age, the fat pads that once gave our faces youthful fullness begin to shrink and shift. This loss of volume can cause the cheeks to hollow, the under-eyes to appear sunken, and the temples to become more concave.
2. Changes in Bone Structure
Yes, even our bones age. The skull gradually loses density, which can cause the jawline to appear less defined, the chin to recede, and the eye sockets to widen. These subtle skeletal changes alter the contours of the face and can contribute to a more tired, aged appearance.
3. Sagging and Skin Laxity
With volume loss and gravity, the skin begins to sag - particularly in the lower face. This is where we start to see jowls, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds deepen. The overall facial shape may start to pull downward, causing a less lifted and youthful look.
4. Thinning Lips
Lips also lose volume with age, becoming thinner and less defined. The skin around the mouth can develop fine lines, and the corners of the mouth may begin to turn downwards.
The Role of Sun Damage
One of the biggest contributors to premature ageing is UV exposure. Sun damage breaks down collagen and elastin - the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic - leading to wrinkles, pigmentation, and a rough texture.
That’s why one of the most effective ways to slow down facial ageing is wearing a high-factor SPF daily, regardless of the weather. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (ideally 50!) should be part of your morning routine every single day, protecting your skin from UV damage that accelerates the signs of ageing.
My Professional Recommendation
In my opinion, an effective skincare routine will always be the first and most important step. Using medical-grade products tailored to your skin’s needs can dramatically improve skin health, texture, and appearance over time.
Injectables, when done correctly and conservatively, can then support and enhance your natural features - restoring volume, lifting sagging areas, and softening lines.
However, it’s the combination of the two - high-quality skincare and expertly placed injectables - that delivers the most impactful and long-lasting results.
If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to ageing well, I’d love to guide you through a personalised skincare plan and discuss treatments that align with your goals. Let’s slow the signs of ageing together - with care, precision, and the right approach.
Call us: 07899300849
Email us: ahaesthetics@yahoo.com
Antoinette Hamilton
Aesthetic Nurse Prescriber with 18 years nursing experience, specialising in natural results and Obagi skincare
Manchester
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