Supplemental Information
Facial Aging Facts
What are the visible effects of facial aging?
The visible effects of facial aging are the progressive changes you see when you look in the mirror – including loss of skin elasticity, sagging, forehead lines, frown lines, crow's-feet, smile lines, lip lines, marionette lines – the lines framing your mouth – as well as changes to the color and texture of the skin and loss of volume.
When does facial aging begin?
Facial aging typically begins in your 20s when skin firmness begins to decrease, and collagen loss begins. You may notice sunspots and wrinkles begin to appear, or are becoming more pronounced with age.
What factors contribute to facial aging?
Facial aging is caused by both internal and external factors. Internal (or chronological) factors happen over time and are caused by genetics and the natural aging process. External (or environmental) factors are things in the world around you, including sun exposure, diet, smoking, pollution, overall environment, gravity, facial expressions, and even include your sleep position These factors contribute to changes in the skin and facial structure.
What is the role of collagen loss in facial aging?
Collagen is a fibrous protein in the dermis that gives structure to the skin, and provides the foundation for the retention of elastin and hyaluronic acid. Elastin is an elastic protein that helps maintain shape, while hyaluronic acid cushions and lubricates to keep the skin moist. More collagen enables the presence of more elastin and hyaluronic acid.
No information can replace the insight you can receive from your medical professional.