Skin ages in two ways---internally and externally. You can't influence internal aging, but external factors are lifestyle choices that are within your control. As skin loses its elasticity, gravity pulls facial skin downward. Your eyelids may fall, you may see loose skin along your jawline and your lower lip may become larger while your upper lip may diminish. You can slow the pace of these changes by protecting yourself from elements that speed the aging process.
Intrinsic Aging
Genetics control the rate of your intrinsic or, internal, aging. The process begins in your twenties, but may not be noticeable for decades. The rate at which your skins sheds old cells and builds new ones slows and your body's production of collagen and elastin--two proteins that give skin its elasticity--declines over time. These changes cause fine wrinkles and dry skin. You also lose the fat layer under your skin, which causes your skin to look thin and translucent, and also may cause the appearance of hollow cheeks and eye sockets.
Bone Changes
Age-related changes in the structure of your facial bones also can cause skin sagging. In particular, the jaw decreases in height, which causes your skin to fit more loosely. The overall loss of bone volume changes the angle of your jaw as well, so that it becomes less defined and provides less support to the skin and soft tissue in the area below your mouth. As a result, your skin may sag along the jaw line and in the neck area.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is a major external cause of skin damage that leads to sagging. Over time, accumulated damage from the sun's rays destroys the skin's ability to repair itself. Also, ultraviolet radiation breaks down collagen and reduces the skin's ability to produce this protein. Skin color and the amount of sun exposure determine the extent of the damage.
Lifestyle Choice
Chemicals from cigarette smoking accelerate your skin's aging process. If you have smoked half a pack or more per day for 10 years, you are more likely to develop leathery skin and deep wrinkles than a non-smoker, according to the American Academy of Dermatology's information website Aging Skin Net. Quitting smoking, however, can greatly diminish these effects. Poor diet, lack of exercise, insufficient sleep and excessive alcohol consumption also can contribute to premature skin aging.
Prevention/Solution
Use sunscreen to protect yourself year round. Choose a brand that offers UVA and UVB protection, with a sun protection factor of at least 30. Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the rays are most direct. If you do facial exercises, stop them because the repeated movement causes a groove under the skin, which develops into a permanent wrinkle over time. Avoid excessive alcohol, get sufficient sleep and eat a well-balanced diet to help your body maintain the ability to repair cell damage.
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