An aging face is something we all have to deal with sooner or later, and whether it happens sooner or later depends to a large extent on how we take care of ourselves. When we look into the mirror later in life and see an aging face staring back we must accept the face we see, and we should feel that we did what we could to age as gracefully as possible.
Identification
With aging the face changes in appearance. The skin starts to sag and may become dry. Wrinkles usually start to appear as well. Some people find their wrinkles are deeper in certain areas, such as between the eyebrows and in the area that runs from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Lines commonly form around the eyes. Another common sign of skin aging is the appearance of dark spots and tiny skin projections.
Face Wrinkles
Wrinkles are common in aging facial skin, and a few things influence the rate at which they form. Frequently made facial expressions have a tendency to stay imprinted in the skin over time, and puckering of the lips during smoking or sipping through a straw can create wrinkling of the skin around this area. Sleeping with your face pressed against the mattress or a pillow can also cause wrinkles to form.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is another common problem that comes with aging. A slowing down of the production of sweat and of oil made by the sebaceous glands is the primary cause of dry skin. Other contributing factors include exposure to dry heat and the sun, use of drying soaps, stress, cigarette smoking and an inadequate intake of fluids. Dry skin accentuates wrinkles.
Other Changes
When the face ages, age spots and skin tags sometimes appear. The sun causes aging of the skin and dark spots, also referred to as liver spots. Tiny projections of flesh called skin tags may also appear on the eyelids over time. Bone loss in the jaw and loss of teeth change the shape of the face. Bone loss is common in older people; when it occurs, the skin on the face becomes looser due to lack of bone support. Collagen production decreases, also contributing to sagging skin.
Prevention/Solution
Although you cannot prevent aging of the face, you can do a few things to slow the process and reduce the signs. Eat a well-balanced diet and hydrate your skin by drinking 64 oz. a day of water. Plug in a humidifier for additional moisture. Say no to alcohol and cigarettes. Avoid caffeine intake. Also avoid the sun as much as possible and use a sun protection lotion that has an SPF over 15 when you know you will be out in the sun. Wear sunglasses. Use a gentle soap, and don't use hot water on your face. Apply a good moisturizer after cleansing while the skin is still damp. Exfoliate your skin regularly, and for deeper exfoliation consider having microdermabrasion or a chemical peel to even skin tone and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. A more dramatic approach is a face lift. Have skin tags removed by a dermatologist. Make it a habit to sleep on your back to prevent wrinkles. Eat calcium-rich foods to help prevent bone loss, and take care of your teeth.
References
- Age Page: Skin Care and Aging
- NIAMS: Oral Health and Bone Disease
- "Milady's Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians;" Joel Gerson; 1999
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