Have you ever looked in the mirror after rolling out of bed in the morning and said to yourself “What the hell happened to my face?!?” (I know you have). We all do it once we hit 40. Your face is essentially a reflection of life’s experiences to date–the laugh lines, the frown lines (hopefully not too many of those), the endless days at the beach when sunscreen was an afterthought that came in a pink squeeze bottle labeled “Water Babies,” the acne scars, the run-in with an open cabinet door that left that scar….as wonderful as many of these memories are, the fact that they are writing a story across your face is maybe not so favorable. The important thing to remember is that despite all the youthful filters you find on social media, your aging skin is not unique to you. Everyone over 40 is experiencing this to a certain degree (some more so than others depending on lifestyle and habits). And although there is no such thing as a “fountain of youth,” perhaps understanding the changes that naturally occur in our skin as we age can help us care for our skin in such a way as to keep it healthy, beautiful and glowing. So here goes…
- Structural Changes:
The aging process brings about significant structural changes in our skin. Collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for maintaining its firmness and elasticity, begin to decline over time. This loss of structural support leads to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Additionally, fat cells in the deeper layers of the skin diminish in size and number, leading to a loss of volume and fullness in the face.
- Texture and Tone:
The texture and tone of our skin also evolve as we age. Years of sun exposure, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and daily alcohol consumption can contribute to uneven pigmentation, age spots, and a dull complexion. Moreover, the cell turnover rate slows down, causing a buildup of dead skin cells that can make the skin appear rough and lackluster. Additionally, the production of natural oils diminishes, resulting in drier, more fragile skin.
- Moisture Balance:
Maintaining optimal moisture balance becomes increasingly challenging with age. As the skin’s lipid barrier weakens, it becomes less adept at retaining moisture, leading to dryness and increased susceptibility to irritation. Consequently, adopting a hydrating skincare routine becomes essential for nourishing and replenishing the skin’s moisture levels.
- Decreased Healing Capacity:
The skin’s ability to repair and regenerate itself diminishes over time. Wounds take longer to heal, and the formation of scars becomes more prominent. This reduced healing capacity is attributed to a decline in collagen production and a slower turnover of skin cells. In addition, the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, tends to thin with age. This thinning can make the skin more susceptible to damage, such as cuts, bruises, and environmental stressors. Consequently, protecting the skin from injury and inflammation becomes paramount in maintaining its health and vitality.
- Increased Vulnerability to External Factors:
As we age, our skin becomes more vulnerable to external factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and harsh weather conditions. The cumulative effects of sun exposure, in particular, can accelerate the aging process, leading to premature wrinkles, sunspots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, diligent sun protection measures, including the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing, are crucial for preserving the skin’s youthfulness and health.
- Acne (yup, not just a teenage problem)
Acne in mature skin typically manifests differently than it does in adolescents. While teenage acne tends to be characterized by excess oil production and hormonal fluctuations, adult acne is often linked to factors such as hormonal changes, stress, medication, and underlying medical conditions. It tends to be more inflammatory, with deeper, cystic lesions that can be stubborn to treat. I will address this in full in an upcoming blog post because it is something that I have suffered from in my adult years and I am so passionate about destigmatizing this topic. The emotional impact is very real. So more on that at a later date….
7. Changes in Hormonal Levels:
Hormonal fluctuations, especially during menopause (you know, that lovely life transition where you get hot at inappropriate times, grow hair in suboptimal locations, and gain all that extra weight around the middle), can impact the skin’s structure and function. A decrease in estrogen levels can contribute to dryness, loss of collagen, and a reduction in skin thickness.
8. Weakening of Connective Tissues:
The connective tissues that support the skin, including ligaments and tendons, may weaken over time. This weakening contributes to the loss of facial contour and the development of jowls. This is why you see all these new YouTube videos hailing the benefits of facial yoga. Does it really work? I don’t know. But if you happen to note a change after grimacing for 15 minutes in the mirror every morning, please write in and let me know!
Beyond the physical changes, the aging process can also have a profound emotional impact on individuals. Looking in the mirror and seeing an aging face reminds us of all we’ve been through and stirs up complex thoughts and feelings. In addition, society’s obsession with youthfulness and beauty can instill feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, leading some individuals to pursue invasive cosmetic procedures in search of eternal youth (there is no such thing). However, take a pause before you panic and seek out a botox clinic. Embracing the natural aging process and adopting a positive mindset towards aging can empower individuals to feel confident and beautiful at every stage of life. The focus should be about keeping your skin healthy (and thus radiant and youthful by default). So take the time, look in that mirror, and study every blemish, fine line, wrinkle, sunspot. Appreciate that your face is a reflection of where you have come from and all you have accomplished and stay tuned for the next post in this multi-part series dedicated to skin health!
