As we age it's natural to question the changes we observe in our faces. Each passing day leaves its mark on our skin. When these changes set in it becomes difficult to face the mirror. Even certain studies have shown that many people stop looking in the mirror after the age of 45 to avoid witnessing the signs of aging. Therefore, it becomes essential to prioritize skin care as we grow older.

The renowned dermatologist Dr. Debraj Shome describes natural changes that occur in our faces as we age and what can be done to maintain a youthful and refreshed appearance.

Aging
Aging is a natural phenomenon, and the beauty of a gracefully aging face is truly captivating. While the effects of aging can be observed throughout the body, it is the changes in our faces that tend to be most prominent. 

Dr. Debraj Shome, a well-known dermatologist, shares important insights about facial aging that are essential for everyone to understand. The most important point to note is that the process of aging begins from the moment we are born. This means that even as a baby or a one-year-old, each passing day adds to our age. 

“Aging is an ongoing and continuous process that spans throughout our entire lives. It is not something that occurs at a specific moment or time” explains Dr. Debraj.

How the face ages

As we grow older, our body undergoes noticeable changes, and one of the most obvious ones is the expansion of the forehead due to receding hairlines. Our ears also seem to lengthen a bit, which is caused by the growth of the ear cartilage. Additionally, the tips of our noses may start to droop because the connective tissue supporting the nasal cartilage weakens. Our face starts to lose volume and shift downward. This causes features that were once round and full to sink, while the previously smooth and tight skin becomes loose and sags. It's a natural part of the aging process for these structural rearrangements to occur, and they can have an impact on how our face looks and feels over time.

One of the biggest changes that worries people as we age is the appearance of wrinkles. Among these wrinkles, the ones that concern people the most are the ones that form between the forehead and eyebrows. These deep wrinkles are commonly known as expression or animation lines. They develop because our facial muscles are constantly pulling and tugging, which eventually leads to the skin becoming creased.

How to slow down the aging process?

While some people embrace the signs of aging and the way their looks transform over the years, others seek ways to manage and address these changes. To slow down this natural process, selecting appropriate anti-aging options becomes an important consideration. Over the years cosmetic procedures aimed at counteracting the signs of aging have gained widespread popularity, offering less invasive treatments to rejuvenate and restore a youthful appearance to the skin.

According to Dr. Debraj, there are measures that can be taken to control and treat the effects of aging. "How young or old you appear depends on the expertise of your plastic or cosmetic surgeon, or your dermatologist, and the treatments you have received," he explains.

One popular approach to defy the effects of aging is through a procedure known as the age-defying facelift. This surgical procedure involves the removal of excess tissue and the lifting of sagging skin in the lower part of the face.

In addition to facelifts, there are also other cosmetic procedures available that are considered as popular alternatives. Here are some suggestions for achieving a more youthful appearance for your face:

Sun protection: The most effective way to maintain a youthful look is by shielding your face from the sun. Wearing sunscreen that guards against UVA and UVB rays is essential.

Creams and lotions: If you wish to temporarily reduce the visibility of wrinkles, applying moisturizers can be beneficial for soothing dry skin. These moisturizers contain water to make the skin less oily and often include ingredients like glycerin, which helps retain moisture. 

Prescription creams: Certain creams that require a prescription have been proven to minimize wrinkles. Several creams approved by the FDA contain retinoids, compounds similar to vitamin A, which stimulate collagen production and affect melanin levels are found effective in delaying aging of the face.

Botulinum toxin injections: These injections are used to address the lines that form between the brows and on the forehead, known as expression lines. By partially immobilizing the muscles responsible for these lines, the injections help smoothen the skin.

Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are used to treat lines that result from the loss of collagen and fat. The most commonly used dermal filler nowadays is hyaluronic acid, which is more expensive than collagen but lasts longer.

Laser treatments: Lasers can be utilized for treating pigmentation issues and resurfacing the facial skin. By targeting the uppermost layer, lasers can effectively reduce wrinkles and scars.

Conclusion

Aging is a natural process that affects our skin and facial features. However the changes that occur with time can be managed and treated. To maintain a youthful and refreshed appearance it's essential to prioritize skin care. Measures like sun protection, moisturizers, prescription creams, botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, and laser treatments can be beneficial for delaying the signs of aging. Consulting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help determine the best anti-aging options for you.