Skin Sagging and Volume Loss

When we are young there is an even distribution of volume in our facial skin. This includes:  

• High cheekbones 
• Full jowls  
• Smooth skin  
• A lean, well-defined jaw line  

These features combine to create a face shape and structure that is wider at the top, tapering down to the narrowest point at the chin. The overall look is relaxed and positive.  

As we age, the signs of a loss of volume mean this is inverted. This is due to the following changes:  

• A wider, slacker jaw line  
• Sagging skin resulting in less defined facial contours  
• Flatter cheeks  
• Wrinkles on the forehead and brows
• The corners of the mouth point downwards  
• Hollowness of under eye area and temples   It’s the combination of these factors that equates to an aged appearance. As volume diminishes and skin sags the perception of the face is altered. 

Volume is lost in many areas of the face as we get older. The areas that lose volume include the cheeks, the brow, and the lips. As the cheeks sag and lose volume, they descend from their usual high position in the face near the eyes, to a lower position. This leads to the formation of nasolabial folds, oral commissures and then jowls (the skin that sags beneath the jawline). This leads to a squarer appearance to the face. Conversely, a youthful face resembles the shape of an upside-down triangle, a line through the eyes forming a base, and the chin forming the point of the triangle. 

Volume can also be lost in the brows, which exposes the upper orbital rim, giving the face of more skeletal appearance. 

It’s not just our genetics that determine how we age. There are a range of other internal and external factors that lead to a loss of volume in skin: 

Over exposure to the sun is the primary cause of premature skin aging. Others include hormonal changes, lifestyle, general health condition. 

A gradual drop in the ‘filler’ substances that keep skin looking firm and feeling smooth lead to a loss of volume, less defined contours and sagging skin in the different layers of skin: 

The epidermis – as we age, the outermost layers of skin produce less hyaluronic acid and fewer lipids. Skin is less able to bind in moisture, becomes drier and, as a result, fine lines and wrinkles appear. Skin starts to sag, appears thinner and its texture may be dry and rough.  

The deeper layers of the skin – A 1% annual loss of collagen worsens the thinning effect together with a declining level of functional elastin. As elastin is partly responsible for the skin’s elasticity and strength, a decrease in these two substances together results in a sagging, less elastic skin. The volume-giving cells that keep skin `filled out’ reduce in size and number, leading to a shrinking of these layers. The result is a more drawn and sunken look to the skin, with flattening of the cheeks.  

Over time, the blood flow delivering nutrients slows, resulting in dullness and a tendency towards dehydration and slower healing. Skin undergoes a further loss of elasticity and deep wrinkles start to form. 

If you’re concerned about the rate your skin is aging, there are many health habits you can use to prevent the speeding process to continue. 

• Avoid sun damage. Sun damage is one of the top causes of premature aging. You should always use sunscreen when you are outsides and use other sun barriers whenever possible (hats, clothing). Try to avoid direct sun exposure from 11:00am to 2:00pm, which are peak sun hours. 
• Don’t smoke. If you already smoke, you should try to quit. Right behind sun damage, smoking is the second biggest cause of premature aging. 
• Practice skincare. Everyone should stick to a skincare regimen that includes exfoliating, hydration, and rejuvenation. Use products with alpha hydroxy, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and retinol-based compounds. 
• Eat healthy. Eating a balanced diet with amino acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and the minerals silicon and zinc can help support healthy skin. Avoid fatty foods, processed foods, and other high sugar foods. These can cause inflammation and premature cell damage. 
• Drink water! If you want to keep your skin moisturized, drinking enough water is the best way. It keeps your skin cells firm, plump, and prevents fluid retention. 
• Stay fit. Weight training can help strengthen, condition, and tone your skin’s muscles. If you do lose weight, makes sure it’s at a healthy and moderate speed, about 1 to 2 pounds per week. Maintain proper nutrition to preserve your muscle mass and never allow dehydration and starvation.