Ageing is a natural process that one should embrace gracefully. However, as individuals, we can try to age well and take certain steps to prevent its early onset.
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One of the places where ageing leaves a prominent impact is on the face. And since that shapes the identity of many, people are often concerned about how to slow down the process.
Taking to Instagram on April 1, Dr Thomas Paloschi, a longevity medical doctor specialising in preventive age management and functional medicine, shared how to do just that.
What drives facial ageing
According to Dr Paloschi, facial ageing is not a superficial process. It begins below the skin long before the first wrinkles appear, and as a result, topical treatments are not enough to counter it. Visible changes seen on the surface of the face as one ages come from deeper alterations in:
- Bone framework
- Deep fat compartments
- Superficial fat pads
- Retaining ligaments and fascia
- Dermal collagen & elastin
- Effect of bone framework
“The facial skeleton doesn’t stay fixed with age,” noted Dr Paloschi. “It reshapes. Studies show orbital enlargement, midface/maxilla bone loss, and mandibular angle widening, all of which reduce the support that keeps tissues lifted.” However, the physician believes that the changes can be slowed down.
Effect of shifting fat compartments
As one ages, the “fat map” of their face reshapes. This includes the shrinking of the deep fat pads and the migration of the superficial ones downward, which produces hollows, bags, and jowls on the face. Some of the causes behind the shift can be slowed down, as per Dr Paloschi.
Effect of changing skin
“The dermis thins with age,” revealed Dr Paloschi, “Collagen production slows, elastin fragments, and the extracellular matrix weakens, reducing firmness and elasticity.” He did note that these cellular pathways “can be influenced.”
Effect of UV radiation
Facial ageing is accelerated by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. According to Dr Paloschi. “It fragments collagen, stiffens elastin, damages DNA, and speeds visible ageing far more than time alone.” Getting daily photoprotection slows down the process.
Effect of hormonal shifts
Hormones have a prominent role to play in skin health, explained Dr Paloschi. For instance, estrogen supports skin thickness, collagen density and hydration. The rapid decline in estrogen levels after menopause in females, therefore, leads to dryness, thinning and faster ageing of the skin.
“Some hormonal effects are clinically modifiable through appropriate hormone replacement therapy (HRT) under medical supervision,” noted the physician.
Ways to slow down facial ageing
Dr Paloschi shared a list of ways that are known to slow down facial ageing if implemented. They are presented as follows.
- Strength training: supports bone structure and facial scaffold
- Protein: maintains dermal and soft-tissue proteins
- Vitamin D: essential for bone remodelling
- Retinoids: increase collagen and improve texture
- Daily sunscreen: slows photoaging
- Red light therapy: boosts mild collagen production
- Barrier repair: reduces water loss and inflammation
- Stable glucose: reduces collagen glycation
- Sleep (seven to eight hours): optimises nightly repair
- Lower stress: reduces collagen breakdown
- Hydration: supports dermal plumpness
- Avoid midday UV: strongest preventable accelerator
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
