Facial Aging Explained

Facial aging is a gradual process that affects multiple layers of the face, including the skin, underlying structures, and overall facial proportions.

Rather than being caused by a single factor, facial aging involves a combination of changes that occur over time, influencing how different areas of the face appear and interact.

Facial anatomy diagram showing layers of skin, subcutaneous fat, and bone.

The layers of the Face

The face is made up of multiple anatomical layers that work together to support structure, movement, and overall appearance. These layers include the skin, subcutaneous fat, muscles, and bone.

Skin
The skin is the outermost layer and plays a key role in texture and elasticity. It contains structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, which help maintain firmness and resilience.

Subcutaneous Fat
Beneath the skin are fat compartments that contribute to volume, contour, and smooth transitions between facial areas. These structures help support the overlying skin and influence overall facial shape.

Muscle
Facial muscles are responsible for movement and expression. Some muscles attach to the skin and allow for expression such as smiling, frowning, and raising the eyebrows.

Bone
The underlying bone provides the structural framework of the face. It supports the overlying soft tissues and plays a key role in defining facial shape, projection, and proportions.

Each layer plays a distinct role in overall facial balance and structure. Changes in one layer may influence how other layers appear, contributing to overall changes in facial appearance over time.

How the skin changes over time

The skin undergoes gradual changes, including reductions in collagen and elastin. These changes may influence:

• skin texture
• elasticity
• the appearance of fine lines

Skin hydration levels can also change over time and between weather seasons. Dehydrated skin can influence the skins appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and skin texture.

Volume and Structural Changes

Changes in volume from fat pad depletion and reposition occur due to the natural aging process, or from weight loss. Structural changes of the underlying bone structure occur from bone resorption. Over time, loss of fat pad volume and bone structure may influence facial contour and proportions.

Due to underlying volume loss, the skin loses support causing a downward shift in its position. This can affect how different areas of the face appear and relate to one and other. Structural and volume-related changes can be discussed during a volume loss consultation.

Movement and expression

Facial movement contributes to facial expression and communication. Over time, repeated movement may influence the appear of lines and wrinkles in areas such as the forehead, frown area, and around the sides of the eyes.

Understanding how repetitive muscle contraction can form fine lines and wrinkles over time can be discussed during a consultation for wrinkle reduction.

Other causes of aging

Facial aging is multifactorial. Other factors that may influence facial aging include, sun exposure, diet and lifestyle, genetics, stress, and sleep patterns.

Upper face changes

The upper face is involved in facial movement, and plays a significant role in facial expression and communication. Changes in the forehead, frown line area, and around the sides of the eyes may become more noticeable over time due to repeated expression and skin changes.

Understanding the upper face involves looking at how movement and structure interact, particularly in areas that are highly dynamic. Explore the upper face in more detail detail:
• forehead
• frown line area
• around the sides of the eyes

Mid-face changes

The mid-face is central to facial structure and balance. It includes the under-eye area, cheeks, and nasolabial folds, which all work together to support the overall contour of the face.

Changes in this area may influence how the face appears both from the front and side profile, as well as how different features relate to each other. Explore the mid-face in more detail:
• under the eyes
• cheeks
• nasolabial folds

Lower Face Changes

The lower face contributes to definition, proportion, and overall facial harmony. It includes the lips, chin, and jawline, which play a key role in both frontal and side profile appearance.

Changes in this area may affect facial balance and how features such as the lips and chin relate to one and other. Explore the lower face in more detail:
• lips
• chin
• jawline

Neck changes

The neck is closely connected to the lower face. It can show signs of aging due to changes in skin, underlying structures, and muscle activity, which can influence how the jawline and lower face are perceived.

Learn more about the neck:
• neck anatomy

A holistic approach to facial assessment

Facial aging is best understood by considering the face as a whole, rather than focusing on individual areas in isolation. A total face assessment is conducted during a consultation with Michelle.

Book a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Facial aging is influenced by changes in skin, structure, movement, and overall facial proportions over time.

Changes can begin gradually from our late twenties and vary between individuals. Genetics and lifestyle factors can influence how the face ages.

Although everyone ages, different areas of the face may change at different rates.