Have you ever wondered what your skin will look like in the years to come?
Although aging is a natural part of life, there are some signs that can give you an idea of the extent to which your skin will be affected.
Dr. Brendan Khong, a cosmetic doctor working in London, says there are three main types of aging people, which she defines as “sunken,” “sagging” and “wrinkled.”
A person suffering from a “sunken” face will notice signs of sagging skin collecting in the middle of the face, while a “sagging” person will see their skin moving downwards, towards the chin and away from the bone.
The so-called “wrinkles” may not lose as much volume, but they will have a large number of lines on the forehead, around the eyes and mouth, explains Dr. Khong.
He adds that some people will start to show signs of aging much earlier than others, and this can indicate what kind of older person you may become.
“Genetics plays an important role in premature aging,” he says. ‘This influences how quickly collagen and elastin, the key proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, begin to break down.
“But exposure to UV rays, pollution, an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep, stress and smoking can accelerate this aging process by causing oxidative stress that damages skin cells.”
Experts have said that pronounced crow’s feet in your 20s and 30s mean you’re likely to wrinkle a lot over the next decade or two.
There are a few signs that can determine whether you will sink, sink, or crumple.
Fine lines around your eyes when you’re in your 20s and 30s may indicate that you’re going to wrinkle, he says. Known as crow’s feet, they appear in the outer corners of your eyes when you squint or smile.
“People who use a lot of expression when they talk are more likely to develop them sooner,” adds London-based aesthetic doctor Joney De Souza.
“Sun exposure and UV damage, dehydration, and lack of proper eye care can also lead to fine lines.”
Horizontal lines on the forehead that become visible when raising the eyebrows can also indicate premature aging, common in people with wrinkles.
“Over time, these become more prominent at rest,” says Dr. De Souza.
Dull-looking skin with an uneven texture can be a sign that you’ll be “sagging” or “sagging” in the future, he adds.
Dr. De Souza says, “This dullness is most visible on the cheeks and forehead and is often caused by environmental pollutants such as car smoke and insufficient exfoliation.”
Preventing sagging skin is difficult, but experts say a combination of massage and moisturizing can keep things from going wrong.
Small brown spots or patches of uneven skin color, usually on the cheeks, nose, and forehead, may begin to develop earlier, especially if you are frequently exposed to UV rays.
This is known as hyperpigmentation and, according to experts, can be caused by hormonal contraception.
«The hormone estrogen can stimulate melanocytes, responsible for producing melanin, which can cause localized areas of hyperpigmentation. “Hormonal contraceptives can also increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV damage and acne, causing hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. De Souza.
Another early sign of sagging skin is if you notice a slight crease between your nose and mouth when you smile or talk. These are called nasolabial lines, and over time they can become deeper and more permanent, resulting in a “sunken” appearance.
Dr. De Souza says: These lines are caused by natural facial movements, loss of skin elasticity and dehydration.
Another early sign of sagging skin is a slight softening or blurring of the jawline.
As for “dipping,” “a slight flattening or dipping around the cheekbone can result in less definition,” says Dr. Khong.
But both experts say there are many things you can do to prevent all three types of aging.
To prevent deeper wrinkles, Dr. De Souza recommends using a moisturizing eye cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump the skin and stimulate collagen.
And he adds: “Sunscreen is also not negotiable.”
‘You should use SPF 50 every day all year round. A light retinol helps smooth fine lines over time. Preventive Botox treatments can relax muscles and delay the formation of deeper lines.
For those with early signs of sagging and sagging skin, maintain good posture, which includes refraining from constantly looking at your phone, says Dr. De Souza.
Facial massages at home could also help improve firmness.
He instructs: ‘Use fingertips or knuckles with a facial oil or serum for a smooth glide. Start at the center of the chin, slide up along the jawline toward the ears, and incorporate pinching motions along the jawline to stimulate circulation and improve elasticity.
‘Use upward movements from the base of the neck to the chin to counteract sagging. Repeat each movement for five to ten minutes a day.
Otherwise, simple lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, getting more sleep, and drinking more water, can help maintain smooth, even skin.