While a number of external factors contribute to the aging process, such as sun exposure and smoking, in some cases, the signs of aging appear as a result of the march of time. Everyone ages differently, but for the most part, people start to show certain signs of aging in certain decades of their lives. Whether you’re about to turn 30 or are celebrating your golden anniversary this year, learn the typical signs of aging to expect, when to expect them, and what you can do to fight back against them.
30s
Depending on how much you smoked in your 20s and how much time you spent out in the sun during your teens and 20s, signs of aging might appear slowly on your face as you move through your 30s or you may wake up one day wondering who that older person is in the mirror. Signs of aging that can start to appear in your 30s include fine lines, drier, duller skin, and droopiness of the eyelids. You may also notice that the bags and dark circles under your eyes are more visible.
Your skin looks and feels duller and drier as you head into your 30s because your body is starting to produce less collagen and cell turnover is starting to slow down. Your 30s might be the ideal time to try a light chemical peel, which will exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells, help unclog pores and leave you with a more refreshed appearance.
The 30s can also be the time to start Botox, depending on the location and type of fine lines you have. Dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines and crow’s feet, respond to Botox injections, as the ingredient blocks the nerve signal to muscles, keeping the muscles from moving and forming the wrinkle. Starting Botox early on, before the wrinkles are fully set, can have a preventative effect, keeping your wrinkles from becoming very deep as you get older.
40s
Years of sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations and the continued loss of collagen lead to some pretty distinct signs of aging when you’re in your 40s. You may have age or sun spots on your face, for example, and the loss of collagen may cause your skin to become looser. Lines and wrinkles all over the face typically become more visible in your 40s.
One way to fight the signs of aging in your 40s is to undergo laser skin resurfacing. Laser treatments help with a wide range of aging issues, from dark spots to uneven skin texture. The treatment works by destroying the top layer of skin, encouraging the production of new skin cells. It does take some time to heal from the procedure. Recovery time can vary based on how much of the face is treated and how deep the treatment is.
Your 40s might also be the time you start exploring the use of fillers to restore lost volume to your face or to fill in lines or wrinkles. Depending on how loose your skin becomes, your 40s may also be the time to explore a facelift, which tightens the skin and muscles in the jaw area, cheek area and neck area.
50s and Beyond
Most women go through menopause in their 50s, which means the amount of estrogen their body produces falls considerably. The significant loss of estrogen means skin becomes very, very dry, as estrogen plays a part in the production of collagen and oil. Sun and age spots also become more visible in the 50s, as does skin looseness. During your 50s, you’re likely to lose a considerable amount of fat in the facial area, which can make skin sagginess more prominent.
Your 50s might be the time to consider a filler such as Radiesse, to restore volume loss in the face. Compared to fillers made with hyaluronic acid, Radiesse is heavier and thicker, so it does a better job of lifting the skin and restoring volume. The ingredient in Radiesse also stimulates collagen production in the body, which then acts as a support structure for the skin.
Whether you are in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, Dr. Jessica Kulak, an aging face specialist at the Naderi Center in Maryland and Virginia, can discuss your specific concerns with you and recommend the best course of action. To schedule a consultation today, call (703) 481-0002 in Virginia or (301) 222-2020 in Maryland.
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