Ageing: Sagging Skin

Ageing is a natural process that brings about changes in our bodies over time. One of the more visible signs of ageing is sagging skin. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes less firm. This can lead to sagging in various areas of our body.

Areas Where Skin Sag

Sagging skin can occur in different areas throughout the body, but it is most visible on the face, neck, and décolletage. Here are some common areas where skin sags:

Face:

One of the most common areas where skin sags is on the face. The skin around the cheeks, jawline, and eyelids can begin to droop with age.

Jowls:

The jowls refer to the sagging skin that develops in the neck and jawline area. As we age, the skin loses elasticity and collagen production, leading to jowls that droop downward. This can be particularly noticeable in individuals with a genetic predisposition or those who have undergone significant weight loss.

Eyes:

The eyes are also prone to sagging. The skin around the eyes is delicate and thinner than on other areas of the face. Over time, the skin becomes looser and less firm, leading to wrinkles, bags under the eyes, and sagging eyelids. This sagging can make one appear tired or aged.

Lips:

The lips can lose their youthful plumpness and develop a sagging appearance. This can be due to various factors, including genetics, sun damage, smoking, or the natural ageing process. Sagging lips can contribute to a thinner and less defined appearance.

Nasolabial Fold:

The nasolabial fold, also known as the laugh lines, is a crease that runs from the nose to the mouth. As we age, this crease can become more pronounced and saggy. This can be particularly noticeable in individuals with thin or dry skin. The sagging skin in the surrounding areas of the nasolabial fold can contribute to its development. As the skin loses elasticity and collagen, it becomes less able to support the structure of the face, resulting in the sagging of the skin around the nose and mouth and the deepening of the nasolabial fold.

Marionette Lines:

Marionette lines are vertical wrinkles that extend from the corners of the mouth to the chin. These wrinkles can also become deeper and more pronounced with age, giving the appearance of a downward-turning mouth. Sagging skin and loss of elasticity around the mouth and chin contribute to the formation of marionette lines. As the skin becomes less firm, it causes the skin to droop and create the

Neck:

The skin on the neck is another area where sagging can become noticeable. The skin in this area tends to be thinner and less elastic, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging.

Décolletage:

The décolletage, or area between the breasts, is another area where skin sags with age. This area can be particularly prone to sagging due to a loss of collagen and elasticity.

1. Loss of Collagen:

Collagen is a protein that gives our skin its elasticity and strength. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to a loss of elasticity in the skin.

2. Reduced Elastin Production:

Elastin is another protein that contributes to the elasticity of the skin. Like collagen, the production of elastin slows down as we age, leading to sagging skin.

3. Weight Gain or Loss:

Sudden weight gain or loss can stretch the skin beyond its natural elasticity, leading to sagging.

4. Sun Exposure:

Excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can damage the skin’s collagen and elastin, leading to sagging.

5. Genetics:

Some people are more prone to sagging skin due to genetics.