The Aging Zones of the Face

Can you tell your age by your face? Do you look younger or older than your chronological age? What is it about your face that makes you look older or younger?

As we age, there are many changes that happen to the color and texture of our skin. Most people develop wrinkles around the eyes (crow's feet), furrows on the forehead (frown lines), and tiny creases around the lips.

Most wrinkles are caused by the loss of collagen & elastin support from aging and damage from UV exposure as we age. However, each of these wrinkle areas have their own causes.

Crows feet are especially related to sun exposure, and require the use of sunscreen and protective eyewear. Furrows on the forehead are related to facial expression, meaning that the more you may frown or crease your forehead the more likely you are to develop these lines.  Tiny wrinkles around the lips are preventable, but the signs of aging eventually affect most people.

So what can we do? Well, there are a number of treatments available to make your skin look its best. Sunscreen is a must, of course, every day on every sun-exposed part of the body, especially the face.

Look for a product with UVA and UVB protection. UVA protection is especially important, in the form of microfine zinc oxide or avobenzone, to help prevent these rays of the sun from causing wrinkles and unsightly brown spots.

New effective anti-aging therapies for the face have been developed in the form of prescription vitamin A creams or in the form of over-the-counter vitamin E, vitamin B5 and vitamin B3 combinations.

Advanced methods of accelerating skin surface renewal and achieving better skin texture are available through beta hydroxy acid exfoliating creams and the use of specially textured daily face cloths.

To minimize lip creases, special treatment cosmetics can be used in the form of lipsticks that smooth peeling lips and improve lip moisturization. Intensive vitamin spot treatments are helpful in minimizing the look of brown spots or other discolorations.

Skin care science is developing many practical options to improve skin appearance. These options can help you look your best at any age!