As we age, our skin produces less collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other important components that give our complexion its youthful smoothness, fullness, and radiance. While this happens all over our bodies, the first signs of aging tend to show up on certain areas before others. Fortunately, the right skincare regimen and treatments can help to keep wrinkles, thinning skin and other telltale signs of aging at bay in these spots.
The Corners of Your Mouth
The problem: One of the first areas that begins to show age is your mouth. The corners of your mouth may turn down, making you look like you are frowning or angry. This is caused by fat loss in your cheeks and the “marionette line” area on either side of your mouth. The platysmal muscle of your neck also pulls downward over time, contributing to the appearance of a permanent frown.
The fix: This can be easily solved with properly placed filler or botulinum toxin. Filler works by restoring lost facial volume and “filling in” marionette lines and other creases. It can also be used to reshape the lips, add volume, and correct asymmetry. Hyaluronic acid fillers are best for the lips – read this blog to learn more about how to choose a filler.
Botox, Dysport, and other botulinum toxins are another option that may be used on their own or in combination with filler. These treatments work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause your lips to appear to turn downward. Be sure to choose an experienced and reputable provider for injectable treatments, as they require refined skill and technique in order to achieve the desired results and avoid mishaps and complications.
The Corners of Your Eyes
The problem: Fine lines called “crow’s feet” tend to form at the corners of your eyes before static wrinkles start to show up in other areas of your face. This is because your eyes are involved in so many different facial expressions – from smiling and laughing to frowning or squinting. These repeated movements at first create dynamic wrinkles that only show up when you are making an expression. Over time, dynamic wrinkles turn into static wrinkles that remain even when at rest.
The fix: This is also easily solved with botulinum toxin injections, which relax the muscles that cause crow’s feet to form. The latest evidence suggests that starting botulinum toxins early and getting regular treatments may help to prevent crow’s feet and other wrinkles. Use this in conjunction with the right anti-aging treatments for your skin type and always wear SPF and sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
Frown Lines
The problem: Frown lines, also called “11 lines,” create two verticle creases in between your eyebrows. These resemble the number 11, which is where they get their name. They tend to show up early for the same reasons that crow’s feet do: this is an area involved in many facial expressions, so static wrinkles quickly form over time.
The fix: Fortunately, 11 lines are easily treated using botulinum toxin as well. Healthy habits such as wearing sunscreen daily, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress and sugar intake can also help to keep lines and wrinkles at bay.
Uneven Skin Tone
The problem: Although they are sometimes called “age spots,” the dark, pigmented spots on your skin are not caused by aging at all. Dark spots are caused by sun exposure and may form over time as a result of years of exposure to UV rays without proper protection. This is why they are often believed to be caused by age, and also why they are some of the first blemishes that begin to appear on your skin.
The fix: Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 15 on a daily basis is crucial to prevent dark spots. There are also many skin lightening ingredients that can help to even your skin tone, including vitamin C, kojic acid, hydroquinone, and others. Find out your Baumann Skin Type and choose the proper products to even your pigmented skin. If your skin has red areas, the V Beam laser can help.
The Backs of Your Hands
The problem: Thinning skin and loss of excess fatty tissue in the hands can cause them to appear bony and aged. Years of sun exposure often lead to dark spots on the backs of the hands as well.
The fix: The backs of your hands can be treated with a hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane to help restore a fuller and smoother appearance. Skin lightening ingredients and laser treatments can also be used to address uneven skin tone.
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