Aging is a natural process that cannot be stopped. The first symptoms may appear as early as around age 35, but it becomes most prominent after the age of 40. Skin aging is not only about wrinkles, although they are certainly the biggest nuisance by their visibility. What skin problems can be expected in one’s 40s and how to effectively address them?
Collagen loss = loss of skin firmness
Collagen is a protein produced by fibroblasts, cells located at the level of the dermis. Collagen fibers are the basic building blocks of connective tissue and are responsible for the appearance of the skin – tension, smoothness, elasticity. As we age, collagen production begins to decline, and when the body produces too little of it, the fibers begin to weaken or even tear. This results in wrinkles and so-called loose skin not only on the face, but also in areas all over the body. This is a basic skin problem that also results in the appearance of other defects, such as stretch marks and cellulite. Loss of skin firmness is therefore a symptom that should be tackled first. One way is through firming treatments, such as the Hifu method, which works with ultrasound. The treatment during which the HiFu method is used is Ultraskin II Absolute.
Excess body fat
It may not be a direct skin problem, but it is a direct cause of various defects, most notably the aforementioned cellulite. Excessive accumulation of body fat can also be categorized as a problem of overeating. This is associated with a slowed metabolism, which is a natural result of changes in hormonal balance that begin in women after the age of 40 and are associated with the menopause process. Combined with aging skin, excess fatty tissue results in pronounced and unsightly cellulite. This is because weakened collagen fibers are unable to keep stored fat in check, and this fat from the subcutaneous tissue seeps into the level of the dermis, creating bulges that resemble the texture of an orange peel.
Drooping eyelid
This problem occurs quite often after turning 40, even if it has not occurred before. For some, the problem of eyelid drooping occurs even during puberty, in which case, however, it is the result of a genetic load. However, if it appears and worsens with age, it is undoubtedly a symptom of aging. The problem is exacerbated by factors such as:
- stress,
- Working in artificial/inadequate lighting,
- sleep deprivation,
- Overexposure to the sun,
- Muscle weakness in the eyelid area,
- Endocrine and systemic conditions.
Added to this, of course, is the aforementioned loss of firmness, collagen-deprived fibers have more difficulty in keeping the upper eyelid at the right height. Eyelid correction is necessary for this symptom. There are no home remedies that can effectively restore the eyes to their former appearance. Eyelid correction is usually done by the traditional method, using a plastic surgery procedure.
“Crow’s feet” and “lion’s wrinkle”
So-called facial wrinkles accompany us from birth. Their beauty, however, is that they appear and disappear, depending on facial expressions. As the skin begins to age, it slowly loses its ability to deform elastically, so laughing, wrinkling the forehead and any other facial activity contributes to deepening wrinkles. As a result of this process, two very characteristic facial changes appear. One of them is the well-known crow’s feet – small wrinkles that appear at the outer corner of the eyes. The second is the so-called “lion’s wrinkle” – a vertical furrow on the forehead, located between the eyes, approximately at the level of the nose. To combat this problem, firming treatments, as well as acid injections, are helpful.