Your Face Shape Tells Your Age

As we age, our face shape changes and not even the best anti aging cream can stop this progression!

Our face shape changes in ways that make us look older, but it’s not all due to thinning skin or lack of collagen -- as previously thought.

A new study found that the major changes in the fat pockets in our face, cause us to take on an older, tired appearance.

Scientist recently discovered that we have fat pocket or compartments within our face that change shape, shrink or grow as we age -- thus affecting the shape of our face and how we look. These individual compartment are separated from each other, but are all held together within fibrous connective tissue.

The fat pockets in the cheek area shrink with age. As a result the excess skin folds -- causing what’s called the nasolabial folds (these are the lines or folds that run down on either side of the nose to the mouth). In addition, this lack of volume also causes the under eye and upper lip area start to look older too.

How Does This Work

When we are young, there is a smooth connection or transition between different fat compartments. The under eye area connects smoothly into the upper cheek area -- which connects seamlessly to the sides of the nose. And the lower cheeks blend right up to the corners of the mouth......no folding skin.

But, as we age, these compartments change in different ways. As a result, we lose that smooth transition and begin to develop hollow pockets and loose skin – our face takes on a different shape. Changing from a triangle to a rectangle or trapezoid shape – giving us a sagging, droopy, older look.

The major changes that most of us notice are the hollows under the eye, nasolabial folds, hollows of the cheeks and sagging/droopy jowl lines.

Scientist also feel the shrinking of certain fat compartments are a major contributor to loose and sagging skin – even more so then skin thinning and a reduction in collage production. Not to say that these factors don’t play a role in our face shape too.

These new findings will probably have an impact on the types of methods used for facial rejuvenation.

For example, during Cosmetic Facelift Surgery, many plastic surgeons will either add or reposition fat pockets, instead of just tightening and removing loose skin -- thus achieve a more natural look.

And while cosmetic fillers such -- as restylane injections and juvederm -- are a popular facial rejuvenating procedure, scientists suspect that specific techniques, such as fat replacement fillers, will be developed including those used to fill the deep fat pockets in the face.

What Can You Do

Restylane Injections

The cosmetic fillers available today, like Restylane Injections and juvederm are safe and effective -- which make them a pretty good option.

However, the cost is the major draw back anywhere from $600 - $1,000 per session and most fillers don't last very long -- 3-6 months.

Facial Exercise and Massage

Until longer lasting, better priced cosmetic fillers become available, consider replacing lost fat with muscle -- by doing Facial Exercises weekly and giving yourself a good Face Massage at least a few times a week.

Don't Have Time to Exercise Your Face? Then consider the portable Facial Exercises -- like Facial Flex.

Studies have proven the benefical effects of facial exercise and massages. They're free, safe and you’ll gain a more youthful natural shape without surgery.

Finally, don't forget to keep up with your skin remodeling, using Copper Peptides and facial peels. Despite these new findings, skin structure and health still plays an important role in total aging-aging skin care.