Why We Look Older Than Our Real Age: Understanding the Factors and How to Address Them

The way we age is a deeply complex process that extends beyond just the number of years we’ve lived. While genetics play a role, many other factors—such as lifestyle, environmental exposures, and hormonal changes—contribute to how our faces reflect our age. It’s important to note that the visible signs of ageing don’t always match our chronological age, and sometimes, we can look older than we feel. In this article, we’ll explore five key factors that make us appear older, along with expert insights and solutions, including non-surgical treatments and skincare regimens to help slow the ageing process.

To understand why we look older than our real age, it’s essential to distinguish between two types of ageing: intrinsic and extrinsic.

• Intrinsic Ageing: This type of ageing is genetic and natural, driven by the passage of time. Intrinsic ageing affects the skin’s structure and function, leading to a gradual loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As we age, our skin thins, becomes less firm, and develops wrinkles and fine lines. This process is inevitable and happens at a different rate for everyone, depending on their genetics.
• Extrinsic Ageing: In contrast, extrinsic ageing is influenced by external factors, primarily environmental and lifestyle choices. Sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, and pollution can accelerate extrinsic ageing, leading to premature wrinkles, pigmentation, and other skin concerns. While intrinsic ageing is unavoidable, extrinsic ageing can be controlled to some extent by making healthier lifestyle choices and taking protective measures.

Understanding both types of ageing is crucial when addressing how we look relative to our true age. Extrinsic factors, in particular, are where we have the most control over slowing down the visible signs of ageing.

One of the primary reasons for an aged appearance is the loss of volume in the face, particularly in areas like the temples and cheeks. As we age, our skin loses fat and collagen, resulting in hollowed cheeks, deeper lines, and a gaunter, more skeletal look. This volume loss can be exacerbated by rapid weight loss, further contributing to a tired and aged appearance.

Solution:

Non-surgical treatments like Dermal Fillers or Fat Transfer can help restore volume and give a more youthful, plumped look. Natural approach such as PRP Therapy or skin boosters like Profhilo injections can also be beneficial to boost the collagen production in the facial area. These options provide a natural look and feel, offering a more subtle and lasting solution. These procedures are excellent effectively rejuvenating the face and restoring balance and a more youthful contour.

The skin around our eyes is extremely thin and prone to sagging. With age, we often experience the formation of crepey skin, hooded eyelids, and fat bulges. External factors, such as prolonged sun exposure, can accelerate this process, as can genetics and lifestyle choices.

Solution:

To effectively tighten the skin around the eyes and reduce sagging, anti-ageing treatments such as Morpheus8, an advanced RF microneedling technology, and FORMA are excellent options. Both promote collagen production, helping to firm and lift the delicate skin without the need to undergo any surgical procedures. For more targeted treatment, AccuTite, a minimally invasive procedure, can further tighten and contour smaller areas like the under-eye region. Complementing these treatments, PRF Therapy (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) accelerates skin rejuvenation by stimulating collagen regeneration and enhancing skin healing. In more advanced cases, surgical solutions such as Eyelid Surgery or a Brow Lift can address excess skin and fat for a more dramatic rejuvenated look. To maintain results, adopting protective habits such as wearing sunglasses, avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sun screen with SPF 50+ can help preserve the skin’s youthfulness and slow down further damage.

As we age, the nasal structure undergoes subtle changes. Volume loss, skin thinning, and hormonal fluctuations can lead to a wider, less defined nose. This often occurs gradually and can create the illusion of an older face, particularly when combined with other signs of ageing.

Solution:

Rhinoplasty or Nose Reshaping surgery can help restore the original shape and structure of the nose. By lifting a drooping tip, adding volume, or refining the overall structure, rhinoplasty can result in a more youthful and balanced appearance. This procedure can significantly improve facial harmony and rejuvenate the profile.

The formation of jowls and a less defined jawline are prominent indicators of ageing. These changes occur due to tissue laxity, muscle descent, and the loss of skin elasticity. Drooping jowls can create a more aged appearance, even in individuals who maintain smooth skin elsewhere on their face.

Solution:

For mild to moderate sagging, skin-tightening treatments like Morpheus8 (Radio Frequency Microneedling) can provide noticeable improvements by stimulating collagen production and remodelling & tightening the skin, especially in the jawline area. Additionally, FaceTite, an advanced radiofrequency procedure, targets the deeper layers of the skin to lift and tighten sagging tissues, further enhancing jawline definition. Dermal fillers can also restore volume, providing additional lift and support to the jawline. For more pronounced jowls, surgical procedures such as mini facelifts or deep plane facelifts may be necessary for comprehensive face rejuvenation.

An elongated upper lip can give the face a noticeably older look, as it disrupts the aesthetic balance between the upper and lower portions of the face. This can occur naturally with age or be influenced by factors such as dental structure and bone morphology.

Solution:

Non-surgical treatments such as hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers, lip flips, or a lip lift surgery can help restore a plumper and more youthful appearance to the upper lip. Additionally, Muscle Relaxing injections such as Botox can be used to relax the muscles around the mouth, helping to smooth fine lines and enhance the overall lip contour. These procedures can improve facial harmony and provide a more youthful, refreshed look.

In addition to professional treatments, a daily skincare regimen is essential for maintaining youthful skin and slowing down the ageing process. SkinCeuticals, a brand known for its scientifically backed skincare products, offers an excellent range of solutions to help prevent premature ageing and enhance skin health.

• C E Ferulic: This antioxidant serum is a powerful combination of Vitamin C, E, and Ferulic acid, which helps protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. It also improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a brighter, more youthful appearance.
• H.A. Intensifier: This multi-benefit serum increases skin’s hyaluronic acid levels, helping to boost hydration and restore facial volume. Hydrated skin is less prone to fine lines and wrinkles, making this an excellent product for those looking to prevent signs of ageing.
• Retinol 0.5 or 1.0: Retinol is one of the most effective ingredients for promoting skin renewal and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. SkinCeuticals’ retinol formulations help accelerate skin cell turnover, making skin smoother and more even.

A thorough initial consultation with one of our skincare specialist is highly necessary to assess your skin, go through your medical history, and recommend you the a tailored skincare regiment that will best complement any of your anti-ageing treatments.

Ageing is a natural process, but understanding the factors that make us appear older can help us take the right steps to preserve our youthful appearance. Whether it’s through addressing volume loss, sagging skin, or other signs of ageing, there are numerous options available, both surgical and non-surgical. Combining these treatments with a solid skincare regimen, such as the one offered by SkinCeuticals, can help slow down the ageing process and maintain youthful, glowing skin.

At Elite Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Group, under the expert guidance of Dr. Allen Rezai, Senior Consultant Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a youthful, refreshed, and rejuvenated appearance. Our personalised and holistic approach ensures that we recommend only the treatments that are truly beneficial for you, focusing on enhancing your natural beauty without unnecessary extras, so you can look and feel your best at any age. Age may be just a number, but with the right treatments and care, you can look as young as you feel and age gracefully.

For details about procedures and treatments or for a consultation, advice and prices at our Dubai clinic please call +971 4 431 2396 or use our ONLINE FORM.