3 Surprising Ways Your Face Ages That Have Nothing To Do With Wrinkles

When we talk about skin and facial aging, attention often goes to fine lines. Avoiding wrinkles, the beauty industry might have us believe, is the end-all-be-all of looking youthful. 

But in reality, aging is far more complex. There are many factors that influence how a face changes over time, from bone density and fat volume to the strength of the barrier and muscle tone. So addressing signs of aging isn't as simple as wiping away wrinkles, as there are many other considerations and indicators including, but certainly not limited to, these three factors.

As we get older, we lose bone density. The body's ability to build new bone (aka ossification) diminishes, but the process of bone breakdown (aka resorption) occurs at the same rate. For most, this change starts around middle age, with osteoporosis impacting nearly 20% of women and 5% of men ages 50 and up. Bone mineral density (BMD) can impact mobility, strength, and yes, even the appearance of the face.

Bone loss is one of the biggest drivers of facial aging according to aesthetics rejuvenation specialist Lisa Goodman, MPAS, founder of Goodskin Clinics. "Aging isn't all about wrinkles—it's about facial balance, the position of things," she says, noting that when our bone structure changes, that information reads as aging. "So at an earlier age, we want to help women retain bone." 

Unfortunately, there's no quick fix for bone health. Rather, it involves being consistent with lifestyle habits. One recent study found that a sedentary lifestyle, for example, was associated with lesser bone density as the participants got older. 

There's also a strong connection between calcium, vitamin D, and bone health. When folks don't consume enough calcium, the body scavenges it from the bones. It's recommended to consume 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily—and vitamin D helps the absorption rate of the mineral. 

Hyaluronic acid is a very buzzy topical skin care ingredient often found in face creams, masks, and serums. But it's actually a humectant the body makes naturally. It is the key molecule involved in skin moisture1.*

"Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring type of sugar that is produced by the body and found in the highest concentrations in our skin, connective tissue, and eyes," says board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Chwalek, M.D. "It functions to retain water, keep our tissues well lubricated and our skin looking firm and youthful. It also helps increase collagen production, which is another way it can help our skin as we age."* 

Circulation declines with age4, which can pose a problem for the skin. Blood flow brings oxygen, minerals, and nutrients to the skin, which are essential for replenishing skin cells. As circulation gets slower over time, the skin isn't as able to rejuvenate itself. This leads to a more dull complexion, weakened skin barrier, and textural changes. 

Improving circulation really comes down to how you move the body: One of the most important things you can do is to stay active. Exercise increases blood flow5 throughout the body, thereby bringing vital nutrients to the skin.

You can also practice facial massages, which have been shown to improve circulation to the facial area specifically. One study showed that facial rolling for only five minutes a day improved blood flow to the face6.

The takeaway

I wish addressing aging was as simple as smoothing out wrinkles—that'd make my job a lot easier! But in fact, aging is complex and nuanced. It involves much more than just simple folds and etches in the epidermis.