Article Overview
- Facial volume loss is the gradual reduction of fat, muscle, and bone in the face, leading to noticeable changes such as hollow cheeks, deep wrinkles, and sagging skin.
- To enhance skin plumpness and firmness, consider using HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan, a hyaluronic acid serum that boosts hyaluronic acid levels by 30% while plumping skin and filling fine lines and A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced to visibly correct wrinkles with its 30% Proxylane™ formula.
- For restoring youthful volume to the face, consider using dermal fillers, which are effective in treating areas like cheeks, temples, and lips.
- RF Microneedling is highlighted as a method to boost collagen regeneration and tighten skin, helping to restore facial volume and reduce the visibility of lines and wrinkles.
As we age, our skin undergoes several noticeable changes. Fine lines and wrinkles appear, skin tone becomes uneven, and the face may begin to look gaunt and hollow. One of the primary culprits behind these changes is the loss of facial volume.
What is Facial Volume Loss?
Facial volume loss is the gradual reduction of fat, muscle, and bone in the face. This process begins in our 20s and progresses as we age. Several factors contribute to facial volume loss, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly organized structure found in the dermis. It is the foundation upon which skin strength, skin resilience, and optimal skin hydration are built. Essential to an optimally functioning ECM are hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteins such as collagen and elastin. With age, the skin experiences a gradual decline in HA levels. Production starts to decrease in the 20s and accelerates in the 40s. The combination of decline and this rapid degradation of HA contributes to signs of aging.
What Causes Facial Volume Loss?
Several factors contribute to facial volume loss, including:
- Genetics: Some people are more likely to experience facial volume loss than others due to their genes.
- Aging: As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are all essential for maintaining facial volume.
- Weight loss: Rapid weight loss can cause the skin to sag and lose volume.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the skin's collagen and elastin, leading to facial volume loss.
- Sun exposure: UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin's collagen and elastin, leading to facial volume loss.
What are the Signs of Facial Volume Loss in Skin?
Facial volume loss can manifest in several ways, including:
- Hollow cheeks: As the skin loses volume, the cheeks may begin to look sunken or hollow.
- Deep wrinkles and folds: The loss of facial volume can cause the skin to become loose and saggy, leading to the formation of deep wrinkles and folds.
- Jowls: Jowls are loose, sagging skin that hangs from the jawline. They are a common sign of facial volume loss.
- Double chin: A double chin is a buildup of fat under the chin. It can be caused by facial volume loss or weight gain.
Can Facial Volume Loss be Prevented?
While facial volume loss is a natural part of aging, there are several things you can do to help prevent or slow it down, including:
- Protecting your skin from the sun: UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin's collagen and elastin, leading to facial volume loss. Be sure to protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when you are outdoors.
- Moisturizing your skin: Keeping your skin hydrated can help to maintain its volume and elasticity. Be sure to moisturize your skin twice a day, and use a humidifier in your home if the air is dry.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and voluminous.
- Getting enough sleep: When you don't get enough sleep, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can break down collagen and elastin. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise can help to improve circulation and promote the production of collagen and elastin. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Treating Facial Volume Loss
If you are concerned about facial volume loss, there are several treatment options available, including:
- Topical skincare treatments: Some topical skincare products can help to improve the appearance of facial volume loss. These products typically contain ingredients that stimulate collagen and elastin production, such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides.
- In-office treatments: There are a variety of in-office treatments that can be used to treat facial volume loss, including dermal fillers, microneedling, and laser therapy. These treatments can help to restore volume to the face and improve the appearance of wrinkles and folds.
Topical Skincare Treatments to Correct Facial Volume Loss
HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan
This multi-functional hyaluronic acid serum is clinically proven to instantly improve skin plumpness and radiance while providing a 24-hour hydration boost with each use, and filling fine lines and visibly defining facial contours over time. This potent formula features Proxylane™ sustainably sourced from beech wood to support the skin’s structural protein matrix of collagen and elastin, as well as licorice root and purple rice extracts to help preserve the skin’s existing hyaluronic acid.
A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
This breakthrough anti-aging cream is clinically proven to visibly correct skin sagging and wrinkles, including deep lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. This patented advanced formula features 30% Proxylane™, a patented molecule derived from beech trees, to help restore the skin’s bounce, firmness, and elasticity.
In-Office Treatments to Prevent and Treat Facial Volume Loss
There are a variety of in-office treatments that can be used to prevent and treat facial volume loss, including:
- Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are injectable substances that are used to add volume to the face. They can be used to treat a variety of areas, including the cheeks, temples, and lips.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This can help to improve the appearance of facial volume loss and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds.
- RF Microneedling: RF Microneedling can be employed to enhance collagen regeneration and tighten the skin. This can aid in restoring facial volume and diminishing the visibility of lines and wrinkles.
To discover the best ways to prevent and treat facial volume loss, use our online Routine Finder, visit one of our SkinCeuticals SkinLab locations, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.
Next: Skincare Procedures for a Contoured Face
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About Gretchen Wobensmith
Gretchen Wobensmith is a licensed aesthetician with 27 years of experience. She has been training professionally for large global brands for the last 20 years. Gretchen brings her skill set of having a deep understanding of skin histology and ingredient technology to the SkinCeuticals Global Education Team as their Product Lead. Gretchen shares her passion for mentoring skin care professionals, to elevate their knowledge and skill set in the medical skin care industry.
