3 Surprising Ways Your Face Ages That Have Nothing To Do With Wrinkles (+ What To Do!)

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. 

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 men1 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. 

"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."* 

We stop producing it as effectively with age. Research shows that our natural reserve of hyaluronic acid is cut in half by the time we hit our 50s3. And with its loss, the skin becomes more lackluster, dry, and less supple. 

Circulation declines with age5, 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 flow6 throughout the body, thereby bringing vital nutrients to the skin.