As we age, we see significant changes to our bodies such as: appearance of wrinkles, loss in metabolism, and sagging skin. However, many of us might not anticipate the subtle changes that can impact our appearances. Here are some surprising age-related changes related to how we look.
1. Age Spots
As early as 30, some people might encounter age spotting. These spots that appear on the skin because of over-production of melanin (dark pigment that protects your skin from UV rays naturally). So, remember to use your sunscreen to stave off age spots!
2. Nose Drooping
Gravity affects everything, including our noses. Most people don’t realise that they can end up with a droopy nose until it’s too late. The primary cause of this is the loosening of the skin and fat loss in the face, resulting in a droopy nose tip.
Facial exercises can help to tighten the skin and lessen this drooping effect. The nose lift exercise is one of the most effective types of exercises. All you need to do is to place your middle fingers in the hollow area at the inner corners of your eyes and your ring fingers next to the middle fingers on the sides of the bridge of your nose. Wrinkle your nose then slide your fingers down the side. Count to six while doing so.
3. Change in Mouth Shape
Missing teeth, dentures and receding gums will change the appearance of the mouth. In extreme cases, your lips may look shrunken. The best way to stave this off is to ensure that you have proper dental care. If you have problems with your teeth, consult your dentist immediately.
4. Changes in Eye Colour
This one is a hit or miss, but it’s a pretty cool physical change. It seems that the coloured portions of our eyes, the iris, can change colour due to a loss of pigmentation. This means that there is a possibility that our eyes can change into a shade of grey. In addition, the outer surface of the eye may develop a grayish-white ring.
5. Increased Skin Translucency
As we age, our skin will start to become translucent. Underlying blood vessels may start to show more significantly and the skin can become fragile. This effect is due to the loss of a layer of fat under the epidermis. Since less fat means less cushioning, skin will break and bruise more easily. This, coupled with slower skin regeneration, causes some serious thinning of skin.
6. Mole growth
By the age of 30, most people will have between 10-40 moles of varying sizes. These moles are usually not of consequence and can be ignored. As we age further, these moles will start to change slowly, becoming raised and/or changing color. Often, hairs develop on the mole. Unless these moles start to exhibit signs of turning cancerous, most doctors will recommend not touching them.
7. Loss of bone in the face
As we age, we lose significant bone mass. Women, in particular, lose bone mass at a higher rate. While we usually relate bone loss to a loss in height and osteoporosis, bone loss will also occur around the mouth and chin. Such loss of bone mass may become evident after age 60, causing puckering of the skin around the mouth.
