The fundamental cause of visible aging lies in the changes to collagen production and facial structural support across different age groups. This is not merely superficial skin laxity, but also the loss of collagen within deep underlying structures, compounded by the combined effect of structural collapse.

Imagine the skin's structure as building a house, where collagen acts as the "steel framework," participating in skin construction to provide stable strength, elasticity, and firmness:

1. Type I Collagen

Comprising 90% of the dermis, collagen is the most abundant and widely distributed structural protein in the human body, responsible for maintaining skin firmness.

2. Type III Collagen

Primarily promotes wound healing and is an essential component for maintaining tissue softness and elasticity, also known as baby collagen.

Facial structure is primarily supported by a combination of "fat," "bone," and "ligaments." In youth, these structures typically reach their peak fullness, maintaining fixed positions that sculpt a smooth and firm contour.

As the years pass, the relentless march of time slowly and silently strips away certain natural nutrients:

1. Ages 20 to 30: Subtle Changes During the Peak Period

Collagen synthesis and degradation maintain an optimal equilibrium during the prime years, but after age 25, the body's natural collagen production declines by approximately 1% annually. The loss begins with Type III collagen, which remains largely imperceptible to the naked eye. Fortunately, skeletal development has matured, fat deposits remain plump, and ligaments retain their strength.

Initially, photoaging caused by ultraviolet rays may lead to the appearance of the first fine lines (such as around the delicate eye area), along with mild tear troughs and under-eye bags that emerge during periods of fatigue. However, these often subside with adequate rest.

2. Ages 30 to 40: Initial contour changes and accelerated collagen loss

The rate of collagen loss significantly accelerates. The reduction in total collagen, coupled with disorganized and broken fibers and diminished elastin function, makes the skin noticeably less plump and resilient.The earliest signs of bone loss appear, particularly around the eyes and along the jawline. Deep fat begins to diminish, while superficial fat may sag or enlarge. Ligaments gradually loosen, weakening their ability to anchor soft tissues.

As a critical period for the onset of early aging, permanent tear troughs and eye bags appear around the eyes; the apple muscles begin to sag as ligaments descend, deepening nasolabial folds; the jawline starts to blur, with mild jowls emerging. Pores may become oval-shaped due to loss of support, and skin texture changes.

3. Ages 40 to 50: Structural collapse and pronounced aging

Collagen levels drop to half or less of what they were during adolescence, diminishing the skin's self-repair capabilities and increasing susceptibility to dryness. Accelerated bone resorption reduces the volume of the maxilla and mandible, shrinking the skin's underlying framework. Deep fat atrophy intensifies, causing hollows to form and widespread laxity that struggles to resist gravity.The face begins to sag and show overall atrophy, with increased laxity and wrinkles. The facial structure appears less defined due to loss of support, while the neck and hands develop loose skin and wrinkles.

Facial aging is a process of multiple collapses from deep to superficial structures. An effective anti-aging strategy should be multi-layered and comprehensive. It involves addressing the root causes at different stages rather than rushing through or becoming overly anxious.

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