Facial Aging More Than Skin Deep

Let's make on thing clear. We are no skin care experts when it comes to beauty products and the like. However, we came across two interesting tidbits that could inexpensively assist with making the face more vivacious.

Changes in Facial Bones Occur as People Age
Facelifts and other wrinkle-reducing procedures have long been sought by people wanting to ward off the signs of aging, but new research suggests that it takes more than tightening loose skin to restore a youthful look. A study by physicians at the University of Rochester Medical Center indicates that significant changes in facial bones -- particularly the jaw bone -- occur as people age and contribute to an aging appearance. Published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the study suggests that the future approach to facial rejuvenation may be restoring structure underneath before performing skin-tightening procedures. Reviewing a collection of 120 facial CT scans, researchers found the angle of the jaw increases markedly with age, which results in a loss of definition of the lower border of the face. Jaw length decreases significantly in comparisons between the young and middle age groups, whereas the decline in jaw height from the middle to old group was noteworthy.

This loss of bony volume may contribute sagging facial skin, decreased chin projection, and loss of jaw-line definition. As jaw volume decreases, soft tissue of the lower face has less support, resulting in a softer, oval appearance to the lower face and sagging skin, which also affects the aging appearance of the neck. "Physicians have long been taught that facial aging is caused by soft tissue descent and loss of elasticity," researchers said. "Though we have always known that bones change over time, until now, the extent to which it causes an aged appearance was not appreciated."

Bonnie - while plastic surgeons may look at this study as an opportunity to seize upon new surgical procedures, I look at it from a preventative perspective.

1. This should confirm the importance of properly absorbed calcium at a dosage specific to the individual. It has never been about taking huge amounts of supplemental calcium. It is about how well calcium is absorbed and if it is properly balanced with magnesium intake.
   
2. The value of optimal vitamin D levels is crucial in reducing degeneration.
3. Inflammation, a major factor is bone loss, needs to be addressed in any person with an inflammatory condition.
   
4. A relatively unknown, yet major concern is necrosis of the jaw (degeneration), a major side effect of bisphosphonates (osteoporosis drugs). It is believed that limited blood flow to the jaw contributes to the necrosis.
   
5. Excess sugar consumption and constant exposure to environmental toxins appreciably accelerate facial aging.
   

Facial Yoga?
Our facial muscles need as much exercise as much as the rest of our body. As facial skin and muscles lose elasticity and start sagging over time, regularly exercising our facial muscles ensure that they will stay firm, support the skin on our face against gravity and have good circulation so that we can decrease wrinkles and droopiness in old age.

Thankfully, facial muscle exercises don't require any equipment or gym memberships, and can be done pretty much anywhere in just a few minutes. Many facial exercises work just like regular muscle exercises, where you are working against resistance and building strength over time for greater fitness and of course, to feel fabulous. These facial muscle exercises to start doing on a regular basis, all of them which can be repeated five to ten times in the mornings when you wake up and in the evenings before you go to bed.

1. Raise your eyebrows as high as you can and hold them for five seconds.
2. Open your mouth as wide as possible and stick your tongue out as far as you can and hold for a few seconds.
3. Using your three center fingers, press down on your cheeks and smile as hard as you can to raise your cheek muscles against your fingers.
4. Move your nose as much as you can from side to side.
5. Lift your eyebrows as high as you can, open your eyes as wide as possible and frown at the same time.
6. Pucker your lips out as far as possible into the shape of an "O." Then change your expression into a wide smile. Repeat several times.
7. Sit in a comfortable chair and look up at the ceiling. Pucker your lips and stick your tongue out as far as possible to exercise your neck muscles.
8. You can also simulate a chewing motion or chew gum. However, almost all gum is awful. See this month's Brand Buzz Video for our favorite gum
9. Regularly massage your face, too! Press your fingers into your facial muscles and give yourself a mini-massage in gentle, circular motions from top to bottom. This increases circulation and also helps your facial muscles relax if you have been looking really stressed.
   Courtesy if intent.com

Bonnie - what techniques do you use to keep your face looking fresh? We encourage you to comment below.