How to tell if you'll have saggy, wrinkly skin years before it happens

Ever wondered what your skin will look like in years to come? 

Although ageing is a natural part of life, there are some signs that can give an insight into the extent to which your skin will suffer. 

Dr Brendan Khong, an aesthetic doctor working in London, says there are three main types of agers, which she defines as 'sinkers', 'saggers' and 'wrinklers'.

A person who suffers 'sinking' face willI notice signs of loose skin collecting in the middle of the face, while a 'sagger' will see their skin moving downwards, towards the chin and away from the bone.

So-called 'wrinklers' may not have as much volume loss, but will have a large number of lines on the forehead and around the eyes and the mouth, Dr Khong explains. 

He adds that some people will start showing signs of ageing much earlier than others, and this can give away which type of ager you may become.

‘Genetics plays a big role in early ageing,' he says. 'This influences how quickly collagen and elastin — the key proteins responsible for skin's firmness and elasticity — begin to break down. 

'But, UV exposure, pollution, an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep, stress and smoking can all accelerate this ageing process by causing oxidative stress which damages skin cells.’

There are some signs that may dictate whether you’ll be a sinker, sagger or wrinkler.

Fine lines around the eyes in your 20s or 30s may indicate you’ll be a wrinkler, he says. Known as crow’s feet, these appear at the outer corners of the eyes when you squint or smile.

‘People who use a lot of expression when they speak are more likely to develop these earlier,' adds London-based aesthetic doctor Joney De Souza. 

'Sun exposure and UV damage, dehydration, and lack of proper eye care can also lead to fine lines.'

Horizontal lines across the forehead that become visible when raising your eyebrows can indicate early ageing too, common in 'wrinklers'.

‘Over time, these become more prominent at rest,’ says Dr De Souza.

Dull-looking skin with an uneven texture may be a sign you'll be a future 'sagger' or 'sinker', he adds.

Dr De Souza says: ‘This dullness is most visible on the cheeks and forehead and is often caused by environmental pollutants such as car fumes, and insufficient exfoliation.’

Small brown spots or patches of uneven skin colour, typically on the cheeks, nose, and forehead, can start to develop earlier, particularly if you’re often exposed to UV rays.

This is known as hyperpigmentation, which experts say can be caused by hormonal contraception.

‘The hormone oestrogen can stimulate melanocytes, responsible for producing melanin, which can lead to localised areas of hyperpigmentation. Hormonal contraception can also increase skin’s sensitivity to UV damage and acne, leading to hyperpigmentation,’ says Dr De Souza. 

Another early sign of sagging skin is if you notice a faint crease between your nose and mouth when you smile or talk. These are called nasolabial lines and over time, they can become deeper and permanent, leading to a 'sunken' look.

Dr De Souza says: These lines are caused by natural facial movements, loss of skin elasticity, and dehydration.

Another early sign of saggy skin is a slight softening or lack of definition of the jawline. 

As for 'sinkers', ‘a slight flattening or hollowness around the cheekbone can lead to less definition,’ says Dr Khong.

But both experts say there's plenty you can do to prevent all three types of ageing. 

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To prevent deeper wrinkles, Dr De Souza recommends using a hydrating eye cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump the skin and stimulate collagen. 

He adds: 'Sunscreen is also a non-negotiable'.

'You should wear SPF 50 every day throughout the entire year. A lightweight retinol helps smooth fine lines over time. Preventative botox treatments can relax the muscles and delay deeper lines from forming.' 

For those with early signs of sagging and sinking skin, maintain good posture, which includes refraining from constantly looking down at your phone, Dr De Souza says. 

At-home facial massages could help improve firmness too.

He instructs: ‘Use fingertips or knuckles with a facial oil or serum for smooth gliding. Start at the centre of your chin, sweep upwards along the jawline towards your ears and incorporate pinching motions along the jawline to stimulate circulation and improve elasticity. 

'Use upward strokes from the base of your neck to your chin to counteract sagging. Repeat each motion for five to ten minutes daily.’

Otherwise, simple lifestyle changes like reducing stress, getting more sleep and drinking more water can contribute to maintaining plump, even skin.