How Does Our Skin Change as We Reach Midlife?
From my own experience, something shifted dramatically when I reached my mid-50s — it felt almost like my skin changed overnight. The most noticeable difference was in my lower face, particularly around my jowls, mouth, and chin. These areas began to sag, and the natural contours of my face softened. The defined "V-shape" I once had gradually gave way to a more square appearance.
For years, I understood the importance of exercising the body as we age. We focus on maintaining muscle tone, supporting bone density, and staying active for overall health. But when it came to my face, I realised it was a very different story — one I hadn't fully considered before.
The Role of Estrogen in Skin Health
As we age, several biological changes occur beneath the surface of the skin. One of the most significant is the decline in estrogen, which begins during perimenopause and becomes more pronounced after menopause. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity, so as levels drop, the skin becomes thinner, drier, and less resilient.
Collagen and Elastin: The Skin's Support Structure
At the same time, our natural production of collagen and elastin also slows down. Collagen is the structural protein that gives skin its firmness and strength, while elastin allows it to stretch and bounce back. From our mid-20s onward, collagen production gradually declines, but this process accelerates significantly during midlife. The result is skin that loses its support structure, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
Facial Fat Pads and Bone Density
Another important, but often overlooked, factor is the loss and repositioning of facial fat pads. In youth, these fat pads are evenly distributed and provide volume, giving the face a lifted, smooth appearance. As we age, they begin to shrink, shift downward, and flatten. This contributes to hollowing in some areas and heaviness in others — particularly around the lower face, which can lead to jowls and a less defined jawline.
Bone density changes also play a role. Subtle bone resorption in areas like the jaw and cheekbones reduces the structural support for the overlying skin, further contributing to sagging and changes in facial shape.
Lifestyle Factors That Accelerate Ageing
On top of this, lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, stress, and changes in body weight can accelerate these visible signs of ageing. Whether it's weight gain or loss, the skin may struggle to adapt as efficiently as it once did, leaving it looser and less firm.
What Can We Do About It?
It made sense to me that if we exercise our bodies to maintain strength and structure, we should also consider ways to support and stimulate our facial muscles and skin. This might include practices such as face yoga, Gua Sha, EMS facial devices, or micro-needling with a dermal roller. These approaches work differently. Face yoga involves voluntary movement, Gua Sha provides massage, EMS uses electrical stimulation, and microneedling involves skin needling. Evidence for one approach should not be transferred to another.
A suitable routine depends on your skin, preferences and the precautions associated with each product or tool. Products such as a hyaluronic acid serum, a Vitamin C serum and a nourishing face oil can be considered as part of your skincare routine. Skincare can support hydration and comfort. It should not be presented as restoring lost facial volume, and different tools require separate evidence for their claimed effects.
Build Your Anti-Ageing Ritual with SilkyBare
The SilkyBare range is designed with midlife skin in mind — combining targeted actives, skin tools, and silk comfort to support your skin from every angle.
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum — deep hydration and barrier support
- Vitamin C Serum — brightening, antioxidant protection and collagen support
- Botanical Youthful Glow Face Oil — botanical nourishment for dry and mature skin
- Micro-Needling Derma Roller — stimulate circulation and support collagen renewal
Explore the full SilkyBare Skincare Collection →
Enjoyed This Article? You Might Also Like…
If you found this helpful, here are a few more reads from the Silk-Skincare Journal to continue your skincare journey:
- How Facial Devices Can Support Your Face as You Age — a research-backed look at how the skin, muscles and structures beneath the surface change over time.
- Gua Sha Skin Benefits: Lift, Sculpt & Boost Circulation — what gentle facial massage may offer, including relaxation and a temporarily refreshed appearance.
- Benefits of Using Face Oil for Anti-Aging — how a botanical face oil can complement a mature-skin routine.
- Midlife Skin Changes: Understanding Your Skin's Next Chapter — a broader look at what happens to skin during midlife and how to adapt your approach.
