Aging is something everyone goes through, and there’s very little you can actually do to combat aging, but while the usual suspects—like grey hair, wrinkles, and laugh lines—get all the attention, there are other cosmetic changes that tend to fly under the radar.
Sure, while most people are busy dealing with those obvious signs of aging, there are several lesser-known issues that can sneak up, leaving people wondering what’s going on with their bodies.
If you don’t know about these, then yes, you will be surprised. The thing is, they really don’t get near as much attention as the skin or the grey in the hair, either. So, with that all said, let’s go ahead and take a look at some lesser-known cosmetic challenges that you may face with age.
Thickened Toenails
Well, technically, fingernails and toenails. But why this? Well, as the body ages, toenails can start to grow more slowly and become thicker. This thickening is often due to reduced circulation, lower moisture levels in the body, or even trauma to the nail over time. But on top of that, fungal infections can also play a role, making the nails harder and more difficult to manage.
It’s not just a cosmetic issue, either. In fact, thick toenails can make it uncomfortable to wear shoes, and trimming them becomes a challenge. Without proper care, this can lead to ingrown nails or infections. As toenails get thicker, it’s important to adjust nail care routines, and in some cases, it might help to focus a little more on senior nail care, such as the right nail tools or even services that specialize in thicker and older nails. But seeing a podiatrist is also a smart move too.
Skin Thinning and Bruising
Everyone knows about wrinkles, but fewer people realize that aging also leads to skin thinning, which can make the skin more fragile and prone to bruising. So, over the years, the skin loses fat, collagen, and elasticity, becoming thinner and more delicate. Well, even the smallest bump can lead to a noticeable bruise, especially on the arms and legs, where the skin is more exposed. Plus, this thinning skin is also more prone to tears and cuts, which can take longer to heal.
Sun Spots and Hyperpigmentation
While wrinkles tend to take center stage when talking about aging skin, sun spots and hyperpigmentation often get overlooked (which is a big surprise consider how big of a deal they are). So, these dark spots are a result of years of sun exposure, showing up more prominently as the skin ages. They tend to appear on areas like the face, hands, and chest—places that have been exposed to sunlight the most.
But what about hyperpigmentation? Well these cause darker patches of skin, can also result from hormonal changes or skin injuries. These spots can be tricky to deal with, and preventing them is much easier than trying to treat them later.
Loss of Lip Volume
One of the subtler signs of aging is the loss of volume in the lips. Now, this might be one of the lesser-known ones, but it’s not really a big deal either. So, as the body produces less collagen and hyaluronic acid, lips can start to look thinner and less defined. This can lead to those fine lines around the mouth that make lipstick harder to apply evenly and can give the face an older appearance.
But for the most part, regular exfoliation and moisturizing can also help keep lips looking smooth and healthy, even as they start to thin with age. Also, it’s not a good idea to get lip fillers either, as this could make the situation worse.
Enlarged Pores
As the skin loses its elasticity and collagen over time, pores can become more visible, especially on the nose, cheeks, and chin. For a lot of people, it can be fairly frustrating for people who are used to having smooth, clear skin, but it’s a common side effect of aging. While the loss of voluminous lips isn’t much of a big deal when it comes to larger pores, that technically can be an issue since these are often caused by years of sun damage, which breaks down collagen and leads to sagging skin. However, usually, using retinoids can help prevent the issue from happening.
Facial Volume Loss
Alright, lip loss was mentioned; now it’s time to focus on facial volume. So, as people age, they might notice their faces looking a bit gaunt or hollow, especially around the cheeks and eyes. This happens because the fat that once kept the face looking plump and youthful starts to diminish.
This volume loss can lead to deeper wrinkles and a more tired appearance. It’s fairly reminiscent of that “Ozyempic face” that you might see on time. Some people turn to fillers for a fuller look, but ideally, you should consume collagen-rich foods.
But it might also help to just look into skincare products that focus on hydration and plumping can also make a big difference. So, ideally, you’ll need to look for ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinoids to keep the skin looking firm and youthful.
Drooping Earlobes
Here’s a cosmetic change that almost no one talks about—drooping earlobes. Yes, you read that right! So, over time, earlobes lose their firmness, and years of wearing heavy earrings can stretch the skin, making earlobes look saggy. While this isn’t a major health concern, it can be annoying for anyone who loves wearing earrings.
Hollowing Temples
Again, this goes back to the loss of facial volume, but the temples are affected, too. So, temple hollowing is another less-discussed aging change. As facial fat diminishes, the temples can begin to look hollow, giving the face a more angular appearance. This can be subtle at first, but over time, it can make the face look older and more tired, even if other signs of aging aren’t that noticeable.
Again, one common treatment would be fillers since this can be used to restore volume to the temples, helping the face look more balanced and youthful. But for those who prefer a non-invasive approach, staying hydrated and maintaining a diet rich in collagen-boosting foods can help keep the skin plump and full.