Your face might seem to be caving in due to natural aging (loss of fat, collagen, elastin), significant weight loss, dehydration, poor nutrition, stress, or habits like smoking, which all reduce facial fullness. Underlying medical conditions or even dental issues can also cause hollow or sunken cheeks, so seeing a doctor is important to rule out serious causes like lipoatrophy or malnutrition if it's a sudden or severe change.
Dermal fillers are the most common treatment option for addressing sunken cheeks. Filler typically contains hyaluronic acid – a naturally-occurring substance in the body that keeps skin plump and hydrated.
As we age we also lose the fat located just beneath the surface of the skin (subcutaneous fat) from around the eyes and mouth. Although over time this fat is lost, our bone structure does not change. The combination of these factors can result in the appearance of sunken cheeks.
Your body produces collagen, a protein that improves skin elasticity. However, with age, collagen levels deplete, resulting in sagging skin. Furthermore, age causes fat loss beneath the skin surface while the bone structure can also deteriorate. Thus, as you age, you develop sunken cheeks.
Some medicated creams, such as those containing azelaic acid or hydroxyl acids, might help too. Soft tissue fillers. Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable.
A lack of essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin C and D, can negatively affect skin health and collagen production, potentially leading to hollow cheeks.
Common symptoms of this include weight gain, decreased muscle mass, developing a round face that is sometimes called a “moon face,” and developing a hump that appears on the back of the neck, also called a “buffalo hump.”
Natural Ways to Rebuild Collagen in the Face
Why do I suddenly look so old for my age? Sudden changes in appearance can result from factors such as stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, or medical conditions. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to identify underlying causes.
What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin? A deficiency in Vitamin C can accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature skin sagging and wrinkling. This is because Vitamin C enhances the production of the protein collagen, which is vital to providing the firmness and vibrancy that counteracts skin sagging.
How the Face Ages by Decade. Facial ageing is a gradual process, with each decade bringing its own set of changes. In your 30s, you may notice the first fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth. By your 40s, the skin starts to lose its elasticity, and early signs of sagging may appear.
Environmental influences and lifestyle habits
Everyday habits, like sleeping on one side or on your stomach, chewing mostly on one side, or resting your face on your hand, can lead to muscle imbalances and facial asymmetry.
Dermal fillers, including hyaluronic acid-based products, are an excellent solution for restoring volume in areas such as the cheeks, chin, and under the eyes. These fillers work by adding volume to sunken areas, smoothing out wrinkles, and stimulating collagen production for a more youthful appearance.
Dehydration can lead to a loss of skin elasticity and volume, making the eyes appear more sunken. The skin relies on proper hydration to maintain its plumpness and resilience, and without it, any loss of moisture can make the surrounding areas appear hollow and tired.
Shari Sperling, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in Florham Park, NJ.
In addition to the collagen decline with the natural ageing process, other factors such as sun exposure, poor nutrition, and poor lifestyle choices such as smoking can contribute to the loss of collagen in the face. The most common signs of collagen deficiency in the face include: Wrinkles and fine lines.
A healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, exercise in the fresh air and the avoidance of pollutants also promotes the natural regeneration of your body and thus, promotes skin regeneration too. Skin regeneration can be stimulated not only by diet and lifestyle.
Cushing's Disease: Symptoms
Symptoms of stress
Anxiety can cause a red face, tingling face, pupil dilation, dry lips, and more. The causes depend on each symptom. Sometimes, face symptoms create more anxiety. Treatment focused on anxiety, rather than face-related issues, is considered the best recommendation for reducing the frequency of these issues.
Aging: As we grow older, the natural decline in collagen and fat leads to a loss of facial volume, resulting in a gaunt appearance. Weight loss: Rapid and/or significant weight loss can lead to a skinny, gaunt face, as fat loss affects the cheeks and facial contours.
Here are 10 unexpected signs of a vitamin D deficiency that may surprise you.
It supports collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Healthy vitamin D levels promote skin rejuvenation and a youthful glow.