What Happens to Your Skin as You Age (And What You Can Do About It)

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Dr. Chet Mays

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3/17/2026

If you've ever looked in the mirror and thought, "When did my skin start changing?" - you're not alone.

Aging isn't just about wrinkles. It's a combination of subtle changes happening beneath the surface over time. The good news? Once you understand what's happening, you can treat it strategically.

Let's break it down.

Collagen Loss: The Root of It All

Starting in your mid-20s, your body produces less collagen each year. Collagen is what keeps your skin firm, smooth, and youthful.

As collagen declines, you may notice: 

  • Fine lines and wrinkles 
  • Thinner skin 
  • Loss of firmness

What helps: 

  • Microneedling 
  • Red light therapy 
  • Laser treatments 
  • Medical-grade skincare with growth factors

Collagen loss is inevitable - but slowing it down and stimulating new production makes a noticeable difference.

Loss of Elasticity: Why Skin Starts to Sag

Elasticity is what allows your skin to "snap back." Over time, that ability weakens.

This is when you start to see: 

  • Drooping around the jawline 
  • Looser skin on the cheeks and neck 
  • A more tired appearance overall

What helps: 

  • Skin tightening treatments 
  • Collagen-stimulating procedures 
  • Consistent skincare focused on repair and hydration

The earlier you address elasticity, the better your long-term results.

Volume Loss: The "Deflated" Look

As we age, we naturally lose fat in the face - especially in the cheeks and under the eyes.

This can lead to: 

  • Hollow under-eyes 
  • Flattened cheeks 
  • More prominent folds and lines

What helps: 

  • Dermal filler 
  • Biostimulatory treatments 
  • Hydrating skincare

Volume loss is one of the biggest contributors to looking older - even more than wrinkles.

Slow Cell Turnover: Dull, Uneven Skin

Your skin doesn't renew itself as quickly as it used to.

That can cause: 

  • Dullness 
  • Rough texture 
  • Uneven tone 
  • Breakouts that take longer to heal

What helps: 

  • Chemical peels 
  • Exfoliating facials like DiamondGlow 
  • Retinol and medical-grade exfoliants

This is often why skin starts to lose that natural "glow."

Sun Damage: The Silent Accelerator

If there's one thing that speeds up all signs of aging, it's sun exposure.

Over time, UV damage leads to: 

  • Dark spots and pigmentation 
  • Broken capillaries 
  • Loss of collagen and elasticity

What helps: 

  • Daily SPF - no exceptions

We recommend mineral-based sunscreens like Colorescience, which protect your skin while enhancing it with lightweight, wearable coverage.

So...What Should You Actually Do?

Aging skin isn't about doing everything - it's about doing the right things consistently.

A well-rounded approach usually includes: 

  • Preventative care (SPF, skincare) 
  • Maintenance treatments (facials, light lasers) 
  • Corrective treatments (toxins, fillers, advanced procedures)

The key is starting where you are and building from there.

You Don't Have to Guess

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to figure it out on their own - buying random products, jumping between treatments, or waiting too long to start.

At The Spa at MPS, we take a personalized approach to your skin. Whether you're just starting to notice changes or looking to take things to the next level, we can help you create a plan that makes sense for your goals, your timeline, and your budget.

Because aging is inevitable - but how your skin ages is something you can influence. Book your FREE skincare consultation today !

Mays Spa is my HAPPY place for the serene ambiance, their kindness, and the fabulous services I've had (Botox, Cool Peel, facials, derma planing, etc.), but Trina is simply "aMAYzing" as an expert in Botox injections. Her extensive medical background as a registered nurse gives her precise knowledge of the intricate facial muscles and how they work together to restore and maintain a soft & youthful look in her patients. I came to her desperate for help after an 8-year struggle with very obvious asymmetry in my face after a severe case of Bell's palsy in 2018. I couldn't smile normally or completely close my left eye, even after seeing countless medical doctors, ENT and facial nerve specialists, other Botox injectors, and many years of acupuncture on my face. No treatment made much difference until I found her at Mays Spa. She is a **miracle worker**, but I'll let the before and after photos speak for themselves (attached to post). Trina has exponentially improved my quality of life (after all, your face is your calling card), and I adore her and the whole team at Mays Spa. Signed, a GRATEFUL school teacher.

K.B. Google

I had an amazing experience with Dr. Gross and his team! I recently had a CoolPeel laser treatment, and the results have been incredible. From the moment I walked into the office, I felt welcomed and comfortable. The office itself is beautiful, clean, and professional.Dr. Gross was friendly, knowledgeable, and made me feel at ease throughout the entire procedure. He consistently checked on my comfort level and explained everything clearly, which made the experience stress-free and enjoyable.The results exceeded my expectations. My skin looks brighter, smoother, and has a healthy glow. I could see a noticeable difference almost immediately after the treatment.I highly recommend Dr. Gross and his amazing staff to anyone considering laser treatments or other aesthetic procedures. The level of care, professionalism, and attention to detail was truly exceptional. 10/10 experience!

J.G. Google

Beautiful space! Very friendly staffGabby at the front gave us the best personalized experienceShe needs a raise!!!!Iconic

R.A. Google

Ashley H is amazing! After I got the diamond glow my skin looked so good and felt refreshed! It was very relaxing! 100% recommend

F.W. Google

Ashley is so wonderful and knowledgeable about skincare! All the staff are so nice and kind!

G.K. Google

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