Experts Identify Four Facial Aging Types and Tailored Treatments

Signs of aging manifest differently in individuals, with experts identifying four primary categories: sinkers, saggers, frowners, and raisers. Dr. Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, explains that recognizing these types can significantly influence how one approaches skincare and treatments.

"The idea that we're all either a sinker, sagger, frowner or raiser has become increasingly popular because it offers a simple way of understanding the different ways our faces age," Perry told the Daily Mail. "It is a useful framework for explaining why some people are more prone to volume loss, others experience sagging, and some develop wrinkles in particular areas."

Sinkers are characterized by a hollowed or tired appearance, often due to a loss of facial volume. This occurs as natural fat pads beneath the skin diminish, particularly in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas, leading to a more sculpted look. Dr. Perry suggests that for sinkers, skincare should focus on preserving collagen and skin quality through daily SPF, retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides. Treatments that stimulate collagen production or carefully placed fillers can also be beneficial. Celebrities like Gillian Anderson and Matthew McConaughey are cited as examples of sinkers.

Saggers tend to retain facial volume but experience more noticeable tissue descent due to gravity. As skin elasticity decreases and supporting structures weaken, the jawline may soften, and the lower face can appear heavier. For saggers, maintaining skin firmness and elasticity is key. This can be supported by consistent use of SPF, retinoids, and antioxidant-rich skincare. In-clinic treatments such as radiofrequency and ultrasound skin-tightening procedures may also be useful, though significant sagging can be difficult to address without surgery. Lisa Kudrow and Johnny Depp are mentioned as examples of this type.

Frowners develop lines between the eyebrows, commonly known as frown lines or '11 lines,' due to repeated muscle movement combined with the natural aging process. While a good skincare routine can help maintain skin quality, anti-wrinkle injections are often considered the most effective treatment for softening these lines. Retinoids, antioxidants, and daily sun protection can also support collagen and minimize the formation of deeper lines. Brooke Shields and Tom Hanks are identified as celebrities who exhibit characteristics of frowners.

Raisers typically develop horizontal forehead lines from repeatedly lifting their eyebrows. These expression lines can become more noticeable over time and may remain visible even at rest. Similar to frowners, SPF, retinoids, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients are important for overall skin quality, and anti-wrinkle injections can help soften forehead lines by reducing the impact of repeated muscle movement. Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney are noted examples of the raiser type.

Beyond skincare and professional treatments, Georgina Tang, founder of YNNY skincare, offers additional advice. For frowners, she recommends deep cleansing with organic soap, using a toner to hydrate, and applying hyaluronic acid serum for plumping. She also suggests anti-aging exfoliation masks and oil-based serums rich in vitamins. For sinkers, dermal fillers or fat transfer procedures are options. Tang suggests facial exercises for saggers to tone underlying muscles and lift the appearance of the face, including a simple exercise involving smiling.

Genetics and lifestyle factors like smoking, sleep, diet, and hydration all play a role in how the skin ages. However, understanding one's specific aging pattern, as categorized by these four types, can provide a more targeted approach to maintaining a youthful appearance.