Special Populations and Considerations

For patients & families
Menopause brings significant changes to the face and body that many families may not expect. Within five years around menopause, about 30% of the body's collagen is lost, followed by a steady 2% decline each year [e13243-c1, e13263-c1]. This affects the skin, causing laxity and volume loss, while facial bones—including the jaw and areas around the nose—can also thin over time, similar to osteoporosis in other bones [e13243-c2, e13243-c10, e13263-c2, e13263-c12]. Estrogen receptors throughout the skin mean that hormonal changes during menopause directly impact skin texture, hair, and even facial contours [e13243-c3, e13263-c4]. Physicians discussed how lifestyle choices matter greatly: twin studies show that smoking, sun exposure, and drinking can create a visible 10-year age difference between identical twins [e13243-c13, e13263-c6]. Different ethnic backgrounds experience aging differently—for example, individuals with lighter skin may develop lines faster but maintain stronger facial bones longer, while Asian individuals may experience faster bone changes but slower skin aging [e13243-c11, e13243-c12, e13263-c11, e13263-c13]. Doctors emphasized that it's never too late to start caring for your skin and overall health, though earlier attention often yields longer-lasting benefits .