Sagging jowls

the lowdown Collagen and elastin, which keep skin “springy”, start to deteriorate and the skin-plumping fat pads under our eyes and in our cheeks shrink, with the result that skin begins to “go south”.

what’s the fix “Sun exposure, smoking and alcohol accelerate sagging, so are best avoided – or kept to a minimum,” says dr Wedgeworth. retinoid-based skincare can help to stimulate collagen production. Start with lower concentrations, as retinoids can cause irritation. the

ordinary retinol 1% in squalene, £5.80, cultbeauty.co.uk, reduces fine lines and pigmentation too. Plant extracts can superficially “lift” sagging skin by tightening the surface. clarins extra firming day cream, £54, contains oat sugars, hibiscus seed and inca peanut seed extracts, which tone up slack skin. Hand-held gadgets that use low-level micro-currents can help to tone up the neck and jawline. the nuface mini facial toner, £150, currentbody.com, can improve jowl droop, but it does require dedication. on-the-spot solution daily facial massage can improve the skin’s appearance. massage in the body shop roots of strength firming shaping serum, £32, with three tonifying root extracts – ginger, ginseng and ruscus.