This article breaks down the science of facial aging—how it works, why it happens, and what you can do to slow it down.

Book a virtual visit with a Tono Health dermatologist today.

 means the changes in your skin, muscles, fat, and bones that make your face look older over time. This process is natural, but many things can make it happen faster.

Doctors and scientists have learned that facial aging happens in layers:

, these changes start as early as your 20s, though you may not notice them right away.

: Lets skin bounce back after stretching.

As you age, your body makes less collagen and elastin. Studies in 

 show that by age 50, you may have lost up to 30% of your collagen.

 from the sun are the biggest cause of early wrinkles. This is called 

UV rays break down collagen and elastin faster, leading to:

 published a famous photo of a truck driver who spent decades with more sun on one side of his face. The result? That side looked many years older.

This shows why sunscreen is so important.

It’s not just skin that ages—fat and bones do too.

 under your skin shrink and slide down, making cheeks look flatter and creating shadows.

 in your cheeks and jaw thins, leading to hollows and sagging.

, bone loss starts slowly in midlife and speeds up after menopause.

Stress doesn’t just affect your mind—it also ages your skin. When you’re stressed, your body makes 

Over time, this means more wrinkles and duller skin.

 helps skin stay thick and hydrated. When estrogen drops after menopause, skin gets thinner and drier.

 supports skin firmness in men but declines with age.

This is why hormone shifts often lead to faster changes in facial appearance.

Fine lines around the eyes (“crow’s feet”)

Lines from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)

These are all normal, but some changes can be slowed with the right care.

While no treatment stops aging completely, science shows certain steps help slow the process:

Using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen protects collagen and prevents spots. The AAD recommends applying it every morning—even on cloudy days.

Retinoids (vitamin A creams) boost collagen production and smooth fine lines. They are among the most studied anti-aging products. According to the 

, people using retinoids daily had fewer wrinkles and better skin texture over 6 months.

This antioxidant brightens skin and helps repair UV damage. Use it under sunscreen for extra protection.

Hydrated skin looks smoother and healthier. Look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or ceramides.

Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants; Get enough sleep; Avoid smoking; Manage stress with exercise or relaxation techniques.

All of these habits help protect your skin’s collagen and elasticity.

If you’re worried about facial aging, you don’t always need to visit a clinic in person. With teledermatology, you can:

Get prescriptions for retinoids or other products

Teledermatology makes it easy to start caring for your skin without leaving home.

Facial aging is normal and starts as early as your 20s.

Changes happen in skin, fat, muscle, and bone.

Sun exposure and stress speed up these changes.

Daily sunscreen, retinoids, vitamin C, and healthy habits can slow aging.

Teledermatology makes expert care simple and accessible.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered why your face looks different than it used to? Fine lines, sagging skin, and changes in shape are all normal signs of facial aging. But what exactly happens under the skin to cause these changes?

The Science of Facial Aging: Why Your Face Changes Over Time

Book a virtual visit with a Tono Health dermatologist today to get a personalized plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

A daily skincare routine does more than keep your face clean—it helps prevent breakouts, slow signs of aging, and protect you from sun damage. But with so many products, it can feel confusing. In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a simple, effective skincare routine. According to the 

, healthy skin habits are the foundation of good skin at every age.

 – Apply products like retinoids or antioxidants.

Cleansing removes dirt, oil, makeup, and pollution. Without cleansing, your pores can get clogged, leading to breakouts.

Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin.

, harsh scrubbing can damage your skin barrier. 

 If you have acne-prone skin, pick a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

This is where you tackle your specific skin goals, such as:

 reports retinoids are the most proven anti-aging and acne treatment.

Always apply sunscreen in the morning (retinoids make skin sensitive to sun).

 confirm vitamin C reduces pigmentation over time.

This is a good beginner ingredient that pairs well with other treatments.

Moisturizer keeps your skin’s barrier strong, preventing dryness and irritation.

 Use a thicker cream with ceramides or hyaluronic acid.

, applying moisturizer while skin is damp helps lock in hydration.

 Sunscreen is your most important anti-aging product. It protects against UV rays that cause:

 published striking photos showing how sun exposure ages skin over time.

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning.

 Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are best for sensitive skin.

Putting It All Together: Your Daily Routine

Learn the proven steps to build a skincare routine that actually works. Get dermatologist-backed advice to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works: An Evidence-Based Guide

Many skin conditions can be accurately diagnosed and treated without an office visit. Thanks to 

, you can get fast, personalized care for many issues from home. Let’s look at some of the most common skin concerns–what they are, and how virtual care from 

 Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, sometimes deep or painful cysts

 Telehealth effectively treats acne, guiding over-the-counter or prescription use for clearer skin. Tono's doctors can design a treatment plan that may include cleansers, topicals, or oral medications.

 Dry, itchy, red patches—especially in elbows or behind knees

 Telehealth enables ongoing treatment and flare-up control. After reviewing history and photos, Tono's doctors can prescribe moisturizers or medicated creams.

 Raised, scaly patches, often on elbows, knees, scalp

 To treat Psoriasis, Tono's doctors can make an initial diagnosis during a virtual visit, then start creams or oral medications and monitor progress with virtual follow-ups.

 Redness, visible blood vessels, flushing, sometimes pimples

 AAD guidelines and platforms show that rosacea can be effectively managed in a virtual setting (

). Tono's doctors can identify triggers, then consider treatment options such as gentle cleansers and topicals like brimonidine or azelaic acid.

 Red, flaky, greasy patches on face or scalp, face

 Clinicians report accurate diagnosis and care via telehealth (

). Tono's doctors may prescribe medicated shampoos and creams, then monitor progress and modify the treatment plan through virtual follow up visits.

 Red, itchy rashes from touching irritants like soaps or plants

 Teledermatology can effectively diagnose and treat Contact Dermatitis (

). Tono's doctors can evaluate root causes and may recommend topical steroids or share tips to avoid triggers.

 Raised, itchy, red bumps or welts that can appear suddenly and disappear

 Many hives (urticaria) can be effectively managed via telehealth. Tono's doctors can provide guidance and medications to help stop hives and itching.

 Includes athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, or nail infections (thick or discolored nails)

 Teledermatology can reliably diagnose fungal infections for both skin and nails. Tono's doctors can design topical or oral antifungal treatments depending on severity.

 Small, rough bumps commonly on hands, feet, or knees.

 Telehealth can effectively diagnose warts, so that a board certified dermatologist can design treatment plans. Tono's doctors can determine the wart type, then guide treatment options such as freezing kits or salicylic acid.

 Tingling or burning sensation, followed by small blisters, typically around the lips or mouth.

 Tono's doctors can quickly prescribe antiviral medications during outbreaks and provide guidance to reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

The AAD’s teledermatology standards require all virtual visits be with board-certified dermatologists for high-quality care (

). Studies show teledermatology outcomes can match in-person care for many conditions (

Telehealth reduces wait times—and can prevent emergency skin visits—allowing quicker and more convenient care from home.

Receive a treatment plan, which may include topicals, oral meds, or referrals

Follow up virtually to adjust treatment through recovery

Most skin issues are visible on camera–perfect for teledermatology

No waiting for appointments; start treatments quickly

Easy, effective check-ins without leaving home

Ideal for ongoing treatment of chronic conditions

If a concerning area looks like skin cancer, needs a biopsy, or some procedural treatment, your dermatologist will guide you to an in-office visit.

 works for conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, fungal infections, warts, hives, and more

At Tono Health, our board-certified dermatologists deliver fast, accurate care virtually–prescribing treatments as effectively as in-office visits

Combined with easy follow-ups and expert guidance, online care offers a modern, patient-first experience

Find out if your skin concern can be treated virtually. 

Book a virtual visit with a board certified dermatologist at Tono Health today

 and see how teledermatology brings confidence and comfort to your skin care journey.

This article is for informational purposes only. In case of a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the ER.

Discover which common skin issues can be treated virtually—and how Tono Health can help.

10 Common Skin Conditions Treated by Teledermatology

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Discover how Dr. Zoë Indigo Smith, esteemed dermatologist, leverages her comprehensive expertise and innovative teledermatology approach to enhance patient care across the US

Meet Dr. Indigo Smith, dermatologist at Tono Health

Discover how Jovette found freedom from the pain of Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Tono Health's virtual care. From misdiagnoses to a remarkable transformation, her journey embodies resilience, empowerment, and a virtual-first approach to personalized care.

From Flare-Ups to Freedom: Jovette’s Story of Triumph with Tono Health

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Meet Dr. Abigail Cline: Dermatologist at Tono

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Discover more on the Blog

The Science of Facial Aging: Why Your Face Changes Over Time

How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works: An Evidence-Based Guide

10 Common Skin Conditions Treated by Teledermatology