Ageing in Your 30s vs 40s: How Your Face Changes (And What You Can Do About It)

Let’s be honest, your 30s and 40s are not the facial freefall some TikTok videos would have you believe. But things do start to shift.

The good news is that understanding how your face changes (and why) means you can do something about it without panic-booking a facelift!

At Aesthetically Refined, we’re all about subtle, clever tweaks. So here’s a breakdown of what actually happens to your face in your 30s vs your 40s and what you can do to keep looking fresh, not frozen.

What Happens to Your Face in Your 30s?

Your 30s are often the “wait, when did that happen?” decade. You’re not ageing exactly, but small signs start creeping in.

Here’s what usually changes:

Collagen production starts to drop – This means skin becomes thinner and slightly less bouncy.

First lines appear – Think crow’s feet, frown lines, and horizontal forehead creases.

Tired becomes a permanent vibe – Hollowing under the eyes or dark circles may start to show (even if you’ve slept eight hours. Rude.)

Facial fat shifts – Slight volume loss in the cheeks can make the face look flatter or more angular.

Skin texture changes – You might notice dullness, dryness, or rough patches that weren’t there in your 20s.

It’s subtle, but it’s there. Luckily, so are your options.

How to Tackle Ageing in Your 30s Without Going Overboard

This isn’t about full-face anything, it’s about low-level maintenance:

Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) – Softens the first lines and stops deeper creases from setting in.

Profhilo or skin boosters – Helps restore glow, improve texture, and keep skin hydrated and firm.

Tear trough filler – If the under-eyes are looking permanently tired, a small amount of filler can help.

Medical grade skincare – Retinol, antioxidants, SPF - your new best friends.

Basically the idea is to start before things go too far. A few tiny tweaks now can save a lot of work later.

What Happens to Your Face in Your 40s?

Now we’re getting into what I call the “what happened to my jawline?” years.

In your 40s, facial ageing becomes more structural:

Bone loss begins – Yes, your actual skull shrinks slightly, particularly around the temples, jaw, and under the eyes.

Fat pads descend – The plump bits in your cheeks head south, leading to sagging and flattening.

Skin laxity increases – Skin doesn’t bounce back like it used to, and gravity starts winning.

Jowls and marionette lines – The lower face loses support, and you might notice heaviness or drooping.

More prominent hollows and folds – Especially around the nasolabial folds, temples, and under the eyes.

It’s a little less subtle than your 30s, but it’s still manageable, if you know what to target.

How to Treat Ageing in Your 40s (Cleverly)

Now it’s about structure and support, not volume for volume’s sake:

Midface filler – Replaces lost volume and lifts the cheeks to naturally improve the lower face.

Chin & jawline contouring – Adds structure and definition where bone loss has occurred.

Polynucleotides or Profhilo – Boost collagen, elastin and skin quality. Think scaffolding, not stuffing.

Anti wrinkle injections – Still helpful, especially around the eyes, forehead, and neck.

Combination treatments – The best results often come from blending a few small tweaks together.

At Aesthetically Refined we don’t do “filler face.” We create balance. Harmony. Small enhancements that give you your face back… just a little fresher.

So... 30s or 40s - When’s the Best Time to Start?

Honestly? There’s no magic number.

It’s not about age, it’s about what your face needs. Some people in their 30s need structure. Some in their 40s need hydration. That’s why consultations exist.

The main thing is: Don’t wait until you hate it. It’s much easier to prevent than to reverse.

Ageing In Your 30s vs 40s: Your Face Is Changing, But That’s Okay!

Ageing in your 30s vs 40s isn’t a crisis. It’s just change. And with the right treatments, in the right hands, you can keep your face looking defined, refreshed, and totally natural - no drastic measures needed.

Want to know what your face needs right now?

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