Sagging Facial Skin: Causes & Care

Sagging facial skin develops gradually: the jawline loses definition, the cheeks appear flatter and folds become deeper. The main cause is not only the skin itself, but a loss of volume in several layers of the face. In this guide, you will find out what happens in the face over the years, how to recognise sagging skin and which care strengthens it again.

How to recognise sagging facial skin

Softer jawline: the contour between cheek and neck loses definition, and jowls form.
Flatter cheeks: the cheeks lose fullness and appear sunken.
Deeper folds: the nasolabial fold and the lines at the corners of the mouth become more pronounced.
Heavier eyelids: the skin above the eyes becomes looser.
Looser neck skin: the skin under the chin and on the neck loses firmness.

Why does the face lose volume?

Facial ageing takes place in four layers at the same time:

Skin: from the mid-twenties, the skin produces less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. It becomes thinner and loses elasticity.
Fat pads: the fat pads in the cheeks and around the eyes become smaller and sink downwards over the years.
Muscles: the facial muscles lose tension, and the overlying tissue is less well supported.
Bone structure: the facial bones also change slightly over the decades, especially around the jaw and eye sockets. The skin loses part of its support.

Several factors accelerate this process:

UV light: sun breaks down collagen and is the main cause of premature skin ageing.
Menopause: falling estrogen levels accelerate collagen loss noticeably.
Weight fluctuations: rapid weight loss can make the skin appear looser.
Smoking and lack of sleep: both put strain on the skin’s regeneration.

At what age does facial skin start to sag?

The first signs often appear from the mid-thirties. From the mid-forties, and especially during menopause, the loss of firmness and volume becomes more noticeable. When the skin also becomes very thin, our guide crepey skin can help.

What helps with sagging facial skin?

Skincare works on the skin layer: it cannot replace lost fat pads or bone structure. It can, however, visibly strengthen the skin, support its density and firmness and make the contours appear more defined.

These actives are particularly important:

Peptides: Cyclopeptide-5, ChroNoline and Syn-Ake support the skin’s structure and firmness.
MPC milk peptide complex: supports the density and resilience of the skin.
Liftonin-Xpress: tightens the skin visibly within minutes.
Hyaluronic acid: binds moisture and plumps the skin.
MBR FibroBoost Complex: supports firmness and resilience.

These products are particularly suitable:

CytoLine Concentrate 100: the concentrate with the MPC milk peptide complex and hyaluronic acid for more density.
Optimal Lift Serum: with Liftonin-Xpress, niacinamide and ginkgo extract for visibly tighter contours.
Cross Lift Serum Ultrapeptide: combines Liftonin-Xpress with the peptides Syn-Ake, ChroNoline and Cyclopeptide-5.
THE BEST Face: the high-concentration cream with the FibroBoost Complex for firmness and resilience.

You will find more firming care in our collections firming face cream and collagen cream.

Beyond skincare: sun protection, sleep, nutrition, facial massage and aesthetic treatments also play a role. You can find out which methods really help in our guide firming facial skin. For pronounced volume loss, dermatologists use hyaluronic acid fillers or radiofrequency treatments, among others. You will find suitable aftercare in our collection skincare after laser, peels & Botox.

Your routine for sagging facial skin

OPEN: cleanse your skin thoroughly but gently.
TREAT: apply the CytoLine Concentrate 100 or the Optimal Lift Serum morning and evening and massage it in with upward movements, from the chin towards the ears.
CLOSE: finish with THE BEST Face, including on the neck.
During the day: protect your skin from UV light with our face sunscreen.

Frequently asked questions about sagging facial skin

Can sagging facial skin be firmed again?
Skincare can visibly strengthen the skin and make it appear firmer. Lost volume in the fat pads cannot be replaced by a cream. For pronounced sagging, aesthetic treatments can complement your care.
Which cream helps with sagging facial skin?
A cream with peptides and actives that support density and firmness, such as THE BEST Face. Combined with a serum such as the CytoLine Concentrate 100, the effect is particularly intensive.
What helps against jowls?
Jowls are caused by sinking tissue in the lower face. Firming care with Liftonin-Xpress and peptides makes the contours appear more defined, and upward massage during application supports circulation.
Why does my skin sag after losing weight?
When the fat tissue in the face shrinks quickly, the skin cannot adapt as fast. Firming care supports the skin during this phase.
Does menopause cause sagging skin?
Yes, falling estrogen levels noticeably accelerate collagen loss. You will find care tailored to this phase of life in our collections face cream over 50 and face cream for mature skin.