Are You a Wrinkler, Sinker, or Sagger? Understanding Your Ageing Style

by Zaghrah Anthony

Are You a Wrinkler, Sinker, or Sagger? A New Look at Ageing

For a long time, I dreaded getting older. Everywhere I looked, social media and advertising seemed to scream that youth was the only thing worth holding onto. From injectable fillers to miracle creams, the pressure to “age gracefully” often felt like fear dressed up as advice.

But ageing isn’t a curse. It’s a privilege.

Growing up amidst loss—watching older siblings leave too soon—taught me early on that reaching your later years is itself a triumph. Surviving, thriving, and celebrating life past 65 is no longer a luxury reserved for royalty. Today, most of us can look forward to a long life: according to the UN’s World Population Prospects (2022), 79% of women and 70% of men worldwide will live past 65.

Science also tells us that ageing isn’t a single downward slope. A Nature Medicine study identifies three major biological milestones at roughly 34, 60, and 78 years, showing that growing older is an evolution, not a sudden collapse. And this evolution often starts with our faces.

The Wrinkler: Lines of Life

Wrinkles are the classic sign of ageing, and they carry a story. They first appear where skin is thin—the eyes, the mouth, the forehead—and deepen over time due to sun exposure, lifestyle choices, and the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Think of them as life’s roadmaps, each line a laugh, a frown, a moment etched into your skin.

If you’re a wrinkler:

  • Use retinol to boost skin renewal.

  • Include antioxidants and peptides in your routine.

  • Protect your skin from sun damage every day.

  • Avoid smoking and practice mindful sleep habits.

Wrinkles aren’t just inevitable—they’re celebrated markers of a life lived fully.

The Sinker: Volume Lost but Not Spirit

The sinker is less obvious. Over time, facial fat pads shift and diminish, and bone density declines. This can leave the midface hollow, cheeks less defined, and jowls forming.

Sinking isn’t about the surface; it’s about the deeper structure of your face.

For sinkers, the secret isn’t just creams—it’s whole-body health:

  • Eat a diet rich in Vitamin D and calcium.

  • Strength train to support muscles and facial structure.

  • Consider professional treatments only if you want them, not because society demands it.

This ageing style reminds us that inner health reflects outwardly.

The Sagger: When Gravity Wins

Sagging is the stage where skin loses firmness and structure. Collagen and elastin production slows, UV exposure and lifestyle factors accumulate, and the jawline softens. Marionette lines and drooping skin become more noticeable.

If you’re a sagger:

  • Preventative care is key: retinol and vitamin C serums stimulate and support collagen.

  • Prioritise nutrition: berries, leafy greens, and amino-acid-rich foods help maintain skin integrity.

  • Professional treatments like ultrasound or radiofrequency therapy can help if desired.

Sagging is less a flaw than a signal that your body has carried you through decades of experience, stress, joy, and resilience.

Embracing Ageing, South African Style

In a country where societal pressure to look young is amplified by media and cultural ideals, learning to accept and celebrate your ageing style is liberating. Ageing is not a fight against time; it’s an invitation to honour it.

Every laugh line, every shift in facial structure, every subtle sag is evidence of a life well-lived. It reminds us that while skincare, nutrition, and treatments can enhance our comfort, ageing itself is a privilege and one worth celebrating.

Ageing is no longer about fear. It’s about presence, gratitude, and wisdom. And now, maybe, it’s time to ask yourself: am I a wrinkler, a sinker, or a sagger?

Source: IOL

Featured Image: Pexels