Shereene IdrissBoard Certified Derm, Founder and Chief Nerd

5 Reasons We Age — And What I’d Do for Each One as a Cosmetic Dermatologist

18 Jun 2026 · 2 min

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1:31

In this concise monologue, cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss breaks down five major contributors to visible aging and offers practical, no‑nonsense strategies for each. She first addresses static facial lines that give a permanent ‘resting‑bitch‑face’ look, recommending neurotoxins (Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport, Xeomin) to soften them. Second, she clarifies the difference between volume loss and sagging, explaining that fillers cannot lift the face but can create a tasteful optical illusion when used sparingly. Third, she focuses on skin discoloration—brown spots and sunspots—advocating a solid skincare routine followed by laser treatments for maximal improvement. Fourth, she notes that loss of elasticity and texture begins in the mid‑20s and suggests treatments that boost skin’s elastic properties. Finally, she acknowledges that age‑related bone‑structure changes (hollowness, narrowing, recession) are not reversible with current cosmetic procedures, urging acceptance. The overall message is to simplify the aging process into manageable categories and apply targeted, evidence‑based interventions where possible.

Chapters

5 ways to think of the aging process so it doesn't overwhelm you. I'm a dermatologist, cosmetics is my jam. Number 1, do we have lines that are built in on our face that make us look either angry, worried, sad, or depressed at rest and that are just distracting, i.e., resting bitch face? Neurotoxins like Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport, Xeomin can help to minimize the appearance of looking like you hate your life. Number 2, volume. Are we thinking Or are we sagging? Usually it's either or. There's obviously people who fall into both. Fillers are never going to lift your face. That is a lie. The deal with fillers is how to fake an optical illusion in a tasteful way without overdoing it and spreading treatments out so you're not getting overfilled. And number 3, this one is my favorite one, your skin color. Do you have brown spots, sunspots? It's usually brown or red or both. And the reality is You can make the biggest difference in your skin by addressing this through your skincare routine, and then jamming that shit up with laser treatments will take you to the next level. Number 4, elasticity and texture. We all start to lose elasticity in our mid-20s. I'm not fearmongering, that is a fact. So doing treatments that help our skin retain its elasticity can help over time. Last, your bone structure. As we get older, this gets hollower, this narrows out, this recedes. I can't do jack shit for that, and that you're going to have to accept. Hope that helps simplify it. Let me know below.