Ageing and its effects on facial morphology and anatomical structures

Level 5 Certificate in Aesthetic Practice - Assignment 1

Unit AP601 Anatomy, Physiology and Morphology of the Ageing Face

Ageing and its effects on facial morphology and anatomical structures

1. Analyse the changes that occur to the face and neck during the aging process, taking into account the following aspects:

• Physiological changes to the skin structure
• Degenerative skin conditions associated with ageing
• The causes and effects of intrinsic and extrinsic ageing
• The distinction between static and dynamic wrinkling
• Morphological changes to the face and neck
• The effectiveness of the Merz and Glogau scales in assessing the skin’s aging process.

2. Evaluate why it is important for the Aesthetic Practitioner to have a sound knowledge and understanding of the ageing process and its impact on the facial anatomical structures, when carrying out facial aesthetic procedures.

The required word count for this assignment is 2500 words. It should not be more than 10% under or over the prescribed word count.

A completion date will be agreed for each assignment. You will be allowed a minimum of two months to complete each assignment.

Please ensure you read and follow the Assignment Writing and Harvard Referencing Guidelines.

Assignments that do not meet the guidelines will be returned to students unmarked.

Level 5 Certificate in Aesthetic Practice - Assignment 1 – Marking Scheme

Learner’s Name:		Learner’s Number:		Submission Date:
Assessor’s Name:		Date submitted:		Completion Date:

Assignment Breakdown	Key Areas To Be Covered	Allocated Marks
1. Analyse the changes that occur to the face and neck during the aging process, taking into account the following aspects: (80 marks)	Please note: The marks indicated in the marking scheme column also take into account your writing style, structure, presentation, flow of content, logical development, knowledge and understanding of the subject, independent thought, critical thinking/arguments and Harvard referencing.
Physiological changes to the skin structure	Changes to the skin; for example: collagen, elasticity, hyaluronic acid, atrophy, hypertrophy of adipose tissue, volume loss, mitosis, blood supply, laxity, gravity, photo-ageing, hyperpigmentation, telangiectasia, dehydration, dryness, skin density, texture. This section also includes marks for the assignment introduction.	15
Degenerative skin conditions associated with ageing	Degenerative skin conditions; for example: elastosis, pigmentary changes such as age spots, liver spots, melasma and lentigos in sun-exposed areas. Benign skin growths (keratoacanthomas), malignant melanomas, seborrheic keratosis, cherry angiomas, skin tags, warts, telangiectasia, bruises, purpura and hematomas, senile or actinic purpura, eczema, psoriasis, pruritus, keratosis, Xerosis.	15
The causes and effects of intrinsic and extrinsic ageing	Intrinsic, for example: biological, internally driven, functional and aesthetic changes, genetics, hormonal, systemic illness and disease, catabolic, free radicals, structural and physiological effects. Extrinsic, for example: degenerative, externally driven, impacts and contributing factors including; photoaging, lifestyle, smoking, diet, pollution and stress, structural and physiological effects.	15
The distinction between static and dynamic wrinkling	Dynamic and static wrinkling, for example: cause and effect.	10
The morphological changes to the face and neck	Morphology of facial ageing, for example: ryhtids, skin folds, redistribution of fat pads, fat atrophy, muscle laxity, skeletal changes, subcutaneous volume, ptosis, face shape, depressions, contours and proportions.	15
Assignment Breakdown	Key Areas To Be Covered	Allocated Marks
The effectiveness of the Merz and Glogau scales in assessing the skin’s ageing process.	Classifications, uses, benefits, accuracy, research.	10
2. Evaluate why it is important for the Aesthetic Practitioner to have a sound knowledge and understanding of the ageing process and its impact on the facial anatomical structures, when carrying out facial aesthetic procedures. This section also includes marks for the assignment conclusion. (20 marks)	Skin healing qualities, resilience, treatment indications, customised treatment plans, treatment options, optimal and suboptimal results, natural rejuvenation, managing client expectations, significance of recognising treatment limitations, contra-indications, serious complications, safety, professionalism and ethics	20
Followed assignment writing guidelines and Harvard referencing	Yes / No
Met the required word count (2500 words)	Yes / No
Plagiarism	Yes / No
Total Marks (pass rate 65%)	Pass / Refer

Example Answer

Ageing and its effects on facial morphology and anatomical structures

Analyse the changes that occur to the face and neck during the aging process, taking into account the following aspects: Physiological changes to the skin structure

As individuals age, several physiological changes occur to the skin on the face and neck, affecting both its structure and appearance. These changes are primarily due to the natural process of aging, but can also be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and genetics. The key physiological changes to the skin structure include the following:

1. Decreased Collagen and Elastin Production
   Collagen and elastin are two proteins that are integral to maintaining skin`s strength, elasticity, and youthful appearance. As people age, the production of collagen and elastin slows down, leading to the skin losing its firmness and suppleness. This reduction in collagen can make the skin more prone to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles, particularly on the face and neck, where expression lines and gravitational forces are more noticeable.

2. Thinning of the Epidermis
   The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, tends to thin with age, making it less able to retain moisture and protect against environmental damage. This thinning process can result in the skin becoming more fragile and susceptible to irritation, bruising, and injury. The loss of the protective barrier also means that the skin becomes more vulnerable to infections and harmful UV rays, leading to further signs of aging, such as sun spots and age-related pigmentation.

3. Reduced Fat and Muscle Tone
   As the skin ages, the underlying fat in the dermis and subcutaneous layers diminishes, particularly in the face and neck areas. This loss of fat contributes to the appearance of hollows or sagging, especially around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Additionally, there is a reduction in muscle tone, which further contributes to the drooping or loss of facial contours, creating jowls and deepening of the nasolabial folds.

4. Loss of Skin Hydration
   The skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases over time due to a reduced production of natural oils and a decline in the skin’s hydration-retaining capacity. This can cause the skin to become dry, rough, and more prone to irritation. Dehydrated skin can accentuate the appearance of wrinkles, making the skin look more aged and dull. The face and neck are often more affected, as these areas tend to be exposed to environmental factors like wind, sun, and pollution.

All You Must Know About Unit AP601 Anatomy, Physiology and Morphology of the Ageing Face

Unit AP601 explores the anatomy, physiology, and morphology of the ageing face, providing insights into the structural and functional changes that occur over time. It examines how ageing impacts the skin, muscles, bones, and fat, all of which contribute to the visible signs of ageing on the face. This unit is vital for professionals in fields such as dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetics, enabling them to understand and address age-related changes in facial appearance and function.

The anatomy of the ageing face involves a series of transformations in the skin, muscles, bones, and fat. The skin loses collagen and elastin, essential proteins that provide strength and flexibility, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of firmness. Additionally, facial muscles, which control expression and provide support for the skin, weaken with age, causing a less defined appearance. The underlying facial bones, particularly the cheekbones and jawline, experience resorption, leading to a loss of volume and a sunken or hollow look.

In terms of physiology, the ageing process significantly impacts the skin`s ability to regenerate. Collagen production decreases, and the skin becomes thinner and more fragile. Sebaceous glands, which produce oils to keep the skin moisturised, slow down, contributing to dryness and further accentuating signs of ageing. The body`s natural healing and regenerative processes also slow down, making it harder for the skin to recover from damage and leading to a longer recovery time for wounds or injuries.

Morphologically, the changes in the skin, muscles, and bones manifest as visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and volume loss in certain facial areas. Fat pads that provide youthful contours diminish, particularly in the temples, under the eyes, and along the jawline. This loss of volume results in a less youthful, more hollow appearance, with the skin and muscles not having enough support. Morphological changes are not only linked to genetic factors but also to lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and overall health.

Understanding these changes in the anatomy, physiology, and morphology of the ageing face is essential for developing effective treatments and interventions to maintain or restore a youthful appearance, as well as for enhancing the quality of life for older individuals.