One day you notice your jawline looks softer than it used to, or your cheeks sit a little lower. Sagging skin is one of the most common concerns from our 40s onward, and one of the most misunderstood.
Here's what causes it, what really helps and where creams fit in.
Why skin sags
Several changes happen together as we age:
- Skin loses firmness and bounce, as it makes less of the proteins that keep it tight.
- The deeper structure changes: fat pads in the face shift and thin out, and bone changes over time.
- Sun damage speeds it up. UV exposure is one of the main drivers of premature skin aging.
- Lifestyle adds up: smoking and big changes in weight can make sagging more visible.
This is why sagging often shows up alongside other changes, like crepey skin on the neck and chest.
What skincare can (and can't) do
Let's be honest, because most firming creams aren't. The American Academy of Dermatology says results from skin-firming creams are subtle at best, because a cream can't penetrate deep enough to tighten skin. Products with a retinoid may make a small difference.
What skincare can do is help skin look smoother, more hydrated and more radiant, which makes the face look fresher overall, and protect it from further damage.
That's exactly how we talk about our own stem cell cream. It won't lift your face, and we'd be wary of any jar that says it will. What it does offer is a mix of stem cell conditioned media, peptides and hyaluronic acid made for the face, jawline and neck, and customers tell us their skin looks firmer and smoother with consistent use.
A cream won't lift your face. But daily care decides how your skin looks while it changes.
Do gua sha, facial massage or face yoga help?
They're everywhere on social media, and the research is more interesting than you might expect, though still small.
Face yoga
In a 2018 pilot study published in JAMA Dermatology, women aged 40 to 65 did 30 minutes of facial exercises daily for eight weeks, then every other day until week 20. Of the 27 who started, 16 finished. Dermatologists rating their photos saw fuller-looking upper and lower cheeks, and estimated their age about three years younger by the end. It's a promising start, but a very small study, and the routine took real commitment.
Gua sha and facial rollers
A 2025 randomized trial in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology compared the two in 34 women who massaged for 10 minutes, five days a week, for eight weeks. Both groups showed changes in facial contour on 3D scans. The roller group also improved on skin elasticity measurements, while the gua sha group showed lower muscle tension. The study was short and didn't include a group that skipped massage altogether, so it can't say how much came from the massage itself.
How to try it safely
- Never work on dry skin. A tool needs slip, so apply your cream or a facial oil first.
- Use light pressure and long strokes from the center of the face outward and upward, toward the ears and along the jawline.
- Keep your tool clean and skip areas with active breakouts, irritation or broken skin.
- Stop if you see redness that lingers or any bruising. More pressure doesn't mean better results.
No tool? Your fingertips work too. Taking a minute to massage your moisturizer in with upward strokes, instead of rubbing it on quickly, is an easy way to build the habit. Our guide on how to apply face cream shows the technique.
In-office treatments for sagging skin
| Treatment | When results show |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound | Gradually, over about 2 to 6 months |
| Radiofrequency | Best results around 6 months |
| Laser (non-invasive) | 2 to 6 months after the last of several sessions |
| Laser resurfacing | About 2 weeks after healing; more downtime and risk |
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, these work best for people with a small amount of sagging. For a lot of sagging, surgery gives the most dramatic results. A board-certified dermatologist can help you decide.
Habits that help skin look firmer
- Wear sunscreen every day, SPF 30 or higher, including your neck.
- Moisturize daily. Hydrated skin looks plumper and smoother.
- Don't smoke, and limit alcohol and sugar.
- Eat well and get enough protein. Some people also try supplements: here's what the research says about whether collagen supplements work.
The bottom line
Sagging skin comes from changes deeper than any cream can reach. Treatments can help when it bothers you, and massage or face yoga may add a little if you enjoy them and stay consistent. Daily sun protection and good skincare keep your skin looking its best either way. For the bigger picture, read our guide to aging skin.
Written by the CharaOmni Team
CharaOmni was founded by Dr. Joy Kong, MD, a triple board-certified, UCLA-trained physician named Stem Cell Doctor of the Decade in 2021. Our team researches every guide using peer-reviewed studies and official health sources, so you can make informed decisions about your skin.
Sources
At CharaOmni, we take what we share seriously. Every claim in our guides is backed by real, verifiable sources: peer-reviewed research, official health authorities and established scientific institutions. We link to every source so you can read it yourself and make informed decisions about your skin.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Many ways to firm sagging skin.
- American Academy of Dermatology. 11 ways to reduce premature skin aging.
- Alam M, et al. Association of Facial Exercise With the Appearance of Aging. JAMA Dermatology. 2018.
- Ahn SH, et al. Comparative effects of facial roller and gua sha massage on facial contour, muscle tone and skin elasticity. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2025;24(6):e70236.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. CharaOmni is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.