Receding contours

I’M 40 years old. The muscles on both sides of my cheeks, next to my lips, have receded. Even when I apply make-up, they are visible. I have tried various skin-firming products and firming masks but there isn’t much improvement. I also go for regular facials which incorporate facial massages. Please advise me as this makes me look older than my age. – Worried

ACCORDING to Clarins trainer Erinn Tan, the skin around the lips is very similar to the rest of the face except that it is heavily dependent on all the underlying muscles in the area. At 40, skin starts to lose its firmness. This is part of the natural ageing process, although some might experience it earlier. It also depends on one’s lifestyle. Having a yo-yo diet only speeds up the process. As the skin suddenly shrinks, the lines become even more apparent. If you have experienced a sudden weight loss in recent months, this will also be reflected in your face.