With the explosion of TikTok’s viral Aged filter, many people are curious about what their future selves might look like. The filter claims to provide a glimpse into the future of your face by showing common signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin laxity. But is it really accurate? We asked board-certified dermatologists Marisa Garshick and Darren Smith for their expert opinions.
According to Dr. Garshick, the Aged filter does seem to show changes consistent with signs of aging. While each person ages differently due to factors like genetics and environmental exposures, the filter can give users a general idea of what they may look like in a few decades. Dr. Smith also agrees that the filter does a convincing job, even though the specific age it’s emulating and the actual outcome are unknown.
Factors that contribute to skin aging are both genetic and environmental. As we age, we experience a natural loss of collagen and increased collagen breakdown, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. External factors like UV exposure, pollutants, cigarette smoke, and stress can worsen these changes and cause additional damage such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Mental and emotional factors also play a role, as stress can expedite the aging process.
While the Aged filter may be more accurate than most filters on TikTok, it’s important not to take the results too seriously. Individual aging is influenced by numerous factors, and true aging will differ from the filter’s prediction. Dr. Garshick reminds us that beauty comes in all ages, and the filter should be approached with caution. However, one positive effect of the filter’s popularity is that it seems to be motivating people to take care of their skin. If it encourages more sunscreen usage, then it’s doing something good.
In conclusion, the TikTok Aged filter may provide a rough idea of how your skin could age, but it’s not an exact science. Factors like genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices all contribute to the aging process. While it can be fun to use the filter, it’s important to remember that true beauty transcends age. And if the filter inspires you to take better care of your skin, then it has served a positive purpose.
