If your perky breasts are your sexy AF physical feature, you’re not going to be happy to hear that they will change with age — but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be gorgeous. Here’s what to expect from your boobs and how to make them look their best.
- Does your cup runneth over? Fact: Your breast size will change when your weight fluctuates because breasts are largely made of fat – definitely the kind of fat we like! In your 20s, changes in breast size are common because your body is trying to find its weight groove. Reasons include weight gain in college (pizza leftovers for breakfast, anyone?) and metabolism that starts to slow down. Don’t worry — it’s normal.
- Pregnancy: nature’s breast implants. Pregnancy can also make your boobs increase in size (bonus!) due to your body preparing to produce milk and extra weight you gain to support a growing baby. This change in breast size happens around six to eight weeks of your pregnancy, and you might go up one or even two cup sizes. Sadly, the extra volume doesn’t usually stick around when your pregnancy is over.
- Out, damn stretch marks! After pregnancy or weight fluctuations through the years, the skin on your breasts could fall prey to stretch marks. Reduce these tiger stripes by exfoliating your breasts regularly to remove surface discoloration. A stretch mark cream contain vitamins A and C will boost skin cell turnover and keep your skin healthy. But remember: some guys think stretch marks are sexy, so don’t sweat them too much!
- Give your hormones a beer. Let’s celebrate hormones: in your 30s, hormones such as estrogen keep your breasts firm and looking gorgeous in those balconette bras. The bad news? Hormone quantities lessen with age, causing your boobs to lose their elasticity. When this happens (it usually strikes in your 40s), you should invest in a good push-up bra. In your 30s and 40s, changes in hormones can also cause breast soreness and tenderness, but this is totes normal.
- Your boobs want more TLC as you age. Healthy boobs are the most attractive ones, so you should be checking for lumps and bumps regularly, especially as you age. It’s good to know that most breast bumps that crop up in your 30s are benign, but keep on feeling for them. Or, better yet, let your boyfriend do it. Schedule mammograms annually when you’re in your 40s, unless you have risk factors which will demand earlier screening.
- Your breasts will eventually retire. WTF? After your 40s, you can expect to start seeing sagging breasts. The culprit? Menopause. It makes your ovaries pull the plug on estrogen production, which causes breast glands and lobes responsible for your perky boobs to go on permanent strike. Ugh. Maintain a healthy weight and quit smoking to limit sagging — research shows smoking increases your risk of droopy breasts.
- What about implants? They might not be your biological breasts, but they’re still your best friends and need love. As you age, your implants weaken, whether they’re made of saline or silicone. Implants tend to have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years before they need to be replaced. Make sure you care for them and get them replaced within that time so that you prevent nasty ruptures from striking. This also enables you to bring sexy back to your rack.
