Recent photos of Brad Pitt and Jim Carrey—both in their early 60s—have been circulating online, sparking conversation about how differently the two actors seem to be ageing.
Pitt continues to be praised for his smooth skin and defined features. Meanwhile, Carrey's latest public appearance, including at the César Awards, prompted discussion about how his face has naturally changed over the years.
It's a familiar kind of viral moment: side-by-side photos, then-and-now comparisons, and lots of opinions. Yet beyond the headlines, skin experts say these comparisons actually highlight something more important. Ageing isn't a uniform process. Two people can be the same age and still look completely different, and there are real scientific reasons behind that.
EXCLUSIVE: It really was Jim Carrey at the award show in Paris, his publicist says.
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How Ageing Differs Between People
According to Dr Nicole Hayre, founder and CEO of skincare line Cutocin, ageing happens through two key processes — intrinsic and extrinsic.
'Intrinsic ageing is the natural slowing of collagen and elastin renewal along with slower cell turnover,' she explains. 'Extrinsic ageing occurs from lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, stress, diet, pollution, sleep quality and smoking.'
In simple terms, intrinsic ageing is what your genes dictate, or the natural biological clock ticking over time. Extrinsic ageing, on the other hand, is shaped by how you live. That includes everything from how often you wear sunscreen to how well you sleep.
Similarly, Dr Geeta Yadav, founder of FACET Dermatology, highlights the balance between biology and environment. 'On the biology side, you have your genetics, hormones, and how well your cells repair and regenerate. On the environment side, it is everything your skin has been exposed to over your lifetime,' she states.
This helps explain why two people, even high-profile celebrities, can age so differently. While genetics set the baseline, daily habits often determine how those changes show up.
While it's easy to assume that good genes are the main reason someone appears youthful, experts suggest lifestyle may play a bigger role than many think.
'There have been several twin studies comparing the skin quality of each twin and analysing their habits/lifestyles. It appears that most of the changes we see over time are due to people's lifestyles and the environment... probably about 80-90%!' says Dr Hayre.
In everyday terms, someone who consistently protects their skin, manages stress, and maintains a balanced lifestyle may show fewer visible signs of ageing compared to someone who doesn't — regardless of genetic advantage.
The Hidden Impact of Sun Exposure
One of the biggest factors in visible ageing is something most people encounter daily. It's the sunlight.
'Sun exposure triggers inflammation, degrades collagen and elastin, and causes free radicals to develop in the skin which can cause DNA damage,' Dr Hayre explains. Later on, this damage accumulates that leads to wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of firmness. Even without visible sunburn, repeated exposure can accelerate ageing — a process known as photoageing.
Dermatologists recommend a layered approach to protection, including daily sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats. It's not just about beach days. Even routine exposure, like walking outside or sitting near windows, contributes to ageing.
Skipping sunscreen on a cloudy day or during a quick errand might seem harmless, but those small moments add up over decades.
Lifestyle Habits That Affect Ageing
While genetics and sun exposure play major roles, daily habits are equally influential. Poor cell repair is caused by a poor diet, insufficient sleep, and excessive levels of stress. And all of these have an impact on the general health of our skin.
Dr Yadav also emphasises: 'Diets high in refined sugar and saturated fat accelerate oxidation, inflammation, and glycation in the skin, while antioxidant rich fruits, vegetables,
and low glycemic index foods are protective.'
On the other hand, consistent skincare can make a noticeable difference. A lot of extrinsic ageing may be prevented with regular, long-term, high-quality, well-rounded skincare.
This doesn't necessarily mean complicated routines. Experts often stress that simple, consistent habits are more effective than constantly switching products.
The Influence of Facial Structure
One often overlooked factor in ageing is facial anatomy. 'Even with phenomenal skincare and lifestyle habits, the face will undergo some changes. The bones continue to shift a bit and fat distribution also changes,' Dr Hayre notes.
In fact, these changes happen in very specific areas. Dr Yadav says that as we age, bone loss tends to occur around the midface—particularly the cheekbones and nose—as well as the eye sockets and jawline. This gradual loss of structural support is what creates the impression that the face is 'falling' or becoming less defined.
At the same time, fat pads in the face can move downward or shrink, leading to sagging, deeper lines, and changes in contour. Together, these shifts beneath the skin subtly alter the overall facial structure.
This helps explain why some people may appear to age more quickly in certain areas. It's not necessarily because of their skincare routine, but due to changes happening deeper within the face. It also shows why two people with similar habits can still look different as time goes by. The underlying framework plays a much bigger role than most people realise.
Understanding Ageing Beyond Wrinkles
While viral comparisons between celebrities can be intriguing, experts stress that they should be viewed as an opportunity for education and not judgement.
Ageing is influenced by a complex mix of factors—many of which are within our control, and many that are not. From genetics and bone structure to sun exposure and lifestyle habits, each person's ageing journey is entirely unique.
What the discussion around Brad Pitt and Jim Carrey ultimately highlights is not a competition. It's a reminder that small, everyday choices can have a lasting impact to our appearances. And perhaps more importantly, ageing itself isn't something to fix, but something to understand.
