I've been hesitant to post, bc I don't think the pictures are very flattering, either. However, I know we are welcome to respectfully comment. God knows there are some of us who love certain photos of him that others don't. (MLC is nodding her head about the goatee pix!). I tend to like a bit scruffier, longer haired Alex, others prefer the clean shaven look. We all have our favorites. And even on his worst day, he is still a stunning man. 
I think this is a combo of short hair, unflattering beard making his face look thinner, poor lighting and lack of sleep.
Alex has a tendency of showing his fatigue easily---I remember photos from the ML days where you could easily see the dark circles under his eyes. Add in the sun exposure, time zone differences and rough year, and you've got a guy showing his age. I'm taking heart in the fact that he looked so well rested shortly after his break, that this is a temporary thing.
Also, and forgive me if this sounds twisted, but to know that he is in fact a real man, human, who gets tired and has a few wrinkles and gray hair? Well, that kinda does a little somethin' somethin' for me!
