Legend has it that the old saying, "What goes up must come down," is from Sir Isaac Newton and refers to his formulation of the laws of gravity. Sadly, the saying and the laws of gravity also apply to our skin.
When we're young, our skin is brimming with elasticity and collagen, making it appear firm and tight, but as we age, our skin becomes loose and less elastic. In other words, it sags.
Aging is inevitable, and so is sagging skin. But, other factors besides aging contribute to sagging skin that is within your control to modify. Additionally, you can practice different non-invasive strategies to tighten your skin and improve its appearance and overall health.
What causes saggy skin?
Several factors contribute to saggy skin, also known as skin laxity. While we can't prevent the effects of aging and genetics, we can modify some lifestyle factors to slow or reduce laxity. Some common causes of saggy skin alone include:
Loss of collagen and elastin
Collagen and elastin are two proteins that help support skin and give it elasticity and strength. Unfortunately, our production of those two proteins diminishes as we age, leaving our skin without the support it needs to stay firm and tight.
Loss of volume in your face
Another thing that diminishes as we age is the volume in our cheeks, temples and jawline. The loss of volume leads to those areas becoming hollow and saggy.
Significant weight loss
If you've lost a lot of weight, the skin that stretched to cover your larger size now has less to cover. As a result, you may experience loose, jiggly skin. Additionally, the added stretch of your skin can damage the collagen and elastin.
Smoking
Smoking decreases blood flow to the skin, reduces collagen production, and damages elastin fibers, leading to premature skin sagging. In addition to saggy skin, tobacco can yellow your teeth, dry your skin, and contribute to saggy breasts. In other words, smoking is like the opposite of a beauty elixir.
Sun exposure
Sun damage is also a beauty and youth robber, much like tobacco. Over time, sun exposure can lead to dry, leathery, wrinkled and saggy skin. While our skin can repair itself from UV damage, that ability gets more difficult as we age.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause in women, can contribute to the loss of skin elasticity and the development of saggy skin. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology says that
women's skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause.
Tips to prevent sagging - and how to tighten skin
You can't freeze time but you can minimize its effects on your appearance. Fortunately, many of these recommended methods to fight sagging skin can also improve your overall health. Some effective methods for tightening saggy skin include:
Exercise and strength training
Regular
exercise, including strength training, can help improve muscle tone and enhance the skin's underlying support structure, especially in your arms and legs. Exercise and strength training is most effective for those with loose skin due to weight loss.
Eat well
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats can provide the necessary nutrients for maintaining skin health and elasticity. Foods rich in high
antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin A are especially beneficial to your skin.
Hydrate
Staying well-hydrated can help improve blood flow in the skin and body and maintain skin elasticity. The reverse is also true. If you're dehydrated, it can deplete your skin of moisture, making it look wrinkled and dry.
Apply topical treatments
Including products that contain
retinol and other collagen-stimulating ingredients can help minimize sagging skin and age-related skin changes. In addition, topical products containing ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and
hyaluronic acid may also help improve skin elasticity and firmness.
Non-surgical procedures
Various non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures, such as radiofrequency therapy, ultrasound and laser treatments, can help stimulate collagen production and tighten saggy skin.
It's important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist who can assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for you.
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