As we age, our skin naturally becomes less obvious. This loss in definition is due to depletion of the skin’s collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels. Stopping the signs of aging can be a hassle for more than one person, but the good thing is, if you want to, they can be slowed down by adopting some lifestyle changes alongside a balanced skincare routine.
Dermatologist Carlos Charles says, “Hard skin is linked to healthy-looking skin. “Many people associate maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance with firm skin,” she says.
As we age and the texture and overall appearance of our skin begins to change, embracing the transition can be difficult for some. It can have a negative impact on one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. What people don’t know is that skin doesn’t just lose its firmness on the face. Other areas of the body where sagging (or loss of firmness) can occur include the neck, abdomen, upper arms, and even the inner thighs. The effects of skin sagging can be easily irreversible, but there are things that can be done to prevent it.
Dermatologist Anthony Rossi and Chemist Shuting Hu talked about what can be done to increase skin firmness.
Never forget your SPF
Fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation are just a few of the skin issues caused by exposure to sunlight and UV light. Hu says the key to keeping your skin healthy is sun protection. “Even if you’re indoors, you’re still exposed to the sun. UV rays are incredibly powerful and can speed up the aging process tremendously, so finding a sunscreen that you enjoy using as a part of your daily routine is valuable.” As the skin begins to lose firmness due to exposure to UV light, collagen production begins to decline, so it’s a rule of thumb to use sunscreen daily to keep skin firm and taut.
Add antioxidants to your routine
Antioxidants are powerful ingredients that work to protect your skin from free radicals. Free radicals are a huge burden for skin cells and although they are produced naturally by the body, our skin can be exposed to external sources such as UV light and pollution. The biggest benefit of antioxidants is that they tighten the skin thanks to their anti-aging properties. Hu explains that antioxidants “promote moisture retention, which can promote a youthful glow in addition to firmer skin.” Hu adds that the antioxidants most adequate to keep skin firm are “vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol.”
Sleep well
It’s no secret that lack of sleep can have a direct impact on skin health. We’ve all had moments where we’ve tried to hide a bad night’s sleep with eye gels, face masks, or pretty high doses of caffeine. If you’ve ever wondered if the term “beauty sleep” is real, we’re here to tell you it really is. “Sleep is always valuable because this is when cell repair happens,” Rossi says. He adds that a good night’s sleep gives our cells time into the evening to repair themselves; it is not just something that our skin, that is, our brain, needs.
If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, why not try to incorporate meditation into your nighttime routine? Mindfulness meditation is said to improve the quality of sleep, so if you’re having trouble shutting down at the end of the day, taking a few minutes to relax your mind and body may be just what you need.
use vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most recognized antioxidants in skin care. It accelerates the production of collagen and elastin, which keeps the skin tight. Although the demand for vitamin C-based products continues to increase, we still need to consume vitamin C as a module of our diet. Rossi explains that a lack of vitamin C in our diets can cause scurvy, which “presents dull and fragile, bruised skin.” Topical vitamin C can help increase skin firmness, but Rossi adds that the product is absorbed into our skin. It depends on its concentration and our own blood concentration.
Manage your tension
Although tension is a reaction to the inevitable pressures of daily life, it can directly affect skin firmness. Stress causes inflammation and stops the body’s ability to repair itself. The hormone cortisol is primarily responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. According to Rossi, tension may not be the main cause of loose skin, but it can exacerbate skin problems. “I recommend finding healthy coping mechanisms to limit stress, as this is important not just for your skin but for your overall well-being,” she says.
Consider skin treatments
Skin treatments can also increase skin firmness, so if you’re looking for a permanent fix, there are a few options you can consider. Hu says, “Injectable dermal fillers are one of the most recognizable options. Fillers restore fullness in your face and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she says.
Laser treatments are another option. Hu explains that laser treatments are a non-invasive way to tighten your skin while removing old skin cells to reveal newer, younger cells. If you want to opt for a skin treatment, it is valuable to work with a dermatologist or a skilled skin care professional who can determine the right treatment and laser for your skin.
Get a drinker
Never underestimate the value of drinking water properly. Water can have a positive effect not only on your skin, but also on your overall well-being. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and water helps maintain your skin’s elasticity. Hu adds that while water will keep your body hydrated and won’t significantly reverse the loss of skin firmness, it’s key to healthy skin as a long-term goal.
