However, you can keep your skin tight, healthy, soft, and firm as you age. We show you how to reverse the signs of aging and keep your skin radiant through the years in this article. Scroll down for more information. Typically, areas such as your face, neck, abdomen, and arms are the first to lose skin elasticity and firmness as you age. We cover the tell-tale signs of aging skin below.
How Do You Know If Your Skin Lacks Firmness?
If you are wondering what old, saggy skin looks like, here are some pointers for you:
Fine lines and wrinkles start appearing around your eyes. There is sagging around the eyes, jawline, and neck. Your skin looks stretched and does not immediately spring back into place when you pinch the sides of your cheeks.
If you have noticed all these signs, your skin is beginning to lose firmness. Now, let us look at what causes your skin to sag as you age.
What Causes The Skin To Sag As You Age?
Sagging, dull, and wrinkled skin, as well as changes in your face shape and contour, are caused by factors, such as:
Internal Factors
Some internal factors can wreak havoc on your skin’s structure and accelerate the aging process. These include genetics, metabolism, and hormonal changes (2).
External Factors
These include excessive exposure to sunlight, pollution, chemicals, and toxins that expose our bodies to free radicals and eventually lead to collagen loss and premature sagging (2). Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found in the body and is vital for ensuring skin health. As you age, the body loses collagen naturally.
Reduced Skin Elasticity
Research claims that sagging may occur due to reduced skin elasticity and muscle function associated with aging and redistribution of superficial and deep fat compartments (2), (3).
Rapid Weight Loss
According to a study, a significant amount of weight loss can lead to hanging, saggy skin (4). As you gain weight, your skin tends to stretch, damaging the collagen and elastin fibers in the process (5). However, if you end up losing weight too quickly, your skin, after years of being stretched, loses elasticity and may not be able to fit onto the smaller body frame. Thus, it starts hanging loose (4).
Consuming Too Much Sugar
Consuming too much sugar leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This can lower the production of new collagen and elastin, leading to skin sagging (6).
Dehydration
As per research, healthy hydration is key to maintain your overall skin health (7). Dehydration can lead to dry, wrinkled, and lifeless skin (8). So, now that you have a basic understanding of what causes premature sagging, here’s how you can reverse skin aging with the various treatment options available at your disposal.
How To Reverse Skin Aging
For many people, reversing skin aging involves going through aggressive surgical procedures. However, that is not always required. There are various at-home remedies and cosmetic treatments you can try to preserve your skin’s firmness. These include:
I. Non-Surgical Methods
1. Anti-Aging Firming Creams
Anti-aging firming creams that contain vitamins A, B3, C, and E are rich in antioxidants and boost collagen production. Also, look for ingredients like retinoids, collagen, and elastin, which have potent anti-aging benefits (2). Make sure to use the cream every day and follow a dedicated skin care routine that includes wearing sunscreen without fail.
2. Facial Exercises
Maintaining an at-home facial exercise regimen for about 30 minutes for at least 20 weeks can improve mid-face and lower face fullness and make the skin firmer and tighter (9). You can complement your facial exercise regimen with a jade roller or a gua sha stone to tone and relax your facial muscles and boost blood circulation. However, note that the efficacy of using such tools has not been scientifically proven yet.
3. Oral Supplements
There is some scientific evidence that claims that oral supplements can offer anti-aging benefits (10). Also termed as functional foods, they contain carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamins C and E, red ginseng, omega-3 fatty acids, collagen peptides, etc. These ingredients can be effective in providing hydration, reducing dullness, and enhancing the overall appearance of your skin. Some supplements that you can take include:
Collagen Peptides
Consuming collagen dipeptides may significantly improve skin moisture, elasticity, wrinkles, and roughness (11).
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supplements offer a variety of skin benefits, such as repairing damaged skin cells, boosting collagen production, delaying skin aging, and assisting in wound healing (12).
II. Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic surgeries for getting rid of excess skin include liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and mastopexy (breast lift). These treatments can potentially reverse skin damage and regenerate the elastic fiber system and collagen (12). However, please consult your dermatologist before undergoing any cosmetic procedure to understand the side effects. Some common and effective cosmetic procedures include:
1. Chemical Peels
This non-invasive procedure is great for improving your skin texture and elasticity, as it can assist in repairing and regenerating your skin cells (2). It also increases collagen production and water content in your skin. Note that chemical peels can be performed on your face, neck, and hands and ideally should be done every 4-6 weeks.
2. Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing can be effective in counteracting photoaging. Common types of laser surfacing treatments include fractionated CO2 laser and erbium glass or erbium-YAG lasers. These devices emit pixelated light onto the skin, which works towards wound healing and skin tightening (2). Remember that these types of treatments require multiple sessions to be effective. Plus, the results will not be permanent, and the normal aging process can relapse.
3. Injectable Dermal Fillers
Fillers are products injected into the skin. They are made up naturally occurring substances like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, and synthetic fillers like PMMA etc. These injectables can reduce wrinkles and boost the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and HA (hyaluronic acid) (2).
4. Botulinum Toxin (BTX)
Regular BTX injections can reduce certain dynamic facial lines and wrinkles, thereby slowing down the visible aging process (2).
5. Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is derived from fresh whole blood, which contains a high concentration of platelets. This treatment is widely used for skin rejuvenation by boosting collagen production (2). These are some of the natural and cosmetic treatment options that can help make your skin firm and give it a tight lift. Now, let us see whether certain skin firming techniques are better for specific areas of the body.
Do Some Skin Tightening Techniques Work Better On Different Areas?
Yes, different firming techniques work better on different parts of the body. For instance, ultrasound skin tightening and over-the-counter lotions and creams work better for tightening the skin on your face and neck. Weight training exercises that help build mass work better for tightening areas around the arms and legs. In contrast, laser resurfacing treatment is preferred for tightening the skin around the abdomen. Always consult a dermatologist before proceeding with these treatments, whether natural or cosmetic. Next, let us check out some tips to follow to maintain a firmer body and face.
Expert Tips To Keep Your Skin Tight And Firm
If you wish to know how to keep your skin tight and firm, here are some expert-approved tips that work as long as you follow them diligently:
Use A Moisturizer Every Day
Moisturizers contain substances, such as dimethicone, petrolatum, mineral oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, etc., that can reduce water loss and, in turn, boost skin firmness. Opt for a serum or a moisturizer that contains peptides or antioxidant-rich vitamins B3, C, and E. These can boost collagen and elastin production while keeping your skin firm and hydrated (2).
Sun Protection
An important tip for ensuring firm skin is to keep it protected from the sun at all times. Use a lightweight sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to avoid UV damage.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
As mentioned earlier, hydration is key for your skin’s natural functioning. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
Do Not Compromise On Your Sleep
Lack of sleep can cause skin dehydration, decrease skin elasticity, and accelerate the onset of wrinkles (13). Getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night allows your skin to repair itself from the wear-and-tear of everyday activities.
Limit Exposure To Environmental Risk Factors
Research claims that by reducing smoking, focusing on good nutrition, and limiting exposure to sunlight, you can prevent premature skin aging (12).
Is Aloe Vera good for tightening skin? Yes, aloe vera stimulates fibroblasts to boost elastin and collagen production. This may result in firmer skin (14). Should I take collagen every day? Yes, you can take collagen supplements or foods rich in collagen peptides every day. Consult your doctor for further information. What foods have collagen? You can eat foods such as fish, citrus fruits, bell peppers, and tomatoes that are rich in collagen (12), (15). Does coconut oil tighten skin? Coconut oil may increase collagen, which may keep your skin firm (16). At what age does your face change most? You can start seeing early signs of aging from 30 onwards. Does coffee reduce collagen? Yes, coffee may reduce collagen synthesis (17).
