From hormone changes to pollution damage, ageing skin has it tough.
Face looking less than firm? Arms a little droopy? Understand why skin hangs looser later in life, and explore simple steps you can take to help slow the sagging process.
Skin elasticity and collagen
Found throughout the body, elastin is sometimes compared to a lackey band, helping skin retract when stretched. Elastin, known as a fibrous protein, is an integral part of the elastic fibres that support firm skin.
Over time, ageing and other factors impact the performance of these fibres. Your body’s natural processes aren’t as fast acting and effective as they used to be – ageing slows the body in more ways than one.
Collagen is another key protein in the body for fabulous skin elasticity. Along with elastin, collagen is essential in keeping skin firm. You’ve likely seen collagen in supplement form, or listed in skincare products.
When collagen levels drop, skin begins to sag. Like elastin, the body’s collagen levels reduce as years go by; more so during menopause and andropause when women and men’s hormones are likely to fall fast.
The role of hormones
As we age, our body tells us in no uncertain terms the complex ways hormones affect system functions. A drop in hormone levels can turn life into a rollercoaster ride, especially as we undergo midlife changes.
Aside from shifts in mood and sleep patterns, your skin also bears the brunt of reduced hormone production. Skin sags noticeably when the body has less access to hormones, losing fullness and structure.
Men and women’s collagen and elastin levels alter significantly as hormones plunge. Hormones impact the fat on your face too. Your facial fat – both superficial and deeper compartments – lose plumpness.
Over the years, we all see our skin slacken in the mirror. Often, fat clumps around the jawline. When skin is losing elasticity and the fat beneath it is losing volume, sagging skin becomes increasingly obvious.
Leading lifestyle contributors
An important caveat when dealing with sagging skin: genes play a part in how skin ages. Your best efforts have to balance against genetic inclinations. Damage from pollution levels is also hard to combat.
The good news is, lifestyle choices often make a difference. Are you giving your system – and therefore your skin – a rough time? Did you know inflammatory responses can speed up the effects of ageing on skin?
Low levels of inflammation are increasingly likely as we get older, but certain habits fuel the flames, elevating those levels. Common culprits? Smoking, overconsumption of alcohol and sugars, and poor nutrition.
From middle age onwards, less than stellar habits mean skin has a harder time maintaining elasticity. Unprotected sun exposure, high stress, poor sleep patterns, and dehydration all negatively impact skin fibres.
Easy adjustments
As we age, there’s comfort in knowing simple changes to routine are good for us in more ways than one. Sure, basic self-care helps your skin, but the benefits are widespread throughout the body.
A decent night’s sleep, reducing stress in your life, cutting back on alcohol, and ensuring balanced meals full of antioxidants – all these improve overall health and work toward helping protect skin elasticity.
Consider incorporating vitamin C, D (if levels are low) and possibly collagen into your nutrient routine. Make sure you stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking, including second-hand smoke.
Try for a healthy weight. If losing weight, know sudden extreme weight loss when older may increase skin sagging: slow and steady is best. Choose SPF50+ sunscreen, or a beauty base product with SPF50 protection.
Additional care
A simple skincare routine is worth it. For your face, cleanse and hydrate, using a moisturiser with retinol and vitamin C if possible. (Skin appreciates topical retinoid.) A serum containing peptides is an additional boost.
For the body, regularly apply moisturiser or oil. Massages assist in stress reduction, improve circulation and encourage collagen – not to mention, they feel fantastic. Sauna visits may also support your skin elasticity.
Looking to explore non-surgical treatments? Ultrasound skin tightening is a procedure that aims to stimulate collagen production. Radio frequency (RF) treatment aims to reduce effects of ageing on the skin.
What have you tried to improve your skin elasticity? Why not share your experience in the comments section below?
