Loose, saggy skin and wrinkles are symptoms of aging and skin damage. There are two sources of this damage. Intrinsic or chronologic aging results from natural changes that occur over time. There’s not a lot you can do about this. Really the only thing you can do to somewhat slow down the process is to counteract them using different treatment options. Extrinsic aging — also called photogenic aging — is caused by exposure to UVA and UVB rays, usually from sunlight or tanning beds. The damage can be lessened but cannot be avoided entirely.
Two proteins — elastin and collagen — are essential for keeping your skin tight and healthy. Elastin is responsible for the “snapping back” quality of your skin. This protein can stretch and return to its original shape. Collagen is a group of proteins that give your skin strength and structure. Though collagen is produced during your lifetime, it diminishes as your skin is exposed to environmental and lifestyle factors.
It’s natural for skin to lose its elasticity over time. Things such as rapid weight loss and pregnancy can lead to sagging skin. Other factors such as menopause, certain medications (steroids, corticosteroids, skin products, and detergents), smoking, and alcohol play a role. Since collagen production also slows down as you age, your skin won’t heal as quickly and won’t look as youthful.
There are ways you can fight saggy skin. For example, stop detrimental activities if your lifestyle damages your skin’s health. If you’re smoking, for example, try to quit. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but looking at it as a vehicle for better health may serve as an incentive. Cover your body better if you’re exposing yourself to too much sunlight. Wear long sleeves; wear a hat; work in the shade. Other remedies are:
Exercise: Working out regularly is an important way to stay healthy. Endurance exercises such as brisk walking and planking may lessen the effect of age-related skin changes by improving tissue metabolism.
Diet: Diet plays a significant role in skin health. Foods that help brighten and tighten your skin are green tea, turmeric, avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, fatty fish, berries, cucumber, tomatoes, beets, citrus, oysters, and hot peppers.
Firming Products: Firming gels, creams, patches, and other products are available to treat minor cases of loose skin. Look for products containing retinoid compounds — antioxidants that may boost collagen production. Read the labels to find oil-based serums and firming creams containing vitamin C and E. When you rub the serum and creams into your skin, the vitamins work deep to stimulate collagen. One hundred percent medical-grade silicone creams are also beneficial. The silicone works to hydrate the skin and improve the collagen structure, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
