The laws of gravity tell us that what comes up must also come down. Sadly, the same can be said of your skin. As you get older, skin may begin to sag as a result of a natural loss and deterioration of collagen and elastin — two proteins found in the lower layers of skin that provide the foundation of skin’s tautness and elasticity.
As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin weakens, causing a decrease in skin’s density and resilience. Skin becomes less firm and less able to retain its shape as effectively as when you were young. And thanks to gravity, that looser skin starts to sag. Although deterioration of collagen and elastin is a natural part of the aging process, it will happen earlier and faster if your skin is sun-damaged.
How to Prevent and Tighten Sagging Skin
- Be Smart with SPF. Because UV damage speeds ups the loss of firmness, wearing a moisturizer with a broad spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis is the easiest way to help prevent sagging.
- Moisturize Smartly. Applying a moisturizer with vitamins C and E both morning and night will also help. These antioxidants can help absorb surface free radicals that can also lead to the loss of collagen and elastin.
- Extra Help. Improving the appearance of skin that is already slightly saggy requires a moisturizer with the right, powerful ingredients. A moisturizer that contains peptides and Niacinimide (or vitamin B3) can help strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Amp Up Effectiveness. Hydrated skin is naturally fuller and massaging the moisturizer into skin in a circular motion will improve circulation to give a temporary plumping effect to your skin.
Sagging skin is one of the signs of aging whose effects that can be counteracted with a regular skincare routine. Using a moisturizer with SPF and keeping skin hydrated are two of the most important things you can do to keep you skin taut and wrinkle-free.