The loss of elasticity of the skin is a common feature of aging. Skin elasticity is the tendency of the skin to stretch and return to its original form. So, what helps improve skin elasticity? Here are 12 effective ways to combat or prevent sagging or loose skin on the face or another part of the body. First, let’s start with understanding the process.
What is elastosis?
Elastosis refers to the loss of skin elasticity. The skin looks saggy, crinkled, or leathery because of skin elastosis. Sunlight can cause solar elastosis in skin areas like the face and hands that aren’t typically covered up.
Solar elastosis is known as also actinic elastosis. If you want a quick solution for your skin elasticity problems, medical treatments are one way to go. A facelift works effectively for this kind of problem. You can learn more about facelift Singapore in this informative post.
It’s important to remember, though, that facelifts do not solve deeper emotional issues. What else improves skin elasticity?
Below are other treatments to fix skin issues. Below are also prevention tips to avoid losing your skin’s elasticity over time.
In-home treatments (OTC products) for what improves skin elasticity
1. Hyaluronic acid
This content is a natural material. It is mainly found in the connective tissue of the skin.
The function of hyaluronic acid is to lubricate and moisturize the skin. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure to radiation and aging can reduce hyaluronic acid.
In this case, hyaluronic acid-fortified serums or creams may help to restore skin elasticity. The use of hyaluronic acid supplements can also help some people.
2. What helps improve skin elasticity: Collagen supplements
Collagen is a protein in the skin’s connective tissue. It shows that oral hydrolyzed collagen can be absorbed by the intestine and transferred to the skin via the bloodstream.
In a small study of 72 healthy women, ages 35 and older, females were given three months of a food supplement containing collagen peptides. There was a noticeable increase in the elasticity and firmness of the skin in participants beginning at four weeks.
However, it is important to note that other useful ingredients have also been used. More research on collagen supplements is needed to fully understand skin elasticity.
3. Retinol and retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin-A based drugs commonly in eye serums and face creams available over-the-counter (OTC). Retinoids combat wrinkles and fine lines by boosting collagen production.
They can also reduce age spots so they’re not as noticeable. Achieving these results is a slow process that realistically takes several months.
You might know the word retinol from seeing it on labels for skincare products. Retinol is a type of retinoid.
There is evidence that topical retinol in combination with vitamin C helps replenish skin elasticity. Recommended retinoids increase the production of collagen in the skin.
This research overview includes a discussion of the prescription tretinoin, which is an all-trans retinoic acid. It is one of the most potent retinoids for combating the premature aging of the skin due to UV exposure (photoaging).
4. Cocoa flavanols
What else improves skin elasticity? It could be eating dark chocolate. Researchers found that cocoa flavanols, a chocolate compound, increased skin elasticity and decreased wrinkles when eaten every day.
The dietary flavonoids present in cocoa beans are naturally occurring. Look for the amount of chocolate used in a sample that contains approximately 320 milligrams of cocoa flavanols.
5. Genistein isoflavones
Genistein is a phytoestrogen, which is a type of soybean isoflavone. Phytoestrogens are herbal compounds that function in the body the same way as estrogen.
Genistein was shown to enhance skin elasticity when taken orally in tests. When applied topically, it can also have advantages.
What helps improve skin elasticity: Medical treatments
6. Body-contouring surgery
A substantial increase in weight can lead to the loss of skin elasticity. When you gain extra weight, your skin stretches out.
And if we decide to lose some pounds immediately, sudden weight loss can lead to elastosis. This happens as the skin takes time to regenerate since it just came from overstretching.
In some cases, surgery is a way to remove excess skin. The chest, arms, and thighs are common areas of the body for this type of surgery.
You also might consider Botox injections to help with wrinkles and fine lines on the face. If you want to learn more about the risks, side effects, recovery time, and more check out this Botox FAQ session.
7. Platelet-rich plasma injection
What about treating the lower eyelid to enhance the skin’s elasticity? A study showed that actinic elastosis decreased when injecting direct platelet high plasma (PHP) into the lower eyelid.
Actinic elastosis refers to changes in the skin, such as yellowing and coarse texture, as a result of getting too much sun over the years. In this study, PHP injections were given over three times a month.
The results included high patient satisfaction levels for improvements in skin firmness. Perhaps best of all, it is a minimally-invasive treatment.
8. Chemical peels
You may have heard of a chemical peel procedure. It is a way to remove the skin’s top layers to reveal glowing, smoother skin.
At its most basic level, a dermatologist revitalizes the skin. There are light, medium, and deep peels available. Chemical peels can reduce elastosis and photographic effects, and they can increase the output of collagen.
This treatment usually works on all skin types, but it’s best to talk with your doctor first. See this professional before doing this procedure to make sure it’s right for you.
9. Laser treatments as part of what improves skin elasticity
Laser treatments for skin tightening are another option. They are minimally invasive, using an infrared light that heats collagen up beneath the skin’s top layer.
Many people like that they can see results right away. If you have loose skin on the neck or face, for example, it’s something to consider.
The type of laser therapy and whether it’s effective for you will depend on many factors, including your skin tone.
Laser therapy can be useful for treating melasma in some cases. Melasma is hyperpigmentation that affects women at higher rates than men. IPL or intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) might be helpful.
Tips for preventing loss of skin elasticity
Aging is part of growing up, and one side effect of aging is the weakening of your skin’s elasticity. In some cases, even young people experience elastosis due to certain factors. But, with the right lifestyle habits, you can help prevent that. Here are three strategies:
10. Add antioxidants to your diet
Eating foods high in antioxidants can help keep skin elastic and healthy overall. That includes vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
It’s important to remember that even the healthiest diet won’t prevent harm from sunlight, though. Adjusting what you eat is a good start, yes. But consuming foods rich in antioxidants won’t take the place of sun safety.
11. Quit or avoid cigarette smoking
Did you know that smoking reduces blood vessels? This unhealthy habit also limits the blood supply and reduces the body’s capacity to penetrate the skin through nutrients and oxygen.
Also, the toxins in cigarettes hurt elastin and collagen fibers. Not to mention inflaming the lungs and causing lung cancer. That’s even more reason to stop smoking! That is, if you want to stop continually damaging the skin and body with each puff.
12. Avoid overexposure to the sun
Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays decreases skin elasticity and causes premature skin aging. How to avoid it?
Limit the amount of time you’re outdoors, and cover-up when you’re outdoors. For example, wear a wide-brimmed hat in summer to protect your face. Use the right sunscreen products too. The use of sunscreen won’t enhance elastosis but it will prevent further skin damage, so that’s good reason to use it.
Conclusion on what helps improve skin elasticity
Now you know many ways to improve the look of the skin to help give you confidence as you age. From at-home treatments to ones done by a dermatologist, there are many options. Talk with a professional before starting something new to ensure it is right for your body.