Our skin is as individual as we are, and skin ages differently depending on our genetics and lifestyle, but for most of us general skin ageing starts to affect the way our skin looks and feels from around the age of 30. Fine lines usually appear first, followed by wrinkles. Over time we experience a loss of volume and a loss of elasticity. Skin’s firmness and radiance reduces, and wrinkles deepen.
What causes loss of elasticity and radiance?
Loss of firmness, and deep wrinkles
Dermal tissue is strong in young skin and has a plentiful supply of collagen and elastin – together they help to keep skin firm and smooth. As we age, collagen and elastin levels decline (collagen by 1% annually). This disrupts the dermal tissue arrangement, causing skin to lose strength. It feels less firm and wrinkles deepen.
Another key factor behind a loss of firmness and deepening wrinkles is the declining production of Hyaluronic Acid. Produced naturally by young skin, it surrounds cells helping them to bind in water. As we age, production of Hyaluronic Acid slows down, skin becomes drier and loses its full and firm feel.
Loss of radiance
Micro-circulation in the dermal layers reduces with age and the delivery of nutrition and oxygen to the skin’s surface becomes less efficient.
External causes
Oxidative stress which is accelerated and triggered by a variety of lifestyle factors:
- sun- UVA rays are most commonly associated with photoaging, UVB rays can cause immediate damage such as sunburn and long-term damage such as skin cancer,
- pollution- Pollution triggers the release of free radicals and accelerates oxidative stress in the skin.
- Smoking– Tobacco smoke is a major source of skin damaging free radicals. Smoking weakens skin and contributes to wrinkles by: Impairing skin’s micro-circulation system, causing oxygen supplies and nourishment to decrease. Damaging collagen and elastin: the fibers that give skin its strength and elasticity.
- Diet– The food you eat plays an important role in the overall health of your skin.
- Lack of sleep– Skin needs sleep to repair and regenerate.
Internal causes
- Hormonal changes- Hormones act as messengers in the skin, stimulating the production of substances such as collagen that give young skin its firm structure and smooth texture. During the menopause, hormonal activity slows down and collagen levels decrease.
What helps sagging skin?
If you don’t want to invest in surgery, you can try these less invasive treatment options that don’t puncture or break the skin, which means little to no recovery time. Many of these treatments can be completed in an hour or less, and you may need just one or two treatments to see satisfactory results:
- Radio Frequency (RF)- A wand delivers heat deep into the skin to promote collagen growth.
- Ultrasound- Similar to RF, this procedure also delivers heat deep into the skin to promote collagen production.
How to prevent skin from sagging?
You can take a number of proactive steps to help reduce the appearance of a saggy chin and neck. Try the following steps:
- Eat a healthful diet full of antioxidants and healthy fats
- Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin and flush out toxins
- Apply a quality firming cream that contains retinoids, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C
- Exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Reduce stress
- Stop smoking
- Reduce alcohol intake
- Use sunscreen daily
- Avoid expressions that lead to saggy skin like frowning and chewing gum
- Sleep on your back rather than your stomach
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