Wrinkles, fine lines, saggy skin, and dullness are all signs of aging skin and often cross our minds as we inch closer towards our 30s and 40s. These signs of aging can be seen on our face, abdomen, neck, arms, and legs, bringing us to the topic of skin firmness or skin tightening.
There are various reasons why we may experience this - including thinning of the skin or epidermis or losing collagen in our body. In this article, we take a look at how to get healthier skin. We shall look at how to firm up our skin and prevent those very visible signs of skin aging. We propagate the idea of embracing your body and skin as you grow and as it is in its natural state, but having said that, it is important to take care of yourself so as to not start looking older than what you really are.
What Causes our Skin to Sag?
As mentioned above, there are various reasons why our skin may start losing its firmness. Below we have discussed the most common reasons.
Loss of Collagen
Collagen is a protein in your body that is found in bones, joints, skin, and tendons. It is what ensures your skin remains youthful and glowing - by providing a structure to your dermis, which is the thickest layer of the skin. As you age, your body loses collagen naturally, thereby causing the loss of elastin, which is again linked with skin firmness.
Weight Loss
When you lose weight quickly, your skin may be left looking loose. This happens because our skin expands as our body gains weight. Even after pregnancies, one may notice the same around their abdominal area. Many people are also seen to undergo tummy tucks or breast lifts for the same reason.
Sun Exposure
Excessive sun exposure can lead to premature skin aging. Research suggests that UV rays exposure is responsible for 80 percent of the visible signs of aging. It can cause wrinkles and sagging skin, among other things - as it damages the skin’s outermost layer.
Ways to Improve for Skin Firmness
There are many remedies available for skin tightening such as the ones below.
Antioxidants
There are various antioxidants that are rich in vitamin C, E, and B. These can make your skin stronger and also get rid of oxidative stress - thereby reducing wrinkles and sagging skin. Antioxidants also help in reducing redness and inflammation on your skin by making it healthier.
Facial Exercises
Try facial exercises at home - neither do they cost any money nor do any harm to your skin. Facial exercises help in toning and tightening the muscles of your face, thereby helping you get a defined jawline, get rid of a double chin, and reduce signs of aging like wrinkles. You can also make use of a jade ruler to make your skin look healthier and more firm. According to ancient facial massage techniques, facial yoga or exercise is helpful as it encourages your lymphatic drainage, stimulates blood circulation, and relaxes your facial muscles.
Collagen Supplements
One of the best ways to ensure skin firmness is by adding a collagen supplement to your routine. It can replenish your skin with that much needed boost of collagen that it is missing out on. You can take it as a drink and have it consistently to see results.
Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants that helps repair skin damage and prevents it from further damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production in our body.
Cell regulators
Cell regulators refer to creams and lotions that contain various peptides and other nutrients like retinol in it. These help in promoting collagen production in your skin and slow down the signs of aging. Retinol or vitamin A helps in firming the skin around your neck and face. They improve overall skin tightening and appearance with regular usage.
Drinking Water
Drinking water keeps you hydrated and ensures that your skin looks rejuvenated and young. It also helps in promoting your mood and reduces any visible signs of aging that can be caused by dehydration.
Having discussed the many home remedies for skin firming, there are also some surgical and non-surgical methods out there, which can be done under a doctor’s supervision. The best way, however, is to go natural - improve your diet, maybe resort to some supplements that help in boosting your nutrition from inside-out, and exercise.
Additionally, you can try out Wellbeing Nutrition's Skin Fuel - India's First US Dermatologist Formulated Drinkable Skincare. Made using naturally derived, widely researched ingredients - L–glutathione, hyaluronic acid, Japanese collagen, and other essential vitamins, this delicious blueberry mint skin elixir will keep your skin youthful, supple and firm.
References:
- Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):308-319. doi:10.4161/derm.22804. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/)
- Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. Published 2019 Oct 17. doi:10.3390/nu11102494. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/)
- Boswell CB. Body contouring following massive weight loss. Mo Med. 2010;107(3):189-194. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188338/)
- Pai VV, Shukla P, Kikkeri NN. Antioxidants in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2014;5(2):210-214. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.131127. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4030358/)
- Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):308-319. doi:10.4161/derm.22804. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/)
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. Published 2017 Aug 12. doi:10.3390/nu9080866
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