Sagging Skin: Causes, Treatment Options, and How to Keep Your Skin Firm

What causes sagging skin? Can it be prevented?

Sagging skin is delicate, thin, and has a papery texture. It often occurs on the face, neck, lower eyelids, legs, and arms.

Common causes include sun damage, aging, and certain medications.

You can prevent sagging skin and keep your skin healthy by eating nutrient-dense foods, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a regular skin care routine to keep your skin moisturized and soft.

What does sagging skin look like?

Sagging skin is thin and feels like paper. The name comes from its resemblance to crepe paper—a thin, crumpled paper used for decorations (such as party streamers) and crafts (such as paper mache).

Another sign of sagging skin is loose, sagging skin. Over time, skin loses firmness, becomes less elastic, and has a poorer ability to recover.

What causes sagging skin?

There are many reasons for sagging skin, including aging, loss of collagen (the main structural protein in skin and connective tissue), sun damage, weight fluctuations, and certain medications.

Aging: As you age, the epidermis (outer layer of skin) thins because the body produces less elastin. Elastin gives the skin its elasticity, allowing it to return to its shape after being stretched.

Sun damage: Excessive exposure to the sun or lack of protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause your skin to gradually lose elasticity, which can accelerate skin aging.

Weight changes: Frequent weight fluctuations or significant weight loss can also cause excess, less elastic skin, which can lead to sagging skin.

Medications: Frequent use of certain medications, such as B. corticosteroids, can cause skin atrophy (thinning) as a side effect. This loss in skin thickness can lead to sagging skin.

Risk factors

Many risk factors are associated with the development of sagging skin. Older people and those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are more likely to develop sagging skin.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects collagen formation and function. 13514

Alcohol consumption and smoking can also be risk factors.

Studies have shown that both are associated with changes in facial skin and volume, which can lead to premature skin aging and increase the risk of sagging skin. 13

Treatments for loose skin

From home remedies to in-office dermatology treatments, there are a variety of treatment options to reduce loose skin.

At-home treatments

To care for loose skin at home, use a skin-firming moisturizer and retinoids (vitamin A-based skin care products).

While firming creams can temporarily plump up the skin, the effects are limited and are not a permanent solution to loose skin. Therefore, regular use of these products is necessary.

One study showed that applying a firming body moisturizer to loose skin twice daily for 12 weeks tightened the upper arms, reduced skin wrinkles, increased skin thickness, and improved overall skin health and appearance.

The findings are promising, but since the study was funded by a skin care company, further research is needed.

Retinoids boost collagen production and speed up skin turnover, which can help reduce the appearance of minor skin sagging.

American Academy of Dermatology. Retinoids or retinol?

If your skin is more lax, you’ll need an in-office dermatology treatment for the best results.

Treatments in practice

For in-office treatments, you should see a dermatologist, who is a doctor who specializes in treating skin, hair, and nail disorders.

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing treatments use light beams to tighten loose skin. Recovery usually takes 5-7 days, and the tightening effects begin within two weeks.

Ultrasound skin tightening

Ultrasound skin tightening is a non-invasive collagen-generating treatment that uses ultrasound waves to tighten and firm the skin through heat.

One treatment can slightly tighten and firm the skin within 2-6 months. Further treatments may be required.

Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers, such as Radiesse (calcium hydroxyapatite), have a volumizing effect and can therefore reduce the formation of wrinkles around the arms.

Other fillers, such as hyaluronic acid soft tissue fillers, can help eliminate wrinkles around the eyes. Not everyone is a good candidate for fillers under the eyes.

Therefore, if you are considering this, you should consult a dermatologist. This person can assess whether filler treatment or other in-office treatments are the best treatment.

Facial Threads

During this procedure, a plastic surgeon inserts special threads under the skin to pull back excess skin.

This makes the skin appear tighter and firmer. Facial threads also stimulate collagen production, which helps tighten and add volume to wrinkled skin.

You should be aware of the different types of threads and possible complications. Therefore, it is best to discuss with your doctor whether this treatment is right for you.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that can rejuvenate the skin by boosting collagen production.

The doctor will move an instrument with tiny needles over your skin to create small punctures.

The epidermis is not damaged; these are controlled skin injuries that lead to wound healing, which rejuvenates the skin.

Prevention

There are some helpful tips and lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your daily routine to prevent sagging skin. Some scientifically proven ways to prevent sagging skin include:

Moisturizing: Use lotions, ointments, or creams to moisturize your skin every day to prevent dry skin.

A balanced and nutritious diet: Eat nutrient-rich foods to prevent nutritional deficiencies that cause skin changes, lesions, or rashes.

Sun protection: Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Avoid tanning: Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, as they can cause skin cancer and accelerate skin aging.

Avoid alcohol and smoking: Limit alcohol and smoking, as both can contribute to premature skin aging and changes in facial skin and facial volume.

Take or use collagen: Collagen supplements and skin care products containing collagen can help reduce or slow the aging of the skin and the formation of wrinkles.

Take a vitamin D3 supplement:

Taking vitamin D3 can help slow premature skin aging and prevent sun damage that can cause sagging skin, thanks to vitamin D3’s anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to inhibit DNA damage and promote DNA repair.

Both internal and external factors can contribute to sagging skin, including sun damage, aging, weight changes, collagen loss, and certain genetic conditions.

To prevent sagging skin, protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen when outdoors, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding sunbathing, and avoiding or limiting smoking and alcohol.

If you have sagging skin, we recommend adding a firming moisturizer and retinoids to your skin care routine.

Other treatments for sagging skin include laser resurfacing, ultrasound tightening, and facial thread lifting. Talk to a dermatologist or other doctor to find the best treatment for your skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected