Skin sagging as we age is something we will all experience, it is a natural process and one that reminds us we have lived a life and weathered the storm. But whilst it might be a natural process, for many of us the loss of elasticity that happens in the process of skin sagging may be occuring prematurely, so putting in place a few preventable measures can help keep the skin looking firm and taut that little bit longer. And despite what we’re lead to believe by exaggerative and false marketing, there is no magic potion that can rewind time, but there are steps we can take with carefully curated ingredients and products which can preserve and rejuvenate our skin health.
Skin Sagging: What Is It and Why Does It Happen?
Often referred to as the ‘scaffolding of the skin’, collagen and elastin are the structural fibres found in the middle layer of the skin (the dermis) which work to support the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). These two proteins are crucial in keeping our skin looking plump and healthy, and the rates at which they decline in the body varies from person to person based on our own set of DNA – meaning each of our skin ages differently, and each crease and line is unique. But there are some common reasons behind the decline of collagen and elastin in the skin, meaning we can pinpoint where things may be occuring prematurely. Firstly, did you know once we hit our twenties the collagen in our skin naturally declines by around 1% each year? Sometimes ref\erred to as intrinsic aging, this yearly decline of collagen and also hyaluronic acid in the skin (a hydrating property that gives the skin it’s bounce) is a natural process which depends solely on our genetics. So whilst it’s not something we can prevent, it is something we can minimise, particularly by addressing the other factors which contribute to skin sagging. Beyond the intrinsic causes behind skin sagging, there are extrinsic factors that come into play too. These factors include exposure to UV rays, environmental pollutants and lifestyle factors like poor nutrition – all of which can break down the collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin. And without these acting as a support for the epidermis, we are increasingly likely to see lines and wrinkles appearing.
Measures To Put In Place
- Sunscreen
When it comes to preventing the premature aging of the skin, the use of sunscreen is first and foremost. This is because UV exposure is responsible for around 80% of the damage which causes early skin aging, causing symptoms ranging from dryness and irritation, hyperpigmentation and skin sagging. And whilst both UVA and UVB rays can cause significant damage to the skin, in the circumstance of skin sagging it is UVA rays which are most impactful. This is because whilst UVB rays can be absorbed by the outer layer of the skin and result in some pretty painful sun burns, UVA rays can penetrate deeper into the skin, breaking down the collagen and elastin structural fibres. So including a sunscreen (preferably SPF30 and above for the best results) acts as a wonderful armour to protect the elasticity and overall health of the skin.
- All the Antioxidants!
External factors like UV rays, air pollutants and smoke, as well as day to day essential metabolic processes like eating and breathing and exercise can cause the production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable atoms with an uneven number of electrons, making them very reactive, causing damage to cells which ultimately results in the degradation of collagen and elastin in the body, and thus skin aging. This process is reffered to as ‘oxidation’. The good news lies in antioxidants and what they can do for our body and skin. You see, antioxidants work to neutralise free radicals by giving them a spare electron – therefore preventing cellular damage. Which is why opting for antioxidant rich skincare can work wonders to preserve and restore youthfulness back into the skin. More often than not, the serum stage is where you can find a burst of antioxidants in your skincare routine. Take the Vemel Active Radiance Serum for instance, bursting with antioxidants derived from Grape Oil as well as Pomegranate and Raspberry Extracts, and paired with the restorative properties from Oat Active creates a seamless blend to restore and renew the skin barrier, all the while neutralising and therefore eliminating the impact of free radicals. Follow this up with the Vemel Daily Moisturising Face Butter, bursting with the antioxidants and vitamins to boost collagen levels and create an overall healthier complexion.
- Lifestyle Changes – and A Little Bit of Yoga
An active step you can put in place with consistency and commitment is facial yoga. Like yoga for the body, facial yoga comprises exercises and stretches to stimulate the muscles, skin and lymphatic system. Danielle Collins, a facial yoga expert explains that facial yoga ‘can relax overactive muscles, while toning weaker muscles, which helps to prevent sagging and expression lines’. So it’s no surprise facial yoga has been labelled ‘natures face lift’.
Overall, whilst skin sagging is a very natural process, there are actionable steps that can be taken to preserve our youth that little while longer. But one thing each step has in common? They require consistency.