What to Do About Lack of Elasticity
Ageing is a natural part of life, and while it’s a privilege, it often brings changes to our skin, such as loss of elasticity and sagging. At Touch Body & Soul in Hampton, we understand that these changes can impact your confidence. While there’s no magic potion to drastically improve skin laxity, many pro-ageing skincare ingredients and in-salon treatments can make a difference and help prevent further sagging.
Understanding Skin Sagging
Skin sagging varies from person to person due to our unique DNA and life experiences. Common areas affected by sagging include the chin, throat, cheeks, underarms, and stomach. This can be a normal byproduct of ageing, weight loss, or pregnancy, as elastin fibers stretch and lose their ability to snap back.
The primary culprits behind sagging skin are collagen and elastin, the structural fibers found in the dermis that support the epidermis. These fibers keep our skin firm, plump, and youthful.
Why Does Our Skin Sag?
From our early twenties, our skin’s natural stores of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid (a hydrating molecule) begin to deplete. Collagen, for instance, declines at a rate of 1% every year, a process known as intrinsic aging. Additionally, external factors like UV exposure, pollution, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or poor diet can accelerate skin sagging, a phenomenon referred to as extrinsic ageing.
When collagen and elastin diminish and break down, the epidermis loses its support, leading to skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles. Another factor is the loss of adipose fat, which shifts downward as we age, causing sunken cheeks.
Skincare for Sagging Skin
SPF: Always wear SPF, even on days indoors. UV damage accounts for 80% of skin ageing, including sagging and wrinkles. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, degrading collagen and elastin fibers. A broad-spectrum SPF like Lira Clinical's Solar Shield 30 protects against UVB, UVA, and HEV light with zinc oxide and powerful botanicals for skin nourishment and antioxidant protection.
Antioxidants: Free radicals can degrade collagen and elastin through oxidation. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, preventing cellular damage. The Lira Clinical BIO Hydra C Serum is a top choice, containing plant stem cells, multiple botanical brighteners, and four forms of Vitamin C to boost collagen production and protect the skin.
Vitamin A: Essential for skin health, Vitamin A renews and replenishes the skin, improving collagen synthesis and stimulating collagen and elastin production. The Lira Clinical PRO Retinol Creme, with retinol, Vitamin C, mulberry extract, and argireline, is excellent for achieving smoother, younger-looking skin. Incorporate Vitamin A into your diet with sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, butternut squash, and kale.
Treatments for Sagging Skin
For more significant results, professional treatments can complement your skincare routine:
LED Therapy: This non-invasive treatment stimulates collagen production, improves skin texture, and helps reduce sagging.
Lira Clinical Green Power: Similar to microneedling, this treatment promotes collagen production and skin rejuvenation, helping to firm and tighten the skin.
At Touch Body & Soul in Hampton, we offer personalised consultations to help you find the best solutions for your skin concerns. Visit us to explore our range of treatments and products designed to keep your skin looking firm, youthful, and radiant. Ageing gracefully is possible with the right care and attention to your skin!