Our skin is as unique as we are, and it eventually ages as we all do! Nevertheless, the rate at which our skin ages usually varies depending on genetic factors and lifestyle. With age, most of us will start to notice some fine lines, followed by wrinkles. By time we experience a loss of volume and a loss of skin elasticity. The firmness and radiance of our skin are all but gone, and the wrinkles, sadly, deepen.
Skin ageing is a natural process, and much of it is brought about by factors we cannot control, such as genetics. However, external factors do play a role too, and many of these can be influenced positively to our skin`s advantage. Certain lifestyle choices (such as the amount of sun exposure and diet) can speed up the ageing process of the skin.
A noticeable sign of ageing is our skin losing elasticity, resulting in the loss of firmness and definition and deepening wrinkles. There is still hope, though! Making sensible decisions, and giving the skin the protection it deserves, can help to keep the skin looking and feeling younger for quite a longer time.
Read below to learn how to rejuvenate your own skin and how to fight back against the elements which threaten it.
There are several factors that can contribute to the loss of skin elasticity. These include:
• AGEING
Young skin has an abundance of collagen and elastin, the proteins which give our skin its structure and ability to stretch. Collagen and elastin production slows down gradually with age. And, as you lose skin elasticity, you tend to develop fine lines and wrinkles and lose skin thickness. It is widely believed that collagen production begins to slow down in the late twenties and continues to decline by 1-2% every year after.
• SKINCARE ROUTINE
Your skincare routine can make or break your skin; a good skincare routine can improve skin elasticity, just as a negligent one can waste it.
The worst collagen-cutting habit? Sleeping in your makeup! Neglecting to wash your makeup off before going to bed can lead to clogged pores, excess oil and frequent breakouts. This can disrupt collagen production and compromise skin barrier control.
While washing your face too infrequent is not recommended, neither is over-washing. It is recommended that you wash your face twice a day. More than this on a regular basis may help stripping your skin of its natural oils and moisture, which can lead to dehydration and exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• ENVIRONMENT AND LIFESTYLE
Several environmental and lifestyle elements can wreak havoc on your skin. Frequent and unprotected sun exposure can break down the elastin in your skin, while smoking releases harmful free radicals in your body. Both, together with pollution, can cause premature skin ageing.
Diet rich in refined carbohydrates may trigger spikes of sugar which can interfere with the collagen’s ability to reproduce and repair itself. Dehydration can also contribute to loss of skin elasticity.
Chronic insufficient Sleep can disrupt the production of collagen and hinders the ability of the skin to repair itself, affecting its structure and elasticity. Poor sleep habits slowly break down the outer skin barrier, resulting in a skin that is pale and lackluster.
Hormonal fluctuations can also have an impact on skin quality. During menopause, estrogen levels decline, damaging elastin fibers that keep the skin firm, supple and taut. As a result, the skin loses its smoothness with an increase in fine lines and wrinkles.
You do not need an appointment with a dermatologist to figure this one out. A simple “pinch test” is all you need to determine if your skin is showing signs of premature aging. To do the test, place the palm of one of your hands on a flat surface, and pinch the skin on the back of this hand for 5 seconds. Then, let the skin go and count how long it takes this skin to return to being completely flat. Here is a guide to expected time frames:
• 29 years of age and under: 1–2 seconds
• 30–44 years of age: 3–4 seconds
• 45–59 years of age: 5–9 seconds
• 60–69 years of age: 10–15 seconds
• 70+ years of age: 35–55 seconds
Now that you have done the pinch test, how did you do? How many seconds did your skin take to return to normal?
If you have noticed your skin elasticity is not what it used to be, and this test confirmed that opinion, you can introduce some small changes to your life and you will see a significant difference.
Yes! Increasing your collagen and elastin skin reserves will help repair the loss of skin elasticity, and doing so on the long term will prevent further loss. Fortunately, there are various ways to do so and they are recommended below:
• LIMIT SUN EXPOSURE & COVER UP WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Recurrent, unprotected exposure to UV rays of the sun can decrease skin elasticity and may induce premature ageing, so cover up. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet A & ultraviolet B rays and apply frequently throughout the day; every 2-3 hours is advised.
If you are inside, it is wise to know that most ultraviolet rays can penetrate glass. So if you are working or relaxing near a window, you are still sun exposed. That said, if you are spending all day inside and you are not near a window, there is no need to reapply as frequently (every 4-6 hours would do). Just remember that sun damage is cumulative, so even if you are sun-exposed for a short time during the day only, it is important to protect your skin.
• STAY HYDRATED
Keeping yourself hydrated helps maintain skin elasticity as it stays moisturized for longer, delaying sagging and the premature appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. By time, certain areas – such as the skin under your eyes – may become darker in color if you lose skin elasticity and are not well-hydrated. Generally, adults should drink between 6-9 glasses of water every day, and even more if required.
• REDUCE YOUR SUGAR CONSUMPTION AND EAT NUTRITIONALLY-RICH FOODS
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins A, B, C and E are all beneficial for maintain skin elasticity. Fish, green leafy vegetables and nuts are good examples of such foods, as are dark chocolate and green tea.
Believe it or not, eating too much sugar may wreak havoc on your skin health, so be watchful of your sugar intake. Excessive amounts can induce premature aging of the skin age skin as sugar in the bloodstream can create a negative internal reaction by latching to the skin fibers and proteins such as collagen and elastin, breaking them down. The result is potential accelerated skin aging.
• IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP ROUTINE
Lack of proper sleep increases oxidative stress which can negatively impact collagen production and damaging skin elasticity as a result. For your skin`s sake, it is really important that you get a good night’s sleep – aim for around eight hours per night.
• USE SKINCARE PRODUCTS THAT CAN SUPPORT SKIN ELASTICITY
With the transformation of your lifestyle is on the right track, the selection of the appropriate skincare products may be your next line of defense against premature skin aging and loss of elasticity.
Titled the “fountain of youth” by many, hyaluronic acid helps to keep the skin moisturized and plump. Moreover, it can significantly decrease the depth of wrinkles and enhance skin firmness and elasticity. This is why it is hailed as one of the best hydrating and anti-ageing skincare ingredients worldwide. To help replenish the hyaluronic acid in your skin, try to incorporate a topical hyaluronic acid serum into your skincare routine.
Skincare products containing retinol and retinoids are known to promote collagen production and reverse some of the signs of aging. Retinol is a vitamin A-derived molecule that has been shown to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Consult your trusted dermatologist for an analysis of your skin and recommendations on the feasibility of adding retinol to your skincare regime.
If your at-home treatments and lifestyle modifications are not getting you the satisfactory results you want, a professional dermatological treatment is your ultimate line of defense. Your trusted dermatologist will work with you to create a treatment plan that will address your skin elasticity concerns.
No matter how well you take care of your skin, time catches up with you eventually. When it does, it is logical that you would want to roll back the clock a bit.
At WHAM Clinics, we design our facial treatment services to go beyond the typical facials you are accustomed to and into the realm of authentic, science-backed skin care.
ULTRA-Firming is a luxurious, aesthetician-performed treatment that targets the signs of aging: fines lines on face, loss of skin firmness, and lack of radiance. Experience the comforting warmth of this treatment that softens the skin and allows for easier extractions and pore-cleansing. Carefully selected skin-nourishing ingredients are massaged into the face to deeply penetrate and treat, ridding the skin of impurities.
A customized mask will help to restore the skin’s elasticity and firmness. It utilizes a potent form of Poly-L-Lactic-Acid (PLLA) that complements the skin`s natural renewal process. It effectively improves the density and elasticity of the skin, resulting in a more defined and a firmer appearance with added plumpness.
This regenerative treatment uplifts and invigorates the face, offering it a more tightened and toned appearance.
THE RESULTS
You deserve to pamper yourself and take a break from the hustle and bustle of a busy routine. Sit back, relax, and receive the gift of skin that feels tighter, refreshed and nourished.
Say “yes” to a pampering experience! Say “yes” to a firmer, more youthful skin. Say “yes” to a vibrant, more confident you.! Reach out and speak with a member of our dedicated team and take those first stirring steps of your journey to beauty today.
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