Let’s face it. Your skin goes through a lot! From days in the sun (or in front of the computer screen!) to stress and smiles – your skin is there for you through thick and thin. And life can start to take a toll on its firmness.
If you’ve noticed some sagging starting to set in, it’s time for some skin TLC.
So, what can you do about it? Lots actually. We’ll talk about seven simple habits and lifestyle choices that help tighten your skin and keep it looking oh, so healthy!
But first, let's talk about why your skin isn't as firm and quick to bounce back as it used to be.
The common reasons skin starts to sag (and some good news!)
Remember the carefree days of your 20s—the all-nighters, the dance parties, and the tight, smooth skin on your face? At the time it seemed like no matter what, you could always wake up fresh-faced and go (even if you skipped your skincare routine at night!). That’s because we naturally had ample collagen that supported elasticity, boosting the skin’s ability to stretch and easily snap back into place.
However, throughout the years, the body’s collagen and elastin tissue production start to slow down. And skin loses its elasticity. Plus, external factors like sun damage, pollution, and significant weight fluctuation can also contribute to sagging skin.
But there is good news! Because your skin, like any other organ, has the ability to regenerate. So keep reading, and we'll tell you all about it.
Tighten the skin on your face, naturally
You don't have to settle for loose, saggy skin even as you get older. And you don’t have to resort to invasive surgeries. Instead, here are seven simple ways to keep your skin looking firmer and tighter.
Movement and Exercise
Exercise helps get your heart pumping and oxygen flowing. The increased blood flow boosts circulation and helps skin cells repair and recharge. Plus, oxygen promotes the production of collagen. And that leads to healthy, firmer skin.
According to Dr. David Bank, a dermatologist from New York, exercising can help “deliver more nutrients, like vitamins and oxygen, to the skin cells all over your face and body."
So what types of exercise can bring the best skin-firming benefits? Moderate weight training, pilates, and yoga can build muscle mass for firmer skin and an overall more youthful tone.
But you don't have to become a gym rat or a competitive bodybuilder to reap the benefits. For example, walking at least 30 minutes a day will do wonders for your skin and all around well-being.
Ready to hear the win-win? Physical activity can decrease stress – and the toll stress can take on your skin.
Daily Sunscreen
The warm sun against your face can feel nice and the Vitamin D rewards are many. But sun exposure is harmful to your skin. As you age, regular exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin's elastin.
Applying a full-spectrum sunscreen is the best anti-aging action you can take. And not once or every now and then for best results. Incorporate regular sunscreen coverage into your daily skincare routine to prevent further damage and wrinkles. Plus, don’t forget your neck and chest for a smooth decolletage!
Embrace Quality Products
Skincare products have come a long way to provide advanced options to improve the appearance and firmness of sagging skin. And they come in all forms from moisturizers, face masks, and serums. Fortunately, you don’t have to try everything all at once.
Start by looking for ingredients that boost your body's collagen production, including:
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in your skin and helps nourish the collagen and the elastin in your body. However, as you get older, you produce less of it, making your skin dryer. Fortunately, you can now find this powerful ingredient in skincare products to enhance the hydration of your skin.
Retinol
Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, helps boost your skin's hydration and suppleness. Like hyaluronic acids, retinol is found in serums, eye creams, and other skincare products.
Recommended Product: Intensive Retinol Moisturizer
Vitamin C
Another skincare product to integrate into your daily routine is a good Vitamin C Serum. Like retinol, they both stimulate collagen production and have a tightening effect on the skin.
Vitamin C is much loved for other reasons, too. Namely, its ability to diminish age spots and prevent sun damage, which is another cause of saggy skin.
Recommended Product: Advanced Vitamin C Serum.
Pro-tip: When applying skincare products, remember to share the love with your neck and decolleté!
Nourish & Hydrate Your Body
Eating sugary foods and simple carbohydrates can do a double whammy on your skin. They cause acne and can leave you feeling inflamed. That inflammation breaks down the collagen and elastin you need and impacts your ability to produce more collagen. You probably know what happens next.
Yep, you guessed it. More wrinkles.
On the other hand, eating healthy can provide your body with the much-needed vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats to help you produce more collagen and reduce inflammation.
Drinking enough water is also essential. Water perks up your skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Shift To A Healthier Lifestyle
Unlike a healthy diet and exercise, some habits can wreak havoc on your skin. We all know smoking is bad. But you may not know that smoking constricts blood vessels, making it harder for nutrients and oxygen to get to your skin. Smoking dries your skin and damages elastin and collagen fibers, causing signs of premature aging.
And you may consider cutting back on alcohol. Excessive drinking dehydrates the skin, which can lead to wrinkles and speed up visible signs of aging.
Before you start thinking we’re the fun police – there is something you are likely to enjoy and need more of!
Sleep is a vital part of a healthy skin lifestyle. Your body produces collagen while you sleep. So if you're not sleeping enough, you're cutting into your prime collagen-building time. “Beauty sleep” is actually science-based!
Consider Supplements
As you get older, you may find yourself lacking in collagen and certain vital nutrients important to your skin’s health. Supplements can help bridge the gap for you.
Consider including the following in your routine:
- Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder: Known as “the ultimate beauty superfood,” collagen powder can be taken orally as part of your meals or drinks. Vitamin supplements: Vitamin E prevents dryness and protects your skin from the sun. Vitamin C helps your skin heal and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles.
Recommended product: Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder
Massage Your Face
This one may feel a little hooey, but trust us, it’s not. Incorporating facial massages into your routine can stimulate pressure points on your face, neck, and shoulders and improve your skin's appearance. You can even combine your yoga practice with exercises that are designed to target facial muscles.
And the best part? It only takes a few minutes to reap the benefits! Plus it’s simple self-care that just plain feels relaxing and eases away tension.
Develop your skin routine for tighter (and thriving!) skin
Skincare is unique to each person. The routine that works best for you may not work for your friends. So please get to know your skin and how your habits can help keep it tight, firm, and healthy-looking!
Need help developing a skincare routine? Then take our quiz to discover your skin recommendations. We promise. Your skin will thank you for it!
