The primary reasons why the skin loses its firmness are the natural aging process, dehydration, and damage due to free radicals. During the natural aging process, the skin begins to produce keratin, elastin, and collagen at slower rates and in smaller quantities. Each of these is necessary to maintain firm skin.
Keratin helps to keep the epidermis (first layer of the skin) strong, hydrated, and firm. Collagen and elastin protect the dermis (second layer of the skin) and maintain its firmness and elasticity. As less keratin, elastin, and collagen are produced, the skin loses its firmness and the ability to remain hydrated properly. Additionally, the layers of skin become thinner, causing them to lose moisture at a faster rate.
If sufficient water isn’t provided to the body each day, it becomes dehydrated, causing the skin to lose its plump texture. Any type of damage that injures the skin can lead to the loss of its firmness. Environmental pollutants and UV rays can weaken the skin, causing it to become less elastic and firm.
A number of at-home remedies have been used to re-instill the firmness of the skin, encouraging its elasticity and ability to protect itself from the premature signs of aging. Eating fruits and vegetables provides the antioxidants and vitamins needed to help fight skin oxidation, a process that causes the skin to sag. Home recipes for facial masks are often used to tighten the skin. One example is a mask made from egg whites.
Once you begin to lose the firmness of your skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and creases begin to appear. A variety of clinical treatments are available including: collagen induction, photo rejuvenation, appearance medicine, and facelifts.
Also known as dermal rolling, collagen induction therapy attempts to encourage an increase in the production of collagen by using a dermal roller containing micro-needles to inflict small holes into the skin to stimulate collagen.
Photo rejuvenation involves a process during which high-energy light is pulsed through the skin of the face, back of the hands, or décolletage in order to encourage the production of collagen.
Appearance medicine refers to a number of medical procedures that are designed specifically to improve the appearance of the face through various procedures including dermal fillers, Botox®, and microdermabrasion.
Surgical and non-surgical facelifts tighten sagging skin in order to encourage enhanced firmness along with a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines.
The daily application of face lotions and creams containing alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, and vitamin C can help to re-instill the firmness of the skin. A number of excellent products are available that you can use right from the comfort of your own home. It is often recommended that you use upward strokes to apply any facial cream or lotion.
