Loss of skin elasticity is a natural part of the aging process. You may have noticed it for the first time while wearing makeup or rubbing your eyes.
Skin elasticity is the ability of the skin to stretch and return to its original shape. The loss of skin elasticity is called elastosis. Elasticity makes the skin look saggy, wrinkled, and leathery.
Areas of skin exposed to the sun can develop solar elastosis. These body parts may appear more weathered than the parts that are protected from the sun. Solar streak is also known as sun streak.
Healthy, moisturized human skin has the ability to stretch and return to its normal state after release. This process is driven by two abundant proteins, collagen and elastin, found in muscle, skin and bone. Collagen gives the skin its structure, while elastin allows it to stretch.
Skin that stretches beyond normal is called hyperelastic skin. It occurs when the skin loses its elasticity due to a sudden increase in collagen production and a decrease in elastin production.
What Causes Loss of Elasticity?
Loss of skin elasticity, also known as elastosis, is a natural part of the aging process. Environmental factors and harmful products can accelerate the process.
Aging
As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and shows signs of aging. A woman begins to lose collagen in her twenties and loses about 30% of total collagen during her first five years after menopause2. This loss of collagen leads to sagging and wrinkling of the skin.
Our faces also lose fat deposits with age. Without fat reserves to fill the facial skin, the skin naturally begins to sag. Our skin also loses protein and hyaluronic acid as we age.
Our skin loses collagen as we age, weakening the bond between the epidermis and dermis. This separation of skin layers causes the skin to appear saggy and wrinkled. Collagen holds the skin together, so when it breaks down, gravity naturally affects it and pulls the skin down.
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Environment and lifestyle
In addition to the aging process, environmental factors can also contribute to sagging skin. Since collagen and elastin are present in the dermis, they are affected by the environment. These proteins can be damaged not only by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but also by smoking and pollution. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that up to 90% of skin aging, including loss of elasticity, is due to UV exposure4.
When UV light hits the cells of the dermis, it damages collagen fibers and stimulates the production of abnormal elastin fibers. These abnormal fibers further damage the collagen fibers, damaging the skin and causing premature wrinkling and sagging.
Like UV rays, smoking and air pollution are also harmful to the skin and can accelerate aging. Cigarette smoke is toxic to every cell in the body. The skin becomes thinner, causing sagging and wrinkles.
Bad skincare routine
Improper skin care habits, while not as dangerous as sunburn or smoking, can lead to loss of skin elasticity. Sometimes I forget to wash my face at night, but sleeping with makeup on every night can clog my pores. This leads to breakouts and oil buildup. It is best to wash your face once or twice a day, depending on how oily your skin is. Washing your skin more than once a day strips it of its natural oils and moisture, making wrinkles and fine lines more visible.
Any pressure or strain on the sensitive skin around your eyes can cause it to lose its elasticity. The skin in this area is delicate and too much contact can cut blood vessels and cause fine lines.
Lifestyle factors that protect elasticity
The loss of skin elasticity over time is a natural process that cannot be stopped. However, it can be slow. Lifestyle changes such as using sunscreen and quitting smoking can help your skin retain its natural elasticity for longer.
Sleep routine
Getting a good night’s sleep doesn’t just make you feel better. When our bodies don’t get enough sleep, they release the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol causes inflammation in the body, including the skin. This inflammation can cause redness, inflammation and wrinkles. When the skin becomes inflamed, collagen and elastin cannot function normally.
During sleep, your body releases human growth hormone. This hormone is necessary for the production of collagen. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to help your body heal and restore your hormones. Turn off the TV and cell phone an hour before bed to relax and see your doctor if you have insomnia.
Hydration
Proper hydration results in more elastic, more radiant skin. Our skin cells, like other cells in our body, are made of water. When the skin becomes dehydrated, it cannot function normally and appears dry and scaly. Dry skin tends to be less elastic, and fine lines and wrinkles appear sooner. To keep your skin hydrated, start with your diet. Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses each day. Use a gentle moisturizer daily, especially after showering or washing your face.
Skin Products that can help
If you make lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep and drinking more water, skin care products will be your next defense against aging and loss of elasticity. Topical products containing sunscreen, collagen, or vitamins can help protect the skin from environmental aggressors and help maintain the skin’s natural collagen.
Sunscreen
The most effective anti-aging skin care product has always been sunscreen. Blocking some of the harmful rays is key to promoting skin elasticity. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against the sun’s UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays attack the top layer of skin and cause sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper and cause the skin to lose its elasticity by damaging collagen and elastin fibers. Sunscreen should be at least SPF 30 or higher.
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Collagen cream
Recently, creams and lotions containing collagen have also been sold. Although it makes sense to replace naturally lost collagen with topical collagen, these products have not been proven to significantly improve skin elasticity.
Mottled skin
Skin care products containing retinol and retinoids have been shown to boost collagen production and reverse signs of aging. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has been shown to improve skin elasticity when combined with vitamin C. Retinol and retinoids are found in many over-the-counter skin products and prescription medications.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is present in the connective tissue of the skin and helps keep the skin moist and supple. It decreases over time due to aging and exposure to UV rays from the sun and tanning beds. Hyaluronic acid is marketed as an anti-aging wonder because of its ability to hydrate the skin. It holds 1,000 times its own weight in water, keeping your skin hydrated and allowing more moisture to reach your skin cells11. As a result, the skin is firmer, more elastic and less prone to wrinkles.
Genistein
Genistein is a soy isoflavone that mimics the actions of estrogen in the body. It can be taken as a supplement or as a soy product. Similar to hormone replacement therapy, this phytoestrogen can improve skin elasticity when taken orally16. As a natural product, it has not been tested for safety or efficacy by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Before you start taking genistein, talk to your doctor.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a botanical found in many commercial and natural skin products. A small study found that topical application of witch hazel helped reduce sagging skin and wrinkles. This is because witch hazel appears to help repair sun-damaged elastin. If you have any questions about using witch hazel topical, consult your dermatologist.
