SKIN LAXITY: UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

Have you noticed that your skin isn't as firm and tight as it used to be? You're not alone! Skin laxity is extremely common and can affect people of all ages. The good news is there are many supportive steps that can help your skin appear firmer and feel more resilient. Let's dive into the details to find your way back to youthful-looking skin!

WHAT EXACTLY IS SKIN LAXITY, ANYWAY?

Skin laxity refers to the loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin. As you age, your body produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping your skintight and supple. This gradually reduces skin elasticity and its ability to resist gravity, leading to sagging or loose skin.

This isn't the same as wrinkles or fine lines, which are caused by repeated muscle movements, skin thinning and sun damage. Instead, collagen and elastin production drop, which changes the overall structure and support of the skin.

THE 8 BIGGEST CAUSES OF SKIN LAXITY

There's no single cause of decreased skin firmness, but rather a combination of factors that contribute to its development. The most common include:

• Aging: As mentioned, a decrease in collagen and elastin production with age is a major contributor to skin laxity.
• Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to having loose skin due to inherited skin structure and tendencies.
• Sun Exposure: UV rays from the sun can damage collagen and elastin, accelerating the aging process and reducing skin elasticity.
• Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, smoking, stress and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin.
• Rapid Weight Loss: Losing a significant amount of weight quickly can lead to loose skin as it doesn’t give the skin enough time to adjust to the body's new shape.
• Health Conditions: Health conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome can affect the body's collagen production.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the rapid stretching of the skin to accommodate a growing baby combined with hormonal changes can cause the skin to lose its elasticity.
• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to pollution and other environmental toxins can accelerate the aging process.

MOST COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The most noticeable sign of skin laxity is the appearance of loose or sagging skin, particularly around the face, neck and arms. However, other symptoms may also indicate a decrease in skin elasticity, including:

• Appearance of deep wrinkles and creases
• Crepey or thinning skin texture
• Changes in skin tone and coloration
• Loss of definition in facial contours (e.g., jawline) 

 

SKINCARE REMEDIES: AT-HOME & IN-CLINIC

If you’re experiencing skin laxity, you’re in good company. Almost everyone who’s ever lived has had loose skin. It’s natural.

But if it bothers you, there are many ways to address it, from non-invasive treatments to lifestyle changes, that can help improve skin firmness and boost your confidence.  
A common myth is that only surgery can fix decreased skin firmness. While it can certainly provide dramatic results, it’s not necessary! A targeted skincare routine or non-surgical treatments can restore your skin’s youthful appearance.

TOPICAL HOME REMEDIES

The key to home skincare is consistency with the right products. Look for ingredients that can help stimulate collagen and elastin production, such as Retinol, Vitamin C and Peptides. A great product example is our Rejuvenating Peptide Masque. Its pharmaceutical-grade Peptide formula is complete with Vitamin C and Vitamin E to promote collagen production and lift and firm the skin.

For extra benefits, add Professional CBD Booster to your masque, serum, or moisturizer. With powerful Antioxidants, Humectants and Vitamins, this product will enhance your skin's firmness and hydration levels. (Due to TGA Regulations we are unable to import Glymed+ CBD Products - Alternative Product to Professional CBD Booster is Restoring Fulvic Elixir).

NON-SURGICAL SUPPORT

For those looking for more immediate results, there are non-surgical solutions that can help firm and tighten the skin. These include:

Microneedling: A minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Professional Facials: Professional facials use advanced techniques and products to exfoliate, nourish and stimulate the skin for a more youthful appearance.

Radiofrequency: This utilizes heat energy to boost collagen production and tighten the skin.

Laser Therapy: Different types of lasers are used to target multiple layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production for improved firmness.

 

EMPOWERING YOURSELF: SOLUTIONS FOR LOOSE SKIN

Skincare isn't the only way to combat decreased skin firmness. By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can help support your skin's elasticity and slow down the aging process!

EFFECTIVE SUN PROTECTION

If you’ve been on social media much in the last year or two, we know you’ve been hearing all about the importance of sunscreen! Here’s why.

UVA rays penetrate the dermis, which is the inner layer of the two main layers of the skin. This is where the collagen and elastin fibers are located.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays breaks down these fibers through oxidative stress and the production of harmful enzymes. This process, known as photoaging, is one of the leading causes of skin laxity.

To protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun, wear broad-spectrum sun protection every day and reapply regularly when spending long periods outdoors.

Our Moisturizing Protection Cream with SPF 30 is a great dual-acting option that uses hydrating ingredients and physical sun blockers to protect and nourish your skin.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE HABITS

As mentioned earlier, lifestyle factors like diet and stress can contribute to decreased skin firmness. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress levels and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all help support the health of your skin.

Ask your dietitian for advice on incorporating skin-supporting foods into your meals. Also, find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga or meditation.

QUALITY SLEEP

We know this is a tough one but getting enough quality sleep is crucial for skin health. It allows your body to repair and regenerate damaged cells, including collagen and elastin fibers. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night to help your skin maintain its elasticity.

CONSISTENT EXERCISE