4 Surprising Everyday Factors that cause your Skin to Lose its Elasticity

Everyone wants youthful skin that is supple, taut and glowing.

You’ve probably heard of foods, creams and tools that can help boost your skin’s elasticity to give you a better complexion – but do you know what “skin elasticity” actually means?

The idea of skin elasticity refers to the firmness of your skin – firm skin makes you look more youthful and fresher. Skin with more elasticity also feels softer and bouncier.

However, your skin can lose its elasticity over time without proper care and attention. Sadly, this is an inevitable aspect of ageing. Saggy skin, fine lines and wrinkles will eventually surface as your body gets older and ages.

On the other hand, there are a variety of other factors besides ageing that can affect the elasticity of your skin. In this article, we will describe how ageing and other everyday factors can influence your skin’s elasticity.

 

Ageing

Ageing is one of the most common reasons for saggy skin.

As our bodies get older, the production of collagen and elastin plummet drastically. Ageing also causes our skin’s natural production of Hyaluronic Acid to drop. This damages the dermal tissue arrangement which results in saggy and loose skin that can feel dry and flaky.

Over time, our skin tissues weaken, resulting in an older appearance from the development of wrinkles, saggy skin and fine lines.

 

How to Combat Ageing

Unfortunately, ageing is an inescapable process of nature.

However, you could reduce the appearance of fine lines and saggy skin with facial massages, beauty products and beauty tools that firm up the skin and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Make sure to stick a strict and feasible beauty regime that hydrates and combats saggy skin.

Apart from ageing, other factors could play a significant role in causing your skin to age prematurely and lose its natural elasticity. Avoid doing the following to preserve the elasticity of your skin.

 

Excessive Exfoliation

While exfoliation is recommended to get squeaky clean skin, over-exfoliation could cause your skin to lose its elasticity.

Using too much force when you exfoliate or substances that are too harsh on your skin would strip it of its natural oils and cause your skin to feel itchy, dry and flaky. This is because over-exfoliation removes the protective cells that shield your skin from harmful substances in the air.

Moreover, over-exfoliation could also cause inflammation and redness to develop. In the long term, it could do more harm than good.

How to Exfoliate Gently but Thoroughly

Use your middle and ring fingers with minimal pressure when you exfoliate. Your middle and ring fingers are the weakest – thus, making them suitable for a gentler exfoliation.

 

Sun Damage

Sun damage is the root cause of most skin-related and health concerns. Exposure to the sun and insufficient protection from U.V rays slows your skin’s natural production of collagen. It could also lead to pigmentation and the development of wrinkles and affect the firmness of skin tissues. In the long term, it would cause your skin to sag and age prematurely.

How to Combat Sun Damage

Wear sunscreen of at least SPF45 – whether in rain or shine.

Also, wear sunglasses or hats on days that are excruciatingly hot and sunny.

 

Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep could trigger overproduction of Cortisol, which is a steroid hormone produced against stress and low blood sugar. High levels of Cortisol could cause the production levels of collagen to tumble sharply. In the long run, insomnia could cause your skin to look duller and more haggard.

How to reduce Cortisol Levels

Aim to sleep at least 7 hours each night and reduce your screen time in the evening. Also, try to adopt a consistent routine and regular sleep pattern.

 

References:

https://int.eucerin.com/skin-concerns/ageing-skin/loss-of-elasticity