Just as a rubber band bounces back after being stretched, your skin, too, can bounce back to its original position when stretched. However, FFas you age and become exposed to factors that deplete the elastin in your skin, it might become floppy and inelastic. If your skin has become less plump, youthful, and elastic over time, you shouldn’t despair. Read ahead to learn 7 ways to restore skin elasticity!
1. Wear sunscreen religiously
Sunlight has ultraviolet rays that can cause damage to your skin. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen every day can minimize UV damage to your skin, decreasing the loss of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your skin and plays an important role in keeping it elastic.
Any other skin products you use won’t benefit you unless you combine them with sunscreen, making it absolutely essential.
2. Use a serum
Thanks to extensive research and a booming cosmetics industry, numerous anti-ageing serums are available to help restore your skin’s elasticity, plumpness, and youth.
If you choose to treat your skin using a serum, consider the active ingredients it contains. Retinoids and vitamin C are two active ingredients that are considered a holy grail for skin elasticity.
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and increase skin cell turnover, stimulate the production of collagen, and according to some studies, improve the production of elastin fibers. They should be incorporated slowly into your nighttime routine after consultation with a dermatologist.
Vitamin C can also be a helpful ingredient to add as it has been shown to promote collagen growth.
If you plan on using multiple active ingredients, ask an expert for advice on how to safely and effectively incorporate them into your skincare routine.
3. Opt for regular skin treatments
Cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, laser treatments, and coolsculpting technology may take years off your skin, making it feel bouncy and supple.
Chemical peeling involves the use of acids — such as glycolic acid or lactic acid — to remove the top layers of your skin, revealing smoother and more elastic skin underneath. It may also promote collagen production in the skin, increasing its elasticity.
You may also visit a dermatologist for laser therapy, which uses light to treat skin conditions. Pulsating beams of light are directed at the skin to remove the damaged layers. The new skin that forms during the healing process is tighter, more supple, and more elastic.
On the other hand, there is another option that you can try if you want a treatment that does not need surgery such as coolsculpting technology that offers a non-invasive treatment targeting stubborn pockets of fat. This innovative technology uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells, leaving patients a more sculpted and toned physique without invasive surgery or downtime.
Finally, dermal fillers are another way to non surgically enhance the appearance of your skin. They are injected under the skin and can be used to make it appear tighter. It might be a good idea to discuss them with your doctor.
4. Eat mindfully
Antioxidant rich foods such as berries, green tea, dark chocolate, kale, and walnuts are known to fight damage-causing free radicals in the skin and should make up an essential part of your diet. Herbs like ginseng, amla, and cinnamon can also boost skin elastin, which is responsible for elasticity in your skin.
It’s also important to limit sugar and processed foods because they can damage your skin through a process called glycation.
Furthermore, adding supplements to your diet may prove beneficial for your skin’s elasticity. Vitamin C supplements can play a role in collagen production, while zinc, coenzyme Q10, peptides, and collagen may be useful as well.
Make sure to consult a healthcare provider before trying out a new supplement, especially if you have a chronic health condition.
5. Keep your skin hydrated
Dehydration causes the skin to thin out, causing sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. So drinking enough water can hydrate the skin, plumping it up from the inside.
In addition, using a moisturizer and products such as hyaluronic acid regularly are also good ways to keep your skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is a natural ingredient found in the skin that gets depleted over time. Topical use of hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain water and stay healthier.
6. Get your beauty sleep
Everyone knows that sleep deprivation can make your skin look tired the next day. But not many people know that sleep deprivation can negatively impact your skin in the long run too.
Your skin’s elasticity can only be restored if it gets enough time to repair itself. Not getting enough sleep not only obstructs the skin’s repair process, but it also causes breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults — make sure you get it.
7. Manage your stress
When you are stressed, your body produces a chemical called cortisol to prepare itself for the fight or flight response. High levels of cortisol can break down skin elastin and collagen, making your skin less firm and bouncy.
To restore the youthful elasticity of your skin, it is important to find ways to lower your stress levels. Some methods to lower stress include meditation, physical exercise, and partaking in enjoyable hobbies.
In the fast-paced world of today, stress management is not only crucial for general health, but can also keep you beautiful for longer.
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