"Collagen and elastin can be restored with stimulating lasers which either heat (radio frequency) or break down (fractionated resurfacing) the collagen and elastin in the skin, which promotes the cells to rebuild new collagen and elastin."
Yes! Phew. Increasing your collagen and elastin reserves (and hyaluronic acid too) will help repair loss of skin elasticity. Doing so long term will prevent further loss and encourage good skin elasticity in future.
General Aging
The most common cause of loose skin is aging. As we age, our body naturally produces less collagen and elastin, which both help to keep your skin firm. The impact of regular stretching and contraction from exposure to the elements and lifestyle habits is more permanent as your body ages.
Chemical peels with collagen-boosting active ingredients such as lactic acid and glycolic acid can also help improve skin elasticity, says Dr.
As your estrogen levels drop, so does the collagen in your skin. Eating foods with antioxidants may help make your skin stronger from the inside out. Look for brightly colored fruits and vegetables (they get their color from these healthy compounds) and try to eat every color of the spectrum.
Vitamin B9, otherwise known as folic acid, assists in producing collagen. It also helps relieve uncomfortable dry skin and helps keep the skin better hydrated. Looking to reduce stretch marks and scars after surgery? Vitamin K can help with that. It helps with the healing of wounds and can improve skin elasticity.
Experts have found that skin aging typically starts around age 25. In our mid 20s, our bodies gradually start to stop producing as much collagen as before which causes our skin to lose elasticity. While you can't turn back the clock, early prevention is key.
Foods For Skin Elasticity
Eating foods like greens, fatty fish, citrus fruits, broccoli, almonds and walnuts can replenish elastin in your skin. These foods are known to work from within to improve your skin's health.
But you can help your body produce elastin naturally by eating a well-balanced diet that includes greens, citrus fruits, fish, berries and nuts. You can also help maintain elastin in your body by exercising, establishing a proper skin care routine, quitting smoking and wearing sunscreen every day.
Of course, you can't reverse the signs of aging completely. You can go the nonsurgical route and add firming creams or facial exercises to your skincare routine. There are also cosmetic procedures that provide quicker results, such as laser surfacing or ultrasound skin tightening.
“In general, it can take anywhere from weeks to months—even years,” says Dr. Chen. If after one to two years skin is still loose, it may not get any tighter, she says.
A diet full of protein-rich foods, whether from plant or animal sources, can help supply these critical amino acids. Other nutrients that aid the process of collagen production include zinc, vitamin C, and copper. So, fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals are also a friend to supple skin.
Eat a healthy diet high in nutrients including vitamins A11 and C. Follow a daily skin care routine that includes sunscreen and topical retinol. Avoid smoking, as research shows that tobacco smoke reduces the production of collagen and elastin.
Engaging in exercise such as resistance training can increase muscle mass. Building muscle through exercise can improve the appearance of sagging skin, especially in the legs and arms. Also, facial exercises may improve muscle tone around the jaw and neck. This may reduce sagging skin in these areas.
Laser resurfacing This is the most effective procedure for tightening loose skin. Unlike the laser treatment described above, this procedure requires some downtime. You'll need to stay home for 5 to 7 days. Laser resurfacing also gives you the fastest results.
EGCG (from Green Tea) Found in matcha and green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), helps tighten loose and sagging skin. EGCG delays cell aging and plays a role in DNA repair. This antioxidant also helps skin hold moisture and reduces wrinkles.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C.
The Pinch Test. Another technique for testing skin elasticity involves gently pinching the skin on your cheeks, arm, or abdomen. Similar to the snap test, if it the skin is slower to bounce back to its shape, this can indicate a loss of elasticity or dehydration.
Is it possible to reverse aging? You cannot wholly reverse aging—it's a normal part of life. However, you may be able to slow it down and help prevent age-related diseases by adopting a healthy lifestyle. That includes habits like eating a healthy diet, wearing sunscreen every day, and exercising (Shanbhag, 2019).
How can I naturally rebuild collagen? You can naturally support the collagen production process by using topicals such as vitamin C and retinol, collagen peptide supplements, eating a nutrient rich diet, and avoiding habits that damage the collagen (such as poor sleep and sun exposure.)
Oral administration of Elastin found its place in anti-aging supplements for skin suffering from dryness, environmental stresses, or irritation. The recommended daily dosage of oral Elastin is 200 mg.
Of course, you can't reverse the signs of aging completely. You can go the nonsurgical route and add firming creams or facial exercises to your skincare routine. There are also cosmetic procedures that provide quicker results, such as laser surfacing or ultrasound skin tightening.