What causes sagging skin and how can it be fixed?

Jump to:

• The primary causes of sagging skin
  • The natural aging process
  • Loss of skin fat and muscle tone
  • Sun exposure
  • Lifestyle factors
  • Rapid weight loss
• Effective remedies for sagging skin
  • Maintain a good skincare routine
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Protect your skin from the sun
• Non-Invasive medical cosmetic treatments designed to target sagging skin
  • Radiofrequency (RF) treatments
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Laser therapy
  • Dermal fillers
  • Thread lifts
• Sagging skin has multiple root factors, and multiple solutions

As we age, our skin undergoes several changes. One common concern that many people face is sagging skin. Sagging skin can affect various areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms, and abdomen. While it is a natural part of the aging process, several factors can accelerate skin sagging. In this article, we will explore the primary causes of sagging skin and provide practical solutions to help restore firmness and elasticity to your skin.

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The primary causes of sagging skin

Below are the most common causes of sagging skin.

The natural aging process

The most significant contributor to sagging skin is the natural aging process. As we grow older, the production of collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for maintaining skin structure, gradually decreases. This leads to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness, resulting in sagging.

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Loss of skin fat and muscle tone

Over time, the underlying fat pads in our face and body diminish, leading to a loss of volume. Additionally, weakened muscles can contribute to sagging skin, particularly in the neck, jowls, and upper arms.

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Sun exposure

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun accelerates skin aging. UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers, causing the skin to lose its elasticity and sag prematurely. Protecting your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade can help prevent sagging caused by sun damage.

See more on our blog: What are free radicals, and how do they cause our skin to age?

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Lifestyle factors

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet, can contribute to sagging skin. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of essential nutrients and oxygen. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, leading to a loss of elasticity. A diet lacking in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can also affect skin health and contribute to sagging.

See more on our blog: Dietary antioxidants for skin health: how food sources promote anti-aging benefits

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Rapid weight loss

Losing a significant amount of weight quickly can cause the skin to sag. When you lose weight rapidly, the skin doesn’t have enough time to adjust to the new body shape, resulting in loose and sagging skin. Gradual weight loss and exercise can help minimize sagging by allowing the skin to adapt gradually.

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Effective remedies for sagging skin

Below are the best ways to treat and prevent sagging skin.

Maintain a good skincare routine

Establishing a proper skincare routine is essential for maintaining skin health and reducing sagging. Cleanse your skin twice a day, exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, and use a moisturizer that promotes hydration.

Look for skincare products containing ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, as they can help improve skin elasticity and firmness.

See more on our blog: The best facial skin care routines for every age, broken down decade-by-decade

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Exercise regularly

Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve muscle tone and strengthen the body’s underlying tissues, providing support to the skin. Focus on exercises that target the areas prone to sagging, such as facial exercises, strength training, and yoga.

Facial exercises, like cheek lifts and neck stretches, are thought to help tone the muscles and promote a more youthful appearance.

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Eat a healthy diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients that support skin health. Be sure to eat foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, as they can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to sagging skin.

Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity.

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Protect your skin from the sun

Shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is crucial to prevent further damage and sagging. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every two hours, even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses to minimize sun exposure. Seek shade during peak sun hours, generally between 10 am and 4 pm.

See more on our blog: What makes a good sunscreen? Here is how to decode them all

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Non-Invasive medical cosmetic treatments designed to target sagging skin

Several non-invasive procedures have been shown to help improve skin laxity and reduce sagging. These include:

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Radiofrequency (RF) treatments

RF energy heats the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin.

Try: Infini™ RF microneedling

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Ultrasound therapy

This treatment uses ultrasound waves to target the deep layers of the skin and stimulate collagen production, resulting in a lifting effect. Ultrasound waves can go as deep as where a surgical face lift could reach.

Try: Ultherapy®

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Laser therapy

Laser treatments can stimulate collagen synthesis and tighten the skin, promoting a more youthful appearance.

Try: laser facials

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Dermal fillers

Injecting fillers can restore lost volume, providing support to sagging skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Try: non-surgical facelifts with the MD Codes™ method

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Thread lifts

Thread lifting is a procedure whereby suture materials are inserted beneath the skin, and then given a tug to hold the skin in a tighter position.

Try: InstaLift®

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Sagging skin has multiple root factors, and multiple solutions

Sagging skin is a common concern that can be caused by a combination of factors such as aging, sun damage, and lifestyle choices. While it is impossible to completely stop the aging process, adopting a comprehensive approach that includes a healthy lifestyle, a skincare routine, sun protection, exercise, and non-invasive treatments can significantly improve skin elasticity and reduce sagging. Embracing these remedies can help you achieve firmer, more youthful-looking skin, boosting your confidence and overall well-being.

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