Preventing The Sags

While it may not be aesthetically pleasing, it’s normal for our skin to loose it’s elasticity as we age. To combat this ageing process, preventing the sags, it’s important to understand what is actually happening.

Our skin health is important for our appearance but more importantly because our skin performs so many essential tasks for our body. It protects us from the many viruses and bacteria we are exposed to daily as well as keeping us protected from UV which damages cells. Healthy skin produces vitamin D when it’s exposed to the sun, and this is essential for so many functions. Having healthy skin also helps our body to keep its temperature to a constant level and tells us when we feel pain.

But with age, our skin, for all its importance, starts to lose its effects.  Sure it still keeps us held together and protected, but it also begins to break down as cells become old and damaged. It stops repairing as fast as it once did and gravity begins to take hold and we start to experience sagging. This is when collagen and elastin begin to diminish and the structure of our skin looks looser. Here we will look at some things that we can do that will help to prevent the ‘sags’ or at least slow this process down.

 

1. Water – Plumpness preventing the sags

Our skin needs 10 to 15% water content to remain plump.  When the water content is low, the skin can thin out, causing sagging and wrinkles. Causes of dehydration include exposure to extreme weather conditions, insufficient water intake, poor health and drinking dehydrating drinks such as alcohol and carbonated waters.  Drinking two litres of water per day is essential for overall health, and skin health.

 

2. Protein – Collagen and elastin preventing the sags

The human skin is made up of two proteins; collagen and elastin.  Elastin allows the skin to stretch and collagen gives the skin structure.  As we age, our body slows down the production of these proteins and the skin starts to sag. The way our skin ages can be determined by genetics and external factors. We cannot change our genetic coding but there are some steps we can take to prevent our skin from sagging.

Changing up our diet to include more protein and amino acid rich foods such as lean meats and leafy greens is a good start to ensuring less breakdown of our skin proteins.

 

3. Vitamin C – Antioxidants preventing the sags

If you missed our recent article on antioxidants, you can read it here, but as a recap, we discussed the importance of antioxidants applied topically, such as vitamin C, for promoting skin health.  It fights the oxidative damage and neutralises toxins in the skin, damage that leads to degradation in collagen.  Vitamin C also fights sun damage and the onset of ageing as a whole.

High dietary intakes of vitamin C can positively change the way in which we age. Foods that are vitamin C rich such as carrots, broccoli, capsicum and citrus fruits, to name a few.  Supplements are also a great way of increasing your levels.

 

4. Sunshine – Avoiding premature ageing

Of course we cannot write an article about preventing the ‘sags’ without mentioning the negative impact the sun has on our skin.  The sun is the number one leading cause of premature ageing.  Sun-related ageing breaks down collagen and interferes with the production of new collagen, resulting in wrinkles, sagging skin, pigmentation, thick dull skin and of course, the possibility of melanoma.

Using a broad spectrum  sunscreen that is 30+ or more and applied every single day, regardless of the weather is a must.

 

5. Smoking – Avoiding premature ageing

If you smoke, you can pretty much bet that sooner or later your skin will show signs of ageing.  Thinning, dull and wrinkly sallow skin are all common signs.

Not only this, but the toxins in cigarettes also inhibit the synthesis of collagen and increase the production of an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinases.  This breaks down proteins in the skin, like collagen and elastin.

Additionally, smoking deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients.  This can cause paleness or an uneven colouring.  These changes begin as soon as you begin smoking and rapidly increase as smoking continues.

While quitting is the very best option, increasing vitamin C levels are important for smokers and post smokers as it can assist in neutralising toxins, however, once the damage to cells is done, it is irreparable.

 

Great Skincare Preventing The Sags

What we want to look for in skin care when preventing and fighting the sags is collagen inducing, antioxidant rich serums.  Peptides are a great option as are growth factors.  All of these will assist in collagen synthesis and prevent protein breakdown.  Here are our top 5 anti-sag serums:

1. Société Intense Firming Complex.  Packed full of peptides, to really get that collagen happening
2. Medik8 Copper PCA Peptides.  The ultimate defence against skin ageing and sagging
3. Osmosis StemFactor.  Using stem cells and growth factors to promote collagen and strengthen the skin
4. Cosmedix Affirm.  For all your firming needs, with brightening properties too
5. Aspect Dr Active C.  For complete antioxidant protection

And of course, always be sun smart.  Wear sunscreen, not forgetting to cover your ears, lips and eyelids too.

Our top 3 sunscreens:

1. Aspect Hydrating Face SPF 50.    A daily moisturiser with that broad spectrum SPF 50+
2. Medik8 physical Sunscreen.  Nourishing zinc, broad spectrum SPF 30+
3. We Are Feelgood sticky zinc.  A lovely tinted option in either light or medium.

 

 

 

 

 

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