Sagging Skin Explained
One of the most noticeable signs of aging (perhaps even more noticeable than wrinkling) is sagging skin. Whether it’s around the jawline, cheekbones, or around the eyes and brows, drooping and lack of firmness can make an individual appear significantly older than his or her chronological age.
Progression of Aging
Every individual’s lifestyle, habits, and genetics play a role in the progression of aging in the skin.
Typically, when a female reaches the age of 30, collagen and elastin in her skin begin to break down. Elastin is a protein helps keep skin flexible and tight. The continual breakdown of these proteins will make the skin appear less firm, plump, and eventually lead to a saggy or droopy appearance.
Dryness will also start to develop, which promotes the development of fine lines and wrinkles. The progression of sun damage, or photo-aging, may increase pore size as well, as gravity’s effect on sagging skin effectively “drags” skin down, causing pores to widen and gape.
Women in their 30s and even in their 20s are advised to take proactive preventative measures to preserve their skin‘s elasticity. Using anti-aging products early in life can help slow down signs of aging more effectively.
Around the age of 40, the breakdown of elastin has increased, along with signs of sagging along the jawline, jowls, cheekbones, brows, and eyes.
In a woman’s 50s and 60s, skin will generally appear more rough, and the jawline and eyes may significantly droop or sag. Many women will find that their eyelid is actually covered by the sagging skin along the brow bone. This effect will often progress to the extent that a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon is initiated.
Factors Involved in Loss of Elasticity
There are several factors that come into play when analyzing the causes of sagging skin.
The thinning of the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, is the main cause of sagging and drooping.
As the epidermis thins with age, the skin also loses the healthy layer of fat that provides a plump, lush, full look. In addition, subaceous glands begin to produce less oil, leaving skin less and less hydrated, making skin more susceptible to wrinkling and drooping.
Factors such as gravity and intrinsic aging, aging due to natural processes, are forces that cannot be controlled or prevented.
However, factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight loss can all attribute to the further collagen and elastin breakdown, thus leading to gradual increase in sagging and lack of firmness over time.
Surgical Options
Of course, surgical procedures are popular with those who are comfortable in the cosmetic surgeon‘s office.
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traditional facelift is the most invasive option. This procedure involves incisions along the hairline, around the temples towards the ears, ending around the lower scalp. Deeper layers of the skin and layers of muscle are lifted along with the epidermis. The skin is draped taut and sutured into appropriate place, based on desired results, excess tissues are then trimmed away.
A small incision underneath the chin may also be done to improve the appearance of an aging neck.
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mini facelift involve small incisions along the hairline and ears, and the facial tissues are lifted via those incisions.
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jawline rejuvenation involves liposuction of the neck to create a sculpted effect. The extracted fat is then injected into areas around the cheekbones to restore fullness in sunken areas of the face.
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liquid facelift is a less invasive alternative. This involves injecting fillers such as hyaluronic acid, hydroxylapatite, and lactic acid calcium to help restore volume to sunken areas of the face.
Non-Surgical Options
For those who prefer not undergo a surgical procedure to correct sagging skin, there are some excellent topical options available. While nothing has as much potential for a dramatic result as a facelift, choosing the right formula can indeed result in a visibly tighter, more lifted appearance.
One of the benefits of choosing a topical treatment is its preventative qualities. Those starting their anti-aging regimen at a younger age can use lifting and firming creams to help prevent sagging and loss of elasticity, potentially reducing the future need to consider plastic surgery.
Certain peptides included in skincare products can signal the body to produce collagen in the body naturally. These formula work with the body’s natural healing processes to support the skin’s internal structure, resulting in skin that is more elastic. Increased elasticity means an increased ability to “bounce back” against the effects of gravity, meaning skin is better suited to stay firm and lifted over time.
One peptide that is becoming popular is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5. This peptide is prized for its ability to dramatically increase collagen production in the skin.
Another peptide with increasing popularity is Progeline™, a peptide made up of 3 amino acids that inhibit synthesis of harmful, aging proteins in the skin. This means reduced DNA damage and an overall delay of visible aging.
Various polysaccharides, such as those from the New Zealand fern plant, can also help to reinforce the skin’s natural support network for improved tightness and resilience. Another set of polysaccharides derived from linseed (Sculptessence™) can help reduce sagging by filling in “gaps” in the skin’s cellular matrix and protecting existing collagen from further degradation.
There are also natural extracts that can have excellent effects. Caviar extract, for example, is now included in some anti-aging formulas for its ability to accelerate the rate of collagen production in the skin.
Conclusions
Sagging and drooping skin is one of the most apparent signs of aging. Otherwise well-maintained skin free of wrinkles and dark spots, can still be aged dramatically by loss of volume and the downward migration of subcutaneous fat and skin.
If a person is proactive in protecting their skin, and take measures to help prevent further damage, sagging can be delayed. For those who are intrigued about seeking out the intervention of cosmetics or plastic surgery to help reverse their sagging signs of aging, it is important to consult a physician. For those looking for a more convenient, less costly, less invasive approach, however, it is important to read ingredients lists on topical products to ensure that you are purchasing the best possible product for your skin.