Today, the condition of sagging and wrinkled skin is not only attributed to aging but also influenced by various other factors. So how can women understand the causes and methods to address aging skin? Let’s find out in the following article.
Signs of Sagging and Wrinkled Skin
Over time, the skin begins to show noticeable signs of aging, one of which is sagging, loose skin with multiple wrinkles.
Sagging, drooping, and wrinkling of the skin signify a deterioration of moisture, firmness, and elasticity. This is prominently observed in areas such as the forehead, eyelids, cheeks, chin, and neck.
Some signs indicating this condition on the skin include:
- Changes in facial proportions, with asymmetry compared to the original appearance. For instance, the jawline widens and sags, cheeks droop, and wrinkles appear on the forehead, around the eyes, and mouth. Grooves under the eyes or laugh lines also become evident.
- Facial expressions may convey a sense of aging, sadness, or fatigue, even if the spirit is not downcast or suffering.
- Lightly press into the skin then release, and you’ll notice it takes time for the skin to return to its original shape.
- The skin may exhibit flaking, dryness, roughness, loss of smoothness, and a lack of luster.
- Skin tone may become dull, discolored, and may develop freckles, pigmentation, or moles.
- Alongside facial signs of aging, you may notice aging signs in other areas such as hands, feet, increased hair loss, dry eyes, feeling of heat, and discomfort.
The signs of aging skin, sagging, and wrinkling, often occur silently and may appear individually or simultaneously. They are particularly noticeable after significant life changes such as childbirth, perimenopause, menopause, sudden weight loss, prolonged stress, or depression.
Causes of Sagging and Wrinkled Skin
According to numerous studies, the condition of sagging and wrinkled skin originates from three main causes:
Natural biological mechanisms
Natural biological mechanisms affecting the skin can include hormone imbalances, decreased collagen and elastin due to aging, congenital factors, or sudden weight loss.
Hormonal imbalance
The most significant hormonal imbalances occur in women after childbirth. This period sees fluctuations in hormone levels within the body, leading to deficiencies or excesses in one or more hormone groups.
Additionally, the skin undergoes stretching during pregnancy, which can hinder its ability to regain elasticity and firmness.
Decline in vital skin components
Collagen and elastin are considered essential elements for firm and supple skin. After the age of 25, the levels of these two components show signs of gradual decline, leading to the onset of aging signs. As individuals reach their 30s, the aging process accelerates exponentially, causing the skin to wrinkle and sag due to the loss of essential structural support.
Uncontrolled weight loss
While weight gain may lead to the appearance of stretch marks, sudden and uncontrolled weight loss can have serious repercussions on the skin. Rapid weight loss through strict diets or fasting can result in dehydration, nutrient deficiency, sagging, and dullness of the skin.
Congenital genetic factors
In cases where the jawbone structure is widened, it can lead to facial imbalance, resulting in sagging. Many cases involve jawbone structure abnormalities, such as protrusion or recessed areas, leading to the formation of wrinkles, giving a tired and aged appearance.
Due to dietary habits + mental state
Providing adequate nutrition such as collagen, vitamins, and water is one of the “golden keys” to maintaining and improving elasticity and youthfulness in the skin. Without sufficient supply of these components, the skin will deteriorate significantly over time, gradually weakening.
Additionally, maintaining a stable and cheerful mindset is also a way to minimize the speed of aging on the face. When the body is under stress, overloaded with negative information, or prolonged sadness, it can deepen wrinkles on the skin and cause facial muscles to sag.
Due to lifestyle habits, living environment
Skin aging doesn’t necessarily start after the age of 30; incorrect skincare routines can lead to premature aging. One of the causes could be improper skincare practices, such as not applying sunscreen, moisturizing, or using products with harmful ingredients for the skin (alcohol, harsh cleansers, fragrances).
Polluted living environments, harmful effects from sunlight, dust, or excessive exposure to technology devices – blue light, are also among the factors that accelerate the formation of wrinkles and loss of firmness in the skin.
Ways to Improve Sagging and Wrinkled Skin
Sagging, wrinkled facial skin can diminish a woman’s confidence, radiance, and youthful appearance. Dermatologists have suggested several measures to address and prevent the aging process:
Supplementing a diet rich in collagen, minerals, and vitamins
This is considered a method to improve and rejuvenate aging skin from within. By providing the skin with foods rich in collagen, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, you can enhance its elasticity and vitality. You may prioritize consuming fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, kiwis, tomatoes, black grapes, and pomegranates, as well as vegetables like kale, spinach, cabbage, and asparagus.
Pay attention to food preparation methods, favoring steaming, boiling, and stewing over excessive frying with oil, salt, or sugar.
Increasing physical exercise and activity
Regular physical activity for 30-45 minutes each day helps the body metabolize nutrients more efficiently and aids in detoxification through sweating. Exercise also boosts skin immunity against harmful environmental factors.
Using anti-aging skincare products
In addition to the above measures, incorporating anti-aging skincare products is essential. These products contain deeply penetrating active ingredients that inhibit the aging process.
Some active ingredients to consider include:
- BHA, AHA for chemical exfoliation, removing dead skin cells to reveal smoother and brighter skin, reducing sagging, and stimulating collagen production.
- Retinol, known for neutralizing free radicals and promoting collagen and elastin synthesis, filling in wrinkles and tightening pores.
- Supplementing pure collagen deficiency on the skin is also an excellent option. It helps blur signs of aging and prevents severe skin sagging.
Especially, sunscreen is indispensable in your daytime skincare routine. UV rays are known to accelerate skin aging, sagging, and discoloration with dark spots from freckles and moles. When choosing sunscreen products, pay attention to SPF and PA ratings to prevent direct sun damage to facial skin.
Facial Exercises
While you often hear about exercising for the entire body, there are also specific exercises for aging facial muscles. These involve gentle facial massages that target muscle groups, reducing sagging and enhancing elasticity. Additionally, facial exercises stimulate blood circulation, increase metabolic processes, ultimately leading to firmer facial skin.
Read more: Tips for Preventing Neck Skin Aging
Caring for and protecting the skin against signs of aging is always a concern for many women. To minimize aging signs such as wrinkles and sagging, it’s important to take preventive measures early on. Stay tuned to our website to quickly update and enhance your knowledge with the latest beauty tips and tricks every day!
Johnny Jacks was born in 1985 in Texas, USA. He is the founder of Good Health Plan and is passionate about helping people improve their health and physical well-being. With over a decade of experience working in the healthcare industry, he currently works at Goodheathplan.com – a blog that shares knowledge on beauty and health.