Skin Laxity

What Is Skin Laxity?

Lax skin refers to skin that is loose, while elastic or firm skin is characterised by its tautness and excellent resilience. To determine if you have elastic facial skin, you can perform a simple test: just like bouncing a ball, elastic and firm skin will exhibit resistance and quickly bounce back. This type of skin is flexible, which means you may experience fewer pillow marks when sleeping on your face, fewer fine wrinkles when laughing, and it will more effectively maintain its shape and contour.

Skin gradually loses its integrity due to:

degeneration of elastin fibres;
fragmentation of collagen and protein clumping; and
depletion of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans.

Aged skin hence develops a characteristically dry, wrinkled and leathery appearance that is more vulnerable to friction shear forces, and static line distortions

What Causes Loss Of Skin Elasticity?

Skin gradually loses its ability to cope with stressors such as:

Extrinsic influences

Ultraviolet (UV) rays, which induce collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) degradation through oxidative stress and DNA damage. UV exposure is known to be the major leading cause of premature skin ageing. A 2007 German study found significant loss of HA from the dermis in mice with long-term UVB radiation
Studies have found tobacco smoking decreases dermal density by as much as 26%
Air pollution such as ozone exposure generates harmful free radicals and depletes antioxidant and vitamin levels in the skin.
Gravity, repetitive facial expressions and so on.

Intrinsic influences

Chronological ageing directly contributes to increased inflammatory responses in our cells
Hormonal and peptide pathways also decline with age and affect overall skin function
High sugar intake causes glycation, which disrupts the crosslinking of collagen fibres
Sleep deprivation and stress contribute to a pro-inflammatory state leading to collagen damage as well

When Does Our Skin Start Losing Elasticity?

Collagen production starts to decline around age 25, decreasing approximately 1-2% per year afterwards.9 Skin noticeably starts to lose its elasticity by the 30s to 40s and particularly in the first five years of menopause when women’s skin loses around 30% of its collagen.

Can You Improve Skin Elasticity?

It is possible to slow down the deterioration of healthy collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid reserves, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity. By making certain lifestyle adjustments, using anti-ageing skincare products, and seeking clinical treatments, different layers of the skin can be repaired gradually.

Oral Supplements

Nutrient-dense skin supplements may replenish the loss of antioxidants and nutrients in the skin internally. For example, evoleum products aim to target skin ageing.

Clinic Treatments

Here are some of the available aesthetic treatments available for your skin concerns.

Chemical peels: AHAs, BHAs and PCAs are examples of skin-renewing and collagen-producing ingredients used in chemical peels. The type of acids, their concentrations and application time will be modified by our doctor for your particular skin needs.
Microneedling: Tiny micro-dents in the skin stimulate the regrowth of skin cells. They are painless and enable skincare to penetrate deeper into the skin for better efficacy. It also sets up a repair mechanism for the skin, producing more collagen and elastin in the process.
Lasers: Multiple research papers have shown that lasers help renew skin cells and thicken the dermis layer.
Radiofrequency (RF): Skin dermal layers were significantly thickened in studies on RF rejuvenation
Micro-Focused Ultrasound: Very high intensity, focused ultrasound energies act at different depths of skin to target all skin layers and induce structural improvements to the skin
Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA): As a water-binding agent, it preserves the skin’s moisture content to support optimal skin cell functions
Skin boosters/ injectable collagen stimulators: Helps with DNA repair by working within cells to optimize skin cell health

What We Do In VIDASKIN

At VIDASKIN, we provide a comprehensive anti-ageing program based on your age, needs and concerns. To book a non-obligatory consult with our doctors, WhatsApp us at 98300597

VIDASKIN Tips

What Foods Are Good For Skin Elasticity?

Consuming foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, B, C, and E can be highly beneficial. Examples of such foods include fatty fish, leafy green vegetables, dark chocolate, and green tea. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of your sugar intake and ensure you stay well-hydrated for optimal skin health.

VIDASKIN Debunks Myths

How often should I apply sun protection?

A typical SPF 50 sunscreen should protect you from 2 – 2.5 hours of direct sunlight. It is best to reapply at 2 hour intervals especially when doing sports like swimming.