The skin, the organ that protects us from the external environment, can lose its elasticity over time, becoming less toned. There are, however, many ways to slow down the loss of skin elasticity and to restore its radiance and healthy appearance. In the following lines, we will explore together the factors that lead to loss of skin elasticity and find out how you can prevent this process.
Skin and its properties
The skin is an organ that is of great importance for the health and integrity of the body, so proper skin care is essential, as it is exposed to many factors that can have a strong impact on its health. From exposure to UV rays, to daily stress and hormonal changes, the skin can undergo changes that can lead to health problems.
The skin fulfils many roles for the body, including:
- Protective role - The skin protects the body from harmful external factors such as pathogens or injuries.
- Thermoregulation - The skin plays an important role in regulating body temperature through blood vessels and sweat glands.
- The role of sense organ - The skin is covered with receptor nerves that transmit information about pressure, temperature and pain to the brain. In other words, the skin is the organ responsible for the sense of touch.
- Absorption capacity - Skin tissue can absorb certain substances, such as cosmetics and topical medicines.
- Secrecy - sebaceous glands in the skin secrete sebum (oil) which helps protect the skin and prevent it from drying out.
- Vitamin D synthesis - Under the action of UV rays, the skin can synthesise vitamin D, a compound particularly important for calcium absorption and maintaining bone health.
Why skin elasticity and firmness are important
Skin elasticity refers to its ability to stretch and contract without breaking or becoming marked. Skin elasticity is influenced by the level of collagen and elastin, two important proteins in the skin's structure. When skin has adequate collagen and elastin, it quickly recovers to its original shape after being stretched.
Firmness refers to the tone and stability of the skin, determining its smoothness and youthfulness. As with elasticity, skin firmness depends to a large extent on the concentration of collagen and elastin. As we get older, collagen and elastin levels in the skin decrease, causing loss of skin firmness and the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. This is why skin firmness is often considered an indication of youth and beauty.
Loss of skin elasticity - causes
There are several factors that can trigger loss of skin elasticity, including:
- advancing age - the natural ageing process leads to loss of skin elasticity;
- excessive sun exposure - UV radiation can affect collagen and elastin production, especially when the skin is exposed to the sun's rays for a long time or is not properly protected;
- smoking - this habit can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the skin, which can lead to loss of elasticity;
- dehydration - skin can become dry and lack elasticity if it is not sufficiently moisturised;
- stress - A stressful lifestyle can affect skin health, including skin elasticity;
- poor nutrition - insufficient intake of essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E or minerals such as iron can contribute to loss of skin elasticity;
- insufficient rest - an inadequate sleep schedule can lead to stress accumulation and decreased collagen production;
- unhealthy habits - Excessive consumption of alcohol or foods high in salt, sugar or unhealthy fats can lead to less elastic skin than normal.
Treatment methods for firm skin
Thanks to the ever-evolving treatment technologies, you can now benefit from a range of non-invasive aesthetic procedures tailored to your needs when it comes to regaining skin firmness and elasticity:
- Biorevitalization (Facial Mesotherapy) - Biorevitalization is a treatment procedure that offers fast and long-lasting effects for a multitude of skin problems: it helps restore firmness, stimulates microcirculation and hydrates tissues.
- Intravenous therapies - vitamin and mineral infusions have a nourishing role for the body's tissues; for example, Skin Glow therapy, based on a mix of antioxidants, has a powerful anti-aging effect, restoring elasticity and radiance to the skin.
- RevolvX - Based on state-of-the-art technology, RevolvX is an integrated solution that combines the advantages of vacuum, radiofrequency, LED and transdermal oscillation procedures.
- Icoone LASER MED - This procedure is based on a high-performance laser technology, applying a stimulation called "Multi Micro Alveolar Stimulation". The LED light laser acts at the level of the cell pores, activating the mitochondria. This process results in improved cellular oxygenation and tissue stimulation through lymphatic drainage and lipolysis.
- Comfort Line - The Comfort Line treatments result in more elastic skin, a reduction in circumference in the treated areas, the elimination of cellulite and firm, toned skin. Comfort Line procedures are safe, painless, have no side effects and require no recovery periods.
Aesthetician is best able to recommend a plan of body therapies in accordance with your general health and lifestyle. Following a consultation, the specialist will be able to decide on the appropriate type of treatment and the number of sessions required.
Measures to prevent skin ageing
There are several methods of prevention designed to reduce the ageing process of the skin and, at the same time, avoid reducing the firmness and elasticity of the skin:
- protection against UV radiation - it is recommended to use products with a sun protection factor and to avoid direct exposure to the sun during periods with a high UV index;
- adequate hydration - Sufficient water consumption and the use of moisturising products play an essential role in maintaining an optimal degree of elasticity in your skin;
- proper nutrition - A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats can help you keep your skin firm and healthy;
- a proper sleep and physical activity routine - Both rest and exercise have a major impact on the health and appearance of your skin;
- avoiding vicious habits;
- use of appropriate skin care products - Choose skin care products that contain moisturizing ingredients and essential nutrients to maintain skin health.
Thus, by adopting these preventive measures, you can help to reduce the skin aging process and enjoy healthy, firm and youthful skin.
Moisturising the skin from the inside
To maintain proper skin elasticity, it is important to pay attention to the processes that take place inside the body. Hydrating the skin from the inside means adopting healthy, long-term habits and consists, first and foremost, of drinking enough water every day. In this way, the skin will stay hydrated and toxins can be easily eliminated either through diuresis or sweating. Last but not least, adequate water consumption stimulates the metabolism and gives a high general tonus.