12.08.2007

Saggy Skin - What can we do about it?


As we age, saggy skin becomes more and more of a problem. This is due to the loss of collagen and elastin in our skin. After 40 we lose 1 to 25% OF OUR COLLAGEN PRODUCTION PER YEAR. In addition to this we loose VOLUME. These results from a combination of factors, osteoporosis occurs in our facial bones, just like the other bones in our body. Now just as our facial bones shrink with age so do our facial muscles. As we get older they get weaker and thinner. Finally our skin thins as the second layer or dermis thins The result of loss of volume along with looser skin is sagging, wrinkles, folds and hollows. Often times the process begins with delicate lines such as expression lines, brow lines, and mild crow’s feet and later develops into more unsightly sagging in the entire face. Now while we can’t stop the process entirely we can work with what we know is going to happen at the skin level with the new cosmeceuticals, The key with any good skin care regime is to prevent further damage while making up for past damage. Active products such as Retinaldehydes and products with growth factors can actually thicken the dermis with time as they augment new collagen production.In the past, the only way to deal with or reverse this effect has been with expensive cosmetic surgery, painful toxin injections, and harsh chemical peels. Each of these comes with a long list of potentially serious side effects. Add to that a price tag that is prohibitive for the vast majority of the population and it is easy to see why so many people look to alternative treatments for dealing with saggy skin.

Preventing Saggy Skin The best way to deal with saggy skin is to ensure that you take a proactive approach to skin care and follow a few simple steps to help prevent the early onset of facial sagging. Here are some tips to help keep your skin firm:

1. Keep Properly Hydrated.
While it is true that it is important to keep hydrated internally by drinking at least 8 full glasses of water a day, this is not enough. Internally water aids your skin's natural cleansing system. However you need to also hydrate your skin externally. This is where moisturizers come into play. In order to talk about how these products work we must first discus the skin itself. Your epidermis, or the outer, dead layer of your skin is hydrophobic and lipophilic. That means it repels water and likes oils or lipids. So we can use oils to coat the skin and keep water in, like TNS Ceramide treatment cream, or we can bring water in using a Hyaluronic acid, such as in Hyalogy P-Serum effect. Hyaluronic acid is the main product in soft tissue fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm. Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, drawing water into the area. This allows it to pump up your lips as well as your skin. So decide which consistency of moisturizer you like oil base or water base and then narrow it down from there.
2. Protect Yourself From the Sun Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature saggy skin and facial wrinkles. Always apply a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15 if you plan on being outdoors for more than 30 minutes. Your sunscreen is one of your most powerful weapons against saggy skin and aging spots.Anthelios is the best with Mexoryl. It is important to block both UVB and UVA rays. A new ranking system is in the works with the FDA but presently the SPF or sun protection factor is for UVB rays only.
3. Don’t Smoke
Avoid smoking at all costs. If you are currently a smoker, do whatever it takes to quit – permanently. Smoking actively increases the signs of aging and can increase your risk of developing sagging skin significantly. There is a pill out now that can really help. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate.
4. Keep Your Skin Clean
Never go to bed with make up on. This will lead to increased stress on your skin and can cause pores to clog and become infected. Be sure to wash your entire face daily with a gentle cleanser. The key here is not to rub, scrape, or be overly abrasive in the process. As with most things in life, moderation is the key to achieving favorable long term results.

Reducing Existing Saggy Skin

What can be done about existing lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin? Recent scientific breakthroughs have allowed for the development of very effective cosmetic products that can reduce saggy skin as well as facial lines and wrinkles without the risks involved with other more traditional procedures. Check out products with growth factors such as TNS by Skinmedica and Neocutis.

A word of caution, there are some products that produce outstanding results and have independent clinical studies to back up their claims while the market remains flooded with copycat products that deliver nothing more than a hit to your bank account.
All products sold on SkinStore4less website have been carefully tested and produce real, significant results when used properly. Watch out for companies that make claims but fail to stand behind their products. The bottom line is to know the company that you are dealing with and stick to doing business with one that has a solid reputation for delivering results. There are countless products on the market but only a handful that are based on legitimate science. These are the ones to add to your daily skin care regimen.

We all know that saggy skin can be problematic and sometimes even downright scary. By following the tips listed above and carefully selecting your skin care products, you'll be one step ahead in the battle against sagging skin. Keep your skin looking young and healthy by taking a proactive approach dealing with skin care. We all get old but we don't have to look that way!