5 Tips to Improve Skin Elasticity

Your skin does a lot of work for you. It’s your first line of defense between your body and the outside world.

Skin elasticity can be improved with a healthy mix of preventative measures and diligent skincare, including:

• Protecting your skin from the sun
• Using antioxidants
• Using peptides
• Moisturizing
• Opting for skin-tightening procedures

What is Elasticity and How Do You Lose It?

Elasticity is the skin’s ability to stretch and snap back into shape. An inability to do this can cause the skin to look saggy or wrinkly. Ultimately, a loss of elasticity is the result of a breakdown the protein in your skin that contributes to the structure and firmness.

You naturally lose collagen as you age, but other factors can also leave your skin vulnerable to wrinkling and sagging.

Elastin is an entirely different protein from collagen. We make the majority of our elastin early in life. By the time we are in our early 40s, our bodies ability to make elastin slows down to a trickle. By the time we are 70, we only have half the elastin we were born with!

Environmental elements can cause the loss of skin elasticity, such as:

• Sun exposure – Long-term UV exposure from the sun not only leaves you vulnerable to burning, but it can also cause premature signs of aging (also known as photoaging) thanks to a breakdown of collagen and elastin¹.

• Air pollution – Exposure to air pollution can lead to the aging of the skin and a loss of elasticity. This is because free radicals create oxidative stress on your skin.²

These lifestyle factors can contribute to a loss of skin elasticity:

• Poor nutrition, smoking, and lack of sleep – Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so when you don’t treat your body well, your skin will suffer. Eating well, sleeping enough, and avoiding smoking are some basic lifestyle habits that help you avoid a rapid decrease of collagen in your skin.³

Aside from aging, environmental stress, and lifestyle factors, skin elasticity can be lost through a lackluster skincare routine which can lead to:

• Dehydration – Once again, oxidative stress is the enemy of firm, youthful skin. Dehydrated skin leads to oxidative stress which hinders your skin’s collagen production.⁴

• Weak skin barrier – Your skin barrier is incredibly important for the health and beauty of your skin. A strong skin barrier protects against oxidative stress, maintains your skin’s ability to hold moisture, and promotes natural collagen generation.⁵

A weak skin barrier can result from harmful environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as poor skincare practices including:

• Harsh chemicals
• Over-exfoliation
• Over-washing
• Dehydration

How can you tell if your skin barrier is weak? Look for the following signs:

• Dry or scaly
• Itchy
• Overly sensitive or inflamed
• Rough
• Discolored
• Infected
• Acne (as diagnosed by a provider)
• Rosacea (as diagnosed by a provider)

Our bodies have the ability to re-stimulate collagen throughout our lives. However, beginning around age 20, we lose 1 percent of collagen each year as we age. That's why it’s so important to build a daily routine of collagen-building ingredients to maintain firm, youthful-looking skin.

Let’s get into the tips for how to restore collagen in the face and body.

#1 Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Sun damage isn’t called photoaging just because it increases the signs of aging, it actually accelerates the skin’s natural aging mechanisms. For example, increased UV radiation from the sun is strongly linked to more active elastase. Elastase is an enzyme that becomes more active as you age and it is highly associated with decreased elasticity.⁶

Collagenase is another enzyme our body produces when we are exposed to UV rays. Collagenase is the enzyme that breaks down healthy collagen.

To reduce the risk of your skin being overexposed to the sun, wear sunscreen that has 30+ SPF every day. Sunscreen protects your skin from absorbing UV radiation. Remember that sun exposure occurs even when you’re driving in your car or sitting near a window. That’s why it’s critical to wear sunscreen every single day—not only days when you are spending a lot of time outside.

#2 Increase Your Antioxidant Intake

Overproduction of free radicals causes oxidative stress on your skin which leads to a decrease in collagen and elastin. Antioxidants to help keep free radicals at bay and help maintain your skin’s volume and elasticity.

Antioxidants also have a host of other benefits for your skin.

Here are some antioxidants and their known benefits:

• Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) – Niacinamide is well known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, combat inflammation, and brighten the skin. It is also effective at smoothing fine lines and retaining moisture.⁷

• Vitamin A – You can find vitamin A in the form of retinoids, like retinol. Retinoids are potent collagen producers and help decrease signs of aging.⁸ Learn how to use retinol here.

• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory and can promote wound healing. It can also stimulate collagen production and promote skin brightening by blocking the enzyme that pigments the skin.⁹

• Coenzyme Q10 – Research on CoQ10 has shown that it can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating hyaluronic acid in the skin.¹⁰

• Dill extract – Lysyl oxidase-like is a naturally occuring enzyme that contributes to the skin’s elastic function and decreases with age. Dill extract has been shown to significantly increase skin elasticity by increasing Lysyl oxidase-like.¹¹

Where to Find Helpful Antioxidants

Check out these ALASTIN products with antioxidants that support skin elasticity:

Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology® – Restorative Skin Complex is a serum that helps smooth and plump skin. It is packed with three potent antioxidants, including strengthening and brightening niacinamide. It is best used twice daily after cleanser and before moisturizer.

Restorative Neck Complex with TriHex Technology – Restorative Neck Complex supports the hydration, toning, and tightening of the delicate skin on the neck and decollete. The formula includes four antioxidants, including niacinamide and dill extract. It is best used twice daily after cleanser and before moisturizer.

Renewal Retinol – Renewal Retinol is a potent serum formulated to help reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging skin. It is best used in the evening. Start by using it two to three nights a week. You can gradually increase to nightly use if it is tolerated well.

#3 Use Peptide-Packed Products

Peptides are short-chain amino acids found in the skin that have many functions, including:¹²

• Signaling your skin cells to make more collagen
• Slowing down the enzymes that break down your skin’s collagen
• Relaxing your muscles to inhibit the formation of facial wrinkles
• Carrying trace elements to your skin that support elasticity

Where to Find Peptides

To make use of peptides for skin, keep an eye out for our products with ALASTIN's TriHex Technology®. TriHex Technology® is a mix of peptides that are clinically proven to encourage:

• Removal of aged or damaged collagen and elastin underneath the skin (in the extracellular matrix)
• Collagen stimulation and elastin regeneration

The products formulated with TriHex Technology® include:

• Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology®

• TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology®

• INhance Post-Injection Serum with TriHex Technology®

• Restorative Eye Treatment with TriHex Technology®

• Restorative Neck Complex with TriHex Technology®

Peptides can be used daily for continued skin firmness and skin health.

#4 Moisturize

Dehydrated skin can contribute to loss of skin elasticity. Moisturizing is a must for firm, elastic skin.

Our Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex Technology® contains linoleic acid and phospholipids which are the building blocks of the skin’s lipid layer. The lipid layer is essential for moisture retention and supports your skin barrier.¹³ A strong skin barrier keeps out foreign invaders and keeps our own moisture in our skin (also known as TransEpidermal Water Loss orTEWL).

Don’t Neglect the Eyes

The skin around your eyes is especially thin, which can contribute to a weakened skin barrier and wrinkling if not treated with special care.

Our Restorative Eye Treatment with TriHex Technology® not only strengthens and moisturizes the skin around the eyes, but treats dark circles and puffiness with a blend of peptides and brightening niacinamide.

#5 Make an Appointment for a Skin-Tightening Procedure

There are a variety of procedures you can undergo to make your skin more elastic and firm.

Injectable Treatment

Dermal fillers can be injected into the skin to plump and volumize skin that has sagged or wrinkled. Botox is a popular injectable treatment that inhibits muscle contraction to prevent the formation of wrinkles.

Body Contouring

There are a variety of body contouring or body sculpting procedures including:

• Controlled cooling
• Controlled heating
• Laser heating
• Injection

Every method of body contouring targets and eliminates fat cells to tighten sagging skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use acids to chemically exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and making room for newer, more elastic skin.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion physically exfoliates the face, removing the top layer of damaged skin, thereby stimulating collagen production.

Microneedling

Microneedling makes microscopic punctures in the skin, activating the skin’s healing response which stimulates an influx of collagen.

Procedure Aftercare

Caring for your skin after a procedure can be just as important as the procedure itself. To maintain your results, use these post-procedure products:

• Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology® – Regenerating Skin Nectar is formulated to calm and preserve skin that has undergone a skin rejuvenation procedure, such as a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or microneedling.

• TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology® – When used in conjunction with a body sculpting treatment TransFORM Body Treatment accelerates the breakdown of fat cells while helping to rebuild collagen and elastin.

• INhance Post-Injection Serum with TriHex Technology® – INhance Post-Injection Serum can help accelerate the healing of bruising and swelling post-procedure.

Restore Skin Elasticity with ALASTIN

It’s okay if your skin has lost a bit of firmness with age or environmental factors, but all hope is not lost. Nursing your skin back to health begins with skin-firming ingredients backed by clinical results. ALASTIN products are packed full of them.

Sources:

1. Rittié, Laure, and Gary J Fisher. “Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin.” Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine vol. 5,1 a015370. 5 Jan. 2015, doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a015370
   
   
2. Parrado, Concepcion et al. “Environmental Stressors on Skin Aging. Mechanistic Insights.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 10 759. 9 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00759
   
   
3. Ganceviciene, Ruta et al. “Skin anti-aging strategies.” Dermato-endocrinology vol. 4,3 (2012): 308-19. doi:10.4161/derm.22804
   
   
4. Ibid.
   
   
5. Ibid.
   
   
6. Imokawa, Genji, and Koichi Ishida. "Biological Mechanisms Underlying The Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Formation Of Skin Wrinkling And Sagging I: Reduced Skin Elasticity, Highly Associated With Enhanced Dermal Elastase Activity, Triggers Wrinkling And Sagging". International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, vol 16, no. 12, 2015, pp. 7753-7775. MDPI AG, doi:10.3390/ijms16047753.
   
   
7. Gehring, W. “Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 3,2 (2004): 88-93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
   
   
8. Ganceviciene, Ruta et al. “Skin anti-aging strategies.” Dermato-endocrinology vol. 4,3 (2012): 308-19. doi:10.4161/derm.22804
   
   
9. Telang, Pumori Saokar. “Vitamin C in dermatology.” Indian dermatology online journal vol. 4,2 (2013): 143-6. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593
   
   
10. Blatt, Thomas et al. "Coq10, A Topical Energizer For Aging Skin". Journal Of The American Academy Of Dermatology, vol 50, no. 3, 2004, p. P76. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.10.628.
    
    
11. Sohm, B et al. “Evaluation of the efficacy of a dill extract in vitro and in vivo.” International journal of cosmetic science vol. 33,2 (2011): 157-63. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00606.x
    
    
12. Schagen, Silke Karin. "Topical peptide treatments with effective anti-aging results." Cosmetics 4.2 (2017): 16.
    
    
13. Coderch, Luisa et al. “Ceramides and skin function.” American journal of clinical dermatology vol. 4,2 (2003): 107-29. doi:10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004