Sagging skin is a common concern for those of us who are beginning to see signs of ageing. Sagging skin is largely attributed to the reduced production of the skin’s natural hydrator, elastin, which gives it its ability to “bounce back”. When coupled with a depleting production of collagen and loss of subcutaneous fat under the skin, we can also see the skin begin to sag as volume is lost leaving us appearing gaunt.
The production of collagen and elastin in our skin will begin to slow in our late twenties, and furthermore in our thirties and menopausal women seeing the most rapid decline. In men, this decline is more gradual over a longer period of time. Our lifestyle choices will also contribute to the speed at which our skin ages, as smoking, sun exposure and poor diet and hydration will all accelerate the ageing process.
Weight loss is also another factor to consider, as when the skin has become stretched over long periods of during weight gain, the loss of this weight may leave behind loose skin that is no longer able to revert back to it’s more youthful, tighter state.