When most people talk about the visible signs of aging, they think of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. But as we age, we also begin to lose elastin, the elastic tissue in our skin that keeps it looking firm and youthful, and collagen, a protein that serves as the skin’s support structure to keep it looking toned. Elastin and collagen loss leads to sagging, loose skin that can make us look older than we are. You may notice sagging at your eyebrows, eyelids, cheeks and jowls, as well as the infamous turkey waddle under the chin that makes so many people self-conscious.
If you want to banish sagging skin, you must use products designed to improve elasticity and increase collagen production. Over the counter skin products aren’t miracle workers, though, so it’s important to introduce these products to your skin care routine as soon as you see the first signs of sagging in your skin so you can keep it as firm as possible even as the candles start piling up on your birthday cake.
Start with your moisturizer. Instead of using a product that only delivers effective hydration, use a formula with specific anti-aging ingredients. If you’re in your 30’s and trying to fight sagging skin before it starts, Dermalogica’s Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30 is an ideal moisturizer. The medium-weight formula delivers plenty of moisture, but it also contains sun protection ingredients to fight UV rays that might degrade collagen and cause your skin to sag.
If you already have a moisturizer that you like, though, you can mix a few drops of Dermalogica’s Extra Firming Booster with it to increase its firming power. The booster contains vitamin C, protein peptides, and seaweed extract that help strengthen your skin’s internal structure so it looks tighter and firmer. If your skin has already lost some firmness, you can also use Extra Firming Booster directly on cleansed skin and follow it up with your favorite moisturizer.
For severely sagging skin, though, you may need a more intense treatment. Pevonia’s Repair Cream Lift & Glow brightens the skin to give it a more luminous look, but it also contains anti-free radicals, repairing peptides and Pevonia’s trademarked lumafirm™ formula. This combination helps repair and redefine facial contours for tighter, firmer looking skin that’s sure to make you look younger.
If you want a maximum intensity treatment for sagging skin, Dermalogica’s Power Rich may be your best option. Its three phase formula helps reduce fine lines, preserve the moisture balance and improve elasticity. Power Rich contains bio-stimulating botanicals that help jumpstart collagen production for firmer, smoother skin. While you can apply it to your entire face, make sure to concentrate on particularly sagging areas and allow at least one minute for the product to absorb before applying sunscreen or makeup.
When applying any moisturizer or treatment for sagging skin, it’s important to use a gentle motion so you don’t tug on the skin. Make sure you massage it in in an upward direction too to help fight gravity a bit and discourage sagging.