Collagen boosters. Top non-surgical treatments for skin laxity
Our skin is raised, firm, and taut when we are young. This is because the skin’s dermis, or inner layer, contains stores of collagen and elastin, two proteins crucial for skin health and healing. Our skin loses its ability to produce collagen and elastin as we age, and when these levels drop, our skin is more prone to drooping or laxity. Genetics, stress, sun exposure, weight fluctuations, and smoking will also reduce the collagen and elastin in our skin. Skin laxity is a natural part of the aging process, however, this isn’t to say there is nothing that can be done to tighten the skin and achieve a more youthful look.
What is skin laxity?
Skin laxity, or sagging skin, occurs when skin loses its firmness and ability to bounce back. Skin laxity refers to the condition where the skin becomes loose, saggy, and less firm. This occurs when the skin stops producing elastin and collagen, which are essential for maintaining its tightness and youthful appearance. Because of this, skin becomes loose and slack, and can droop in places, including the face. It can result in a less youthful, more tired appearance.
Causes of skin laxity
- Aging
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, decreases. This leads to thinner, less resilient skin. Over time, the constant pull of gravity causes the skin to sag, particularly in areas like the face, neck, and body.
- Sun exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, accelerating the aging process and causing premature skin laxity. Prolonged sun exposure leads to photoaging, which manifests as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
- Weight loss
Losing a significant amount of weight quickly can result in excess, sagging skin, as the skin does not have enough time to adjust to the new body size. Repeated cycles of gaining and losing weight can weaken the skin’s elasticity over time.
- Smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of essential nutrients and oxygen. This can lead to premature aging and skin laxity.
- Poor diet
A diet lacking in essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and E, and proteins can impair the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate, leading to loss of elasticity.
- Dehydration
Inadequate water intake can make the skin less plump and more prone to sagging.
- Genetics
Genetic predisposition can influence the rate at which an individual’s skin loses elasticity and firmness. Some people are genetically more prone to developing loose skin.
- Environmental factors
Exposure to environmental pollutants can damage the skin and accelerate the aging process, leading to sagging and loss of firmness. Extreme weather conditions, such as excessive heat or cold, can dehydrate and damage the skin, affecting its elasticity.
- Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes during menopause, particularly the decrease in estrogen levels, can lead to a loss of collagen and skin elasticity. Hormonal fluctuations and the stretching of skin during pregnancy can contribute to skin laxity, especially in the abdominal area.
- Stress
Prolonged stress can increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to sagging and wrinkles.
- Lack of proper skincare
Inadequate skin care routines, such as not moisturizing or protecting the skin from the sun, can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing the skin to become loose and saggy.
Best non-surgical treatments for skin laxity
PDO threads
PDO threads offer a non-surgical treatment for individuals who address mild to moderate skin laxity and achieve a more youthful, lifted appearance. A thread lift, particularly the PDO (polydioxanone) thread lift, is a cosmetic technique that delicately lifts and tightens sagging skin tissues by inducing collagen production using threads made of PDO. These threads are the same as those used in medical suturing, they are completely biodegradable and safely absorbed by the body over time. Using tiny needles, the thin threads are inserted into the skin’s subdermal layer during the procedure. Once in place, they act as a scaffold, holding the skin in a lifted position. They also provoke the body’s healing response, causing it to ramp up collagen production in the treated areas, thus enhancing skin texture and elasticity.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers offer a versatile solution for skin laxity without surgery. By restoring lost volume and supporting sagging skin, fillers can effectively enhance facial contours and achieve a more youthful appearance. Using dermal fillers, it is possible to replace the volume that has naturally been lost with time. Dermal fillers can also be used to enhance and balance particular areas of the face, for example, it can be used to make a chin more prominent to make it balance better with the rest of the face. Dermal fillers are carefully injected beneath the skin’s surface to lessen static facial wrinkles and to softly enhance and add definition and fullness to the lips.
PRP to treat skin laxity
The growth factors in Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Platelets are the cells in the blood that help tissue to heal and grow new cells – they are the “first responders” to injuries in our bodies. By injecting platelets back into the body we can stimulate new tissue development and repair, which can improve skin laxity. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) promotes the regeneration of skin cells, improving skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. PRP’s healing properties help repair damaged skin and reduce signs of aging, including sagging and fine lines.
Morpheus8 for skin laxity
Morpheus8 is an advanced, non-surgical treatment option for addressing skin laxity and improving overall skin texture. By combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy, Morpheus8 effectively stimulates collagen production, tightens skin, and enhances facial and body contours. Tiny needles create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and stimulating collagen and elastin production. RF energy is delivered through the microneedles, heating the deeper layers of the skin to promote collagen remodeling and skin tightening. The dual action of microneedling and RF energy enhances skin rejuvenation, providing both superficial and deep tissue benefits. Morpheus8 is a versatile and customizable treatment that offers significant benefits with minimal downtime.
Microneedling
Microneedling is an effective, non-surgical treatment for improving skin laxity. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, it enhances skin firmness, texture, and overall appearance. The microneedling device is gently moved over the treatment area, creating controlled micro-injuries. The depth and intensity of the needles can be adjusted based on the specific skin concerns and treatment goals. With minimal downtime and the ability to treat various areas of the body, microneedling is a versatile option for those seeking to address signs of aging and achieve a more youthful look.
Non-surgical treatments for skin laxity present a valuable opportunity to enhance skin firmness and achieve a more youthful appearance without the need for invasive surgery. By promoting collagen production and improving skin structure, these treatments help combat the natural aging process and restore confidence in one’s appearance.
