You're not alone in the battle of sagging skin. It's sometimes called crepey skin because it can resemble the crinkles on crepe paper. The problem is, it is rarely just one thing that contributes to this problem.
In this article we are going to take an internal and external view of the problem and potential solutions. This approach to caring for our skin will allow us to achieve better results.
Let's take a look at the top 3 factors in sagging, crepey skin and how to improve it.
Sun Exposure
Sun damage is the most common external culprit of sagging, crepey skin. UVA radiation, which has the longest wavelengths, can penetrate to the middle layer of skin called the dermis. The dermis contains collagen and elastin that maintain the skin's structure. Too much exposure and collagen and elastin break down losing it's firmness. Although UVB radiation does not travel as far as the dermis, it causes damage to the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin.
We cannot (and should not) avoid the sun, but the solution is to limit exposure to the sun without sunscreen. We need sunlight for our bodies to make Vitamin D to support bone health, blood cells, and immune system. Research shows 5 to 15 minutes (30 minutes for darker skin) is enough time but in order to stay out longer we must use sun protection.
Sugar (simply sugars)
Acne is not the only worrisome thing that sugar (or an unhealthy diet) can do to the skin. It can lead to sagging, crepey skin because it breaks down collagen and elastin – the proteins that give our skin shape, structure, and firmness.
Unfortunately, sugar is hiding in our food and beverages with cleverly disguised names. Did you know there are 61 names for sugar? Wow, right!
The solution is, we have to self-educate and read labels in order to avoid eating too much sugar. Start today to notice where it's hiding in your food and beverages.
Aging
No one can avoid aging but we can certainly choose to age gracefully. The biggest impact on our skin as we age is a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin. Without these proteins, skin gets crepey and will sag.
There are many solutions (choices) for aging gracefully. Using high performance products and advanced technology, we can boost collagen and elastin helping skin retain and improve firmness.
The best food sources for collagen are: bone broth, eggs, meats - especially red meats including beef, pork, and lamb, fish and spirulina. The most abundant amino acids in collagen are glycine, lysine and proline, and these are also available in plant-based foods such as tofu, black beans, pistachio nuts, peanuts, cashews and pumpkin, sunflower and chia seeds.
It's better to stick to grass fed and grass finished, non-gmo, organic options when possible. Also, vitamin C is needed to synthesize collagen so ensure you're getting enough vitamin C as well. It typically takes 8 weeks once increasing collagen food or supplements to see improvements in the skin. Stay diligent!
In closing, there are additional factors that can cause crepey skin, including hormonal changes, dehydration (drinking more water can improve crepey skin), weight loss, using tobacco, excess alcohol, and stress.
Developing a consistent skincare routine, ensuring an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, and if in doubt, all natural, standardized supplements are an option, and will go a long way in preventing and improving sagging skin.
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