Ways you can firm up your skin

With age, skin starts to lose its firmness and begins to sag. Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels in the skin get depleted, resulting in a loss of youthful firmness.

While ageing is inevitable, the good news is that you can slow down the process by following a consistent skincare programme and making some lifestyle changes.

Here are seven effective ways to help you keep your skin youthfully firm and supple:

Harmful sun rays can cause collagen to break down at a higher rate than normal aging. UV radiation from the sun penetrates the middle layer of skin (dermis), causing the abnormal build-up of elastin.

 These elastins trigger the production of enzymes that inadvertently break down collagen. Continued sun speeds the process, leading to hyperpigmentation, wrinkling and sagging.

Applying sunscreen is the most effective way to protect your skin from harmful sun rays that can cause premature ageing.

Even if you spend most of your time indoors, you are still exposed to sun rays. UV rays can penetrate through glass windows. You should also wear SPF when it is cloudy – UV rays can also go through clouds.

To keep your skin firm, you cannot afford to skip sunscreen. Pick a sunscreen that you like and make it a habit of using it daily. Try La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ Lotion.

Antioxidants are compounds that protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can wreak havoc in your cells, causing illness and ageing. Even though they’re naturally produced in the body, your skin is also exposed to free radicals from external sources such as UV light and pollution.

Antioxidants are able to neutralise free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons. This prevents the chain reaction that ends up damaging your cells. In this way, they promote skin firmness and prevent premature ageing.

The best antioxidants to incorporate into your skincare routine to boost firmness include vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol. Try The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2 per cent, Garnier Vitamin C Booster Serum, and L’Oreal Revitalift Night Cream.

Stress is a normal reaction to the pressures of life. While stress is inevitable, it has a negative impact on the youthful firmness of your skin.

It causes inflammation and slows down your body’s ability to rejuvenate and repair itself. The stress hormone cortisol breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to sagging, lines, and wrinkles.

To avoid exacerbating loose skin through stress, find healthy ways to reduce and deal with stress. Not only will reducing and managing stress help improve the appearance of your skin, it will also improve your overall health.

To manage stress, try daily deep-breathing exercises, yoga, and taking breaks from work. You can relax with a nice cup of herbal tea, which contain antioxidants to protect your skin.

Do not underestimate the power of keeping yourself properly moisturised and hydrated. By simply drinking your eight glasses of water per day, you can boost your overall health and improve the appearance and health of your skin. Being hydrated helps retain your skin’s elasticity, preventing sagging and wrinkles.

While hydrating from the inside is important, you must also invest in a good moisturiser. Regardless of your skin type – dry, oily, or combination - you need to use a moisturiser to keep your skin from drying up and losing its firmness.

For dry skin, go for thick creams to lock in moisture, such as CeraVe Moisturising Cream. For oily skin, look for water-based, oil-free moisturisers, such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.

If you have a combination of normal skin types, you can use any type of moisturiser. For sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free moisturisers that do not contain parabens and other irritants – such as Olay Moisturising Face Lotion for Sensitive Skin.

When your skin’s sagginess has progressed, you may need more radical treatments to resolve it. There are a few options to consider, including injectable dermal fillers and laser treatments.

Dermal fillers are quite popular; they can help restore your skin’s youthful fullness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Laser treatments, provide a non-invasive option to firm up your skin. Laser treatments remove old skin cells, revealing newer skin cells that give your skin a natural, youthful glow.

If you want to try skin treatments to firm up your skin, consult a qualified dermatologist or skilled skincare professional. They will examine your skin and determine the right treatment for you.