Skin Laxity 

Indulge in a world of rejuvenation at Cosmetics By Briony. Our Clinic offers a sanctuary for beauty and relaxation. With a team of skilled professionals, we specialise in enhancing your natural allure. From facials to body treatments, each experience is tailored to your unique needs. Let us pamper you with luxurious products and advanced techniques. Discover the secret to radiant skin and unwind in our tranquil ambience. Embrace self-care and unveil a new level of confidence. Your journey to glowing skin starts here.

​

​Changes in Collagen and Elastin

Collagen and elastin are two proteins that provide structure, support, and elasticity to the skin. As we age, our body’s production of these proteins slows down, leading to thinner, less resilient skin. This reduction in collagen and elastin is the primary cause of skin laxity. Collagen helps the skin maintain its firmness, while elastin gives it the ability to stretch and bounce back. With age, the decrease in these proteins results in a lack of firmness and the development of sagging skin.

​

Sun Exposure (Photoaging)

UV rays from the sun can break down collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. This process, called photoaging, accelerates skin aging, causing it to lose its firmness, texture, and elasticity much faster than it would from intrinsic aging alone.

Sun damage also leads to the formation of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging and laxity.

​

Hormonal Changes

Hormones, particularly estrogen, play a significant role in maintaining skin elasticity. As women age, particularly during menopause, the decline in estrogen levels contributes to reduced collagen production, which in turn leads to skin laxity.

Men also experience a decrease in testosterone levels as they age, which can similarly affect collagen and elastin levels in the skin.

​

Weight Loss or Fluctuation

Significant weight loss, especially rapid or dramatic weight loss, can cause the skin to lose its elasticity and sag because the skin may not contract quickly enough to adjust to the smaller body size. 

​

Smoking

Smoking can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to sagging skin. The toxins in cigarettes, along with the repetitive facial movements involved in smoking (like pursing the lips), can contribute to the loss of skin firmness and elasticity.

Smoking also reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and essential nutrients, which further weakens skin structure.

​

Genetics

Genetics play a major role in how our skin ages. Some people are genetically predisposed to maintain firmer skin for longer, while others may naturally experience skin laxity earlier in life. Factors like skin type, collagen production, and skin thickness are all influenced by genetic makeup.

​

Poor Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies

A lack of essential nutrients in the diet, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, and protein, can impair the skin’s ability to produce collagen and maintain elasticity.

Dehydration can also lead to the skin appearing more lax, as hydrated skin is plump and firm. Without enough hydration, skin can look saggy and less supple.

​

Sleep Deprivation

Chronic lack of sleep can lead to increased cortisol (a stress hormone) levels, which can break down collagen and elastin in the skin over time. Poor sleep also impacts the body’s natural repair processes, slowing down the regeneration of skin cells and contributing to skin aging.

​

Environmental Stressors

In addition to UV rays, environmental pollutants like air pollution and harsh weather (extreme cold or heat) can damage the skin’s structure and accelerate the loss of collagen and elastin, leading to sagging.

​

Facial Movements and Muscle Atrophy

Over time, repetitive facial movements, such as squinting, frowning, or smiling, can contribute to skin laxity by creating grooves and wrinkles, particularly in areas like the forehead, eyes, and mouth. Additionally, muscle atrophy in the face, particularly the loss of fat in the cheeks and temples, can create a hollow, sagging appearance.

​

Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea can cause inflammation that damages the skin’s structure, leading to a loss of elasticity and potential sagging. Over time, constant inflammation can weaken the skin's ability to regenerate and maintain its tightness.

​