- 01 HOW DOES SAGGING SKIN DEVELOP?
- 02 WHERE DOES SAGGING SKIN OCCUR?
- 03 THESE ARE THE CAUSES OF SAGGING SKIN
- 04 ACTIVE INGREDIENTS THAT REDUCE SAGGING SKIN
- 05 PREVENT SAGGING SKIN ON THE FACE
- 06 WHAT HELPS PREVENT SAGGING SKIN ON THE BODY?
- 07 SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR SAGGING SKIN
HOW DOES SAGGING SKIN DEVELOP?
Sagging skin is a cosmetic problem that mainly concerns women over 50. With the onset of menopause, the body changes. Hormone levels, especially estrogen, decline quickly and collagen production slows. In the first five years of menopause, women lose about 30 % of their collagen. However, this is the strongest protein in our body and plays the biggest role in keeping the skin looking fresh, firm, and smooth. Collagen, together with elastin, forms an elastic support structure and thus provides moisture as well as a plump and firm complexion. However, this support structure becomes weaker and weaker over the years. Since the body's own collagen production already slows down in your mid-20s, you should start using anti-aging cosmetics early on, before sagging and wrinkles become noticeable.
At the same time, less and less hyaluronic acid, elastin, and lipids are produced during menopause, which ensure that the skin remains supple and well moisturized. This in turn leads to a decreased ability to maintain its water balance, drying out the skin and thus causing deep wrinkles to form more quickly. The loss of elastin, another protein responsible for elasticity, causes the skin to sag - resulting in drooping cheeks and bags under the eyes.
As these important substances that maintain our body's structure slowly disappear, the subcutaneous fat in our skin also reduces[1], along with the fat that lies just below the surface of the skin and which helps to provide a youthful glow
WHERE DOES SAGGING SKIN OCCUR?
Sagging skin can occur anywhere on the body and especially on the face:
SAGGING SKIN ON THE FACE
- Cheeks: Sagging cheeks are essentially caused by excess fat and loose connective tissue. As soon as skin starts to age, elasticity steadily decreases and fat is increasingly deposited in the subcutaneous tissue in the upper area of the cheek. Sagging cheeks can develop as a result of a decrease in connective tissue elasticity linked to aging.
- Skin under the eyes: the skin around the eyes, for example, is particularly thin. This is where you first see the signs of sagging skin - wrinkles and dry patches under the eyes are among the first symptoms to appear here.
- Neck and chin area: the skin on the chin and neck also becomes slacker over time. When the skin of the neck and chin area becomes slack, sagging skin can form, which is also known as "turkey neck".
SAGGING SKIN ON THE BODY
- Abdomen: the abdomen can also be affected by sagging skin. Severe weight fluctuations, hereditary factors, and pregnancies are the causes here. Sagging skin on the abdomen can also affect well-being and self-confidence
- Legs: sagging skin on the legs is often recognized in the form of cellulite, also known as orange peel skin. The small indentations are especially noticeable if you squeeze the skin ever so slightly.
- Upper arms: often our upper arms are also affected by sagging skin. Colloquially, this is then referred to as "bat wings". This phenomenon of flabby upper arms also means that many women, especially in summer, no longer feel comfortable in their skin.
- Neck: sagging skin on the neck and under the chin (also known as turkey neck) is also common. Here, the skin is also particularly thin and exposed to the sun and thus UV rays fairly regularly. Sagging skin on the neck and chest can make you look much older than you actually are.
WHY DOES SAGGING SKIN OCCUR? - CAUSES AT A GLANCE
Sagging affects the entire skin, not just that on the face. As mentioned at the beginning, this is due to the gradual age-related reduction of elastin, collagen, and hyaluron.
Hereditary connective tissue weakness can also cause the skin on the body to be less elastic and plump, even at a young age.
Major weight fluctuations due to dieting, obesity or pregnancy can also thoroughly put the skin's resilience to the test. Smoking, the consumption of alcohol, regular sunbathing, little sleep, a lot of stress and a nutrient-poor diet can also promote sagging.
SAGGING SKIN IN OLD AGE
It is important that you adapt your skin care to your age because the needs of your skin change. It often becomes more demanding with age and needs richer skincare products to glow. Sagging skin in those over 50 may be caused by another reason: menopause. During this phase, the production of female sex hormones decreases and the skin appears thinner, drier, and less toned. The contours of the face may lose their clarity, and the skin's radiance diminishes. This is the time to take action with the right anti-aging skincare products for mature skin and a healthy lifestyle.
SAGGING SKIN AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
After a successful diet, the achievements can give you a new sense of self-confidence. Finally, the dream figure we always wanted! But often the skin does not follow. The fat disappears, the body becomes significantly smaller: the skin now looks flabbier.
The use of a body care oil keeps the skin elastic and supple. This is because the skin is better supplied with blood when massaged in and the valuable skincare ingredients can penetrate it particularly well. The skin is intensely cared for and can thus regain elasticity and suppleness in the long term. But sometimes sagging skin can't be counteracted with the right skincare products. In some cases, invasive surgery, such as a tummy tuck, is necessary - but you should definitely consult a doctor about this.
SAGGING SKIN AFTER PREGNANCY
Just as with weight loss, the skin can also sag after pregnancy. In a very short time, our body performs unimaginable feats: a new human being grows inside our body. The belly becomes large, the skin stretches. Fat reserves are stored and hormones change the whole body. The breasts increase their volume, the skin is also heavily stressed here. After the birth of the baby, this outstanding effort does not stop.
The skin contracts again, the breasts get smaller again after weaning, and the hormones settle down. This physical feat leaves visual traces on many women: stretch marks and sagging skin often remain on the body even after pregnancy[2]. With a skin tightening cream, such as Biotherm's Biovergetures Gel Cream for stretch marks, you can prevent stretch marks and reduce existing stretch marks. The formula with plant oils intensely moisturizes your skin and promotes elasticity.
SAGGING SKIN CAUSED BY EXTERNAL FACTORS
External factors can also influence the firmness of our skin. Particular attention must be paid to UV radiation because sunbathing can lead to sagging skin[3]. Daily exposure to sunlight, even on cloudy days, is enough to cause sun damage and the inevitable premature aging and sagging of the skin.
An unhealthy diet with too much sugar and too few vitamins, smoking and the regular consumption of alcohol can also stress the skin and thus lead to flabbiness. Speaking of stress: too hectic a lifestyle, too little rest and, above all, too little sleep make the skin appear tired, sallow, and flabby more quickly.
Active ingredients that reduce sagging skin
Sagging skin is not a fate to which we must succumb. On the contrary: with the necessary know-how, high-quality skincare products and an optimized, mindful lifestyle, we can maintain our radiance - both inside and out.
When it comes to skincare, it's important to pay attention to anti-aging ingredients. They have the power to moisturize our skin. In the long term, these wonder weapons strengthen our skin's protective barrier, helping it to help itself.
HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our body that makes connective tissue and skin elastic. Hyaluronic acid can store many times its own weight in water. That is why hyaluronic acid is so popular in cosmetic products but also in cosmetic procedures by injection[4].
Hyaluronic acid can also penetrate deep into the skin and store a lot of moisture there. The skin is moisturized once again, gleams with a smooth, rosy glow and regains its usual elasticity. For this reason, two types of hyaluronic acid are contained in the Life Plankton Elixir.
PRO-XYLANE
Pro-Xylane is an active ingredient obtained from beech wood and counteracts the skin's formation of wrinkles by promoting cellular bonding. Aquasource Deep Serum from Biotherm functions according to the same principle. With highly concentrated Life Plankton, it penetrates deep into the skin to hydrate cells and promote the skin's ability to regenerate.
COLLAGEN
Collagen is found in the human body in connective tissue, tendons and skin. In the skin, collagen is crucial because it provides mechanical support for the complex tissue found there[5]. Collagen also decreases with the years and the skin's aging process. Therefore, it is necessary to transport collagen back into our skin, because collagen is very good at restructuring and transforming it.
Blue Therapy Red Algae Uplift Cream with collagen is a firming cream that restores the skin's youthful glow with the power of red algae extract, plumping peptides and Blue Science. The sagging skin becomes smoother and gets a healthy glow.
RETINOL (VITAMIN A)
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the skin's defense.[6] Retinol in skincare products can help stimulate cell renewal in the skin. This allows important skin nutrients to be optimally transported and metabolized again. Blue Therapy Pro-Retinol Multi-Correct Cream by Biotherm is an anti-aging skincare product with retinol for daily use on the face. It moisturizes the skin and also provides it with essential nutrients.
Biotherm skincare expert Kim McLean is also convinced: "The powerful combination of our Life Plankton Complex and the #1 anti-aging ingredient retinol is my absolute favorite for an uneven skin tone and the first wrinkles. I've already recommended it to all my friends."
VITAMIN C
Your skin contains a high concentration of vitamin C. One of its functions is to ensure that collagen is produced. Vitamin C also protects against antioxidants which can accelerate skin aging.[7] Vitamin C is proven to protect the top layer of skin from harmful UV rays.
The vitamin C content in the skin decreases if your diet is not balanced or if you smoke. But stress can also attack the vitamin C reserves. A cream with vitamin C is just the thing. Aqua Glow Super Concentrate with vitamin C and Life Plankton™ gives your skin the vitamin C kick it needs. It intensely moisturizes skin for up to 24 hours. Thanks to the micro-emulsion formula it contains, the skin is plump, firm and radiant again.
PREVENT SAGGING SKIN ON THE FACE
Fortunately, there is a lot we can do. Namely, in case of already developed sagging but also as a preventative measure, when everything is still tight and plump. Discover our facial care routine for firmer skin:
STEP 1: REGENERATING SERUM
Since our skin has to deal with factors that challenge its natural protective barrier from the outside and inside every day, it is important that we also support it on a daily basis. Regenerating and moisturizing serums are ideally suited for this purpose.
They are formulated with many active ingredients that thoroughly nourish and protect the skin, thus supporting a youthful complexion. Life Plankton Elixir from Biotherm is a transforming serum that protects, nourishes, and regenerates. It deeply moisturizes the skin and reduces the first signs of aging.
STEP 2: FIRMING FACE CREAM
You should start using a good moisturizer early to prevent sagging skin. The Blue Pro-Retinol Multi-Correct Cream from Biotherm is an anti-aging product that contains retinol. This active ingredient provides the skin with added moisture[8] and provides it with nutrients. Small wrinkles and the first lines are reduced, and the skin looks fresher, rosier, and plumper again.
STEP 3: EYE SERUM FOR RESTED-LOOKING EYES
The skin around the eyes can get particularly stressed because it is thinner and the subcutaneous layer of fat is flatter than the rest of the face. Small wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin often appear here first. Blue Therapy Eye-Opening Serum by Biotherm is an anti-aging eye serum with Youth Algae extract™. Applied daily, the sensitive eye area soon looks youthful and refreshed again, and the eyes appear more alert.
STEP 4: DAILY UV PROTECTION
A summer complexion and a honey glow make us look healthy and refreshed. Unfortunately, sunbathing and everyday walks outside lead to the premature aging of skin, but also to the aging of skin in general.
The effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) cause wrinkling, while ultraviolet A (UVA) mainly causes sagging.[9] It is therefore advisable to use skin care with UV protection every day.
WHAT HELPS PREVENT SAGGING SKIN ON THE BODY?
The skin on the face is the first to show signs of aging and the to start sagging. After all, the face is the part of our body that is most often left uncovered. But other parts of the body are soon exposed to the fresh air, especially when it gets warmer outside and we wear fewer pieces of clothing. So smooth legs, toned thighs and beautiful silky-soft arms are what we want.
There are many, normal reasons for sagging skin on the body. And there are clever methods and effective beauty routines that will help you feel good in your skin again.
BODY OIL FOR SAGGING SKIN
Body oils pamper the skin and relax stressed muscles after a long day. Regular use of oils helps to prevent stretch marks, loosens subcutaneous fatty tissue, and supplies it with blood, in addition to Life Plankton, Life Plankton Body Oil also contains high-quality almond and olive oil, and deeply regenerates extremely dry patches of skin. After a relaxing bath, take the time to give yourself a massage - a gift just for you.
MOISTURIZING LOTIONS & MORE
Your skin needs your attention every day. With a firming body lotion, you can give it what it needs to continue feeling tight, elastic, and plump. The Life Plankton Multi-Corrective Body Milk is a firming body lotion that intensely moisturizes and restores your skin's youthful tone. Shea butter, canola, almond, and olive oils, and Life Plankton microorganisms tighten the skin all over the body and prevent sagging skin.
REGULAR PEELING TREATMENTS
Body scrubs provide more extensive care than oil treatments. With these, the skin is also intensely massaged and cared for. But thanks to the various micro-abrasive particles, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and blood flow circulates particularly well. After a peeling treatment, skincare products can be absorbed well by the skin and active ingredients can be fully metabolized.
After the peeling treatment, consider using the Life Plankton Multi-Corrective Body Milk or Life Plankton™ Body Oil - for a complete pampering session.
BRUSH MASSAGE
Using a brush on your skin has a similar effect to exfoliation. There are countless products on the market: plastic brushes and sponges, natural sponges, microfiber cloths, wooden brushes with boar bristles, or exfoliating products made of jute or cotton fibers.
The are many different tools which can be used and the application is very simple. Using the brush, vigorously massage the entire body or desired areas of the skin a few times in circular motions. This enables intense blood circulation and removes dead flakes from the skin. Follow this with Life Plankton Multi-Corrective Body Milk.
CELLULITE - ORANGE PEEL SKIN
Everyone fears it, almost everyone has it. Small dimples found on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and upper arm, cellulite, or orange peel skin, is caused by a change in the connective tissue, which, interestingly enough, affects almost only women. The decisive factors here are therefore gender, age, genetic disposition, and weight - although the latter is not confirmed by every expert.
Regular peeling treatments, massages, a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise, and a healthy diet can help fight cellulite.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
You are what you eat! Only healthy skin can fully protect itself against the damaging aggressors in the outside world. Therefore, make sure to eat a diet rich in vitamins, fiber, and trace elements. Always drink enough water so that the healthy substances can also be properly transported around the body. For beautiful, firm skin into old age!
FOOD FOR FIRM SKIN
Egg whites, or protein, is the be-all and end-all of beautiful skin. This is because protein is found in all cells and is instrumental in muscle development and the skin's appearance.
- A lot of protein is found in soybeans and lentils, but also in meat, fish, and cheese.
- Microorganisms, or so-called probiotics[10], help the skin to protect itself. These can be found in yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut juice, kefir, miso, and pickles.
- Blackcurrants are vitamin C bombs. Vitamin C has an intense antioxidant effect on the skin. It protects against sagging skin and wrinkles, and is crucial in the formation of collagen.
- Found in walnuts, biotin, vitamin E and omega-3 are essential when it comes to skin health.
- Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of zinc and iron. Zinc is necessary for the formation of our connective tissue and is involved in the synthesis of protein. Iron is responsible for transporting oxygen around our blood.
SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR SAGGING SKIN
Time and again, surgical options are also brought up when it comes to sagging skin. These are the most common methods to medically counteract sagging skin:
LIPOTRANSFER
In autologous fat grafting, an experienced surgeon removes fat from an area where it is abundant. In other words, from the buttocks or thighs, for example. Then, they inject this into sagging skin or wrinkles in the face, neck, or chest.
FILLER
Hyaluronic fillers are very common to restore radiance to sagging or wrinkled skin. Here, hyaluron is injected into the affected skin area. This should also only ever be done by an experienced medical professional.
IMPLANTS
Some choose to insert an implant in the face to regain lost volume. Often this happens in the cheeks, cheekbones, and nose.
CONCLUSION: SAGGING SKIN CAN BE TIGHTENED WITH THE RIGHT PRODUCTS AND METHODS
Sagging skin is something natural and shows that we have already mastered or achieved great things in life. Nevertheless, we want a firm, youthful radiant complexion and a shapely body with plump, rosy, and elastic skin.
With exquisite anti-aging products tailored to our needs, clever beauty hacks and a healthy lifestyle, we can slow down the skin aging process and confidently capture everyone's attention with a fresh glow for years to come.
Learn more beauty tips for all-around beautiful skin in our Magazine.
[1] https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Keratosis_pilaris
[2] URL: https://www.msdmanuals.com/de/heim/hauterkrankungen/mit-verhornung-zusammenh%C3%A4ngende-erkrankungen/keratosis-pilaris
[3] URL: https://www.skinsight.com/skin-conditions/adult/keratosis-pilaris
[4] URL: https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Keratosis_pilaris
[5] URL: https://www.altmeyers.org/de/dermatologie/keratosis-pilaris-simplex-2088
[6] URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00105-019-4436-2
[7] URL: https://msesk.com/medical-secrets/keratosis-pilaris
