As we get older, we begin to experience certain problems like joint pain, wrinkles, and reduced skin elasticity. People in their 40s usually complain about these problems. But age is not only responsible for these. Factors like environmental stressors, fluctuation in body weight, smoking and exposure to the sun may also trigger such issues. How to tighten skin is a major problem that comes with age.
People can easily notice sagging skin, especially on face. Breakdown of fat and collagen in the body is the main reason for the loss of skin elasticity.
Apart from maintaining a healthy lifestyle and wearing sunscreen, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) ingredients that can help tone, firm, and tighten your skin.
Here we have discussed some effective ingredients that not only give you a firm skin but also improve the overall health of your skin:
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1. Retinol
Retinol or Vitamin A is an easily available OTC retinoid that help keep skin smooth and firm. It works by inhibiting the matrix metalloproteinases. These are the enzymes that break down the collagen in the skin. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd suggests that products including retinoids like tazarotene and tretinoin are helpful in maintaining the elasticity of the skin.
2. Collagen and Collagen Boosting Peptides
Decline in skin elasticity is directly related to loss of collagen . So, if you really want a toned and firmer skin then it is beneficial to include this ingredient in your skincare routine. Dr. Michelle Yagoda explains that peptides are short chain amino acids and the basic building blocks of proteins. Most people are aware of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body that give structure to the skin. Collagen boosting creams may improve the elasticity of the skin. You should also look for creams which contain collagen amino acids that improve the skin’s matrix and microalgae that nourish and hydrate the skin.
3. Caffeine
For a quick improvement in skin elasticity, you may use a product that includes caffeine. It improves skin tightening by boosting blood circulation in the applied area. For this reason, it has been in use as a skin product since a long time. It may also be used in improving collagen production in the long run.
4. Hyaluronic Acid
David Pollock, a beauty chemist, said that in addition to collagen and caffeine, hyaluronic acid is very effective in tightening the skin due to its high ability to absorb moisture from the air and bind strongly at the cellular level, tightening the skin. Most brands claim that hyaluronic acid with typical low molecular weight under 1 million Daltons forms a layer which hydrates the outer layer of the skin. Pollock also said that he suggests using multimolecular hyaluronic acid so that it can be absorbed deep in the skin.
5. Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) play an important role in skin resurfacing which improve the texture of the skin. It addition, it makes the skin bright, soft and improves its elasticity. There are different formulations out there for different skin care requirements. Experts says that you must seek the products which are formulated specifically for tightening the skin.
6. Polyglutamic Acid
Pollock said that polyglutamic acid (PGA) is found in the skin naturally and it holds more moisture than hyaluronic acid. He believes that this ingredient is present in most of the dermatological products, to provide tight and hydrated skin.