How To Tighten Loose Skin (Saggy) on Your Face?

Tightening loose skin naturally is challenging! It takes patience, time and effort. Read on to know how you can get rid of that saggy skin.

Highlights:

• What Causes Loose or Saggy Skin?
• Where Are You Most Affected?
• How To Tighten Loose Skin On Face?

1. What Causes Loose/Saggy Skin?

• Sudden weight loss
• Pregnancy
• Aging

These are the three main culprits of saggy skin.

2. Where Are You Most Affected?

Loose/saggy skin usually appears on the face, neck, arms, legs and buttocks. It can be improved naturally or by cosmetic procedures. Here’s how:

3. How To Tighten Loose Skin On Face?

A. Creams and Lotions:

Before using any of these over-the-counter creams, conduct a patch-test. If you see your skin reacting or notice any adverse side-effects, contact your dermatologist.

Collagen-Based Creams:

Collagen is naturally present in the skin. It is essential to keep the skin soft and elastic [1]. As you grow older, collagen production in the body slows down. Using products that contain collagen can help maintain healthy skin and improve elasticity. This will make your skin look tighter.

Vitamin C

Studies suggest that Vitamin C deficiency causes skin fragility that can contribute to skin aging[2]. Creams and lotions that contain Vitamin C can help improve skin elasticity. This improves the texture and appearance of your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid:

Hyaluronic acid has water-binding properties that help keep your skin hydrated and plump. This can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid is considered a key ingredient in reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity[3].It can help improve the overall texture of your skin and make it appear tighter.

Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid

They can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look more firm.

These are sold over-the-counter in concentrations of less than 10 percent. They remove the top layer of the skin and reveal the new, fresh skin beneath.

Topical products containing glycolic or lactic acid can increase your skin’s sun-sensitivity.

Retinol

Retinol is a widely used ingredient. It is used to treat a host of skin issues. Retinol increases the production of collagen in your skin. This can help your skin appear tighter and more firm.

Retinol has its own set of side effects that include dryness, sun-sensitivity and swelling.

B. In-office Procedures To Tighten Skin On Face

Non-Surgical Methods:

1. Chemical Peels:

There are three types of chemical peels:

• Superficial peels that target the epidermal layer.
• Medium-depth peels that target the upper reticular dermis.
• Deep peels that penetrate through the lower reticular dermis.

Chemical peels work by removing the top layer of the skin. Depending on their depth, they stimulate collagen fiber production and water in the skin. It reduces wrinkles and improves elasticity. This makes your skin look firm and healthy[4].

2. Ablative And Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing or Laser Peeling

This procedure is an effective way of rejuvenating your skin. Ablative skin resurfacing involves removing the top layer of the skin to reveal tight and fresh skin beneath.

Non ablative laser resurfacing involves heating up the skin tissue to stimulate collagen production. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

3. Ultrasound

Focused ultrasound techniques have recently come into dermatological practice [5].It is a non invasive method used to stimulate collagen production in the skin. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles and makes the skin look tighter.

Focused ultrasound can benefit your skin in these ways

• Reduces appearance of wrinkles
• Lifts cheeks, eyebrows and eyelids
• Tightens saggy skin on the neck
• Enhances jawline
• Makes skin look even and smooth

4. Radiofrequency Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling uses high-intensity radio frequency energy to improve texture and give the skin a firm appearance[6]. It promotes collagen production in the body that tightens the skin.

5. Radiofrequency (Thermage)

This technique is a facial rejuvenation treatment that is effective in tightening the skin [7]. It uses heat to strengthen the core layers of the skin and boost collagen production.

If you’re somebody who wants to avoid going “under the knife”, non-surgical methods may be a good option. However, these have their own set of pros and cons that you need to discuss with your doctor about.

6. Fibroblast Technique

Fibroblast or plasma skin tightening are used to address loose skin on the stomach, neck or any other place on your body. It is also used for eye lifts.

Fibroblast skin tightening is fairly new to the industry but has become popular ever since it was introduced. It is a non-invasive skin-tightening technique and is considered safe to address loose skin issues. Swelling may follow after the treatment but will eventually settle down.

Surgical Procedures

A. Face Lifting

Face lifting is a surgical procedure to repair wrinkled, sagging skin. Face lifting is usually performed on the face and neck.

Face lifting can improve visible signs of aging. It is an effective way of treating loose skin.

Face lifting can have some side effects:

• Scarring or change in skin color
• Unevenness of the face shape
• Fluid/blood that collects under the skin
• Sutures that may cause irritation

Before undergoing a facelift surgery, consult a doctor. He will recommend the surgery based on your medical history, skin type and a few other factors.

B. Botox:

This technique usually works well during the first few signs of aging. It involves injecting botox into the skin.

C. Natural Methods

If your skin isn’t too saggy or wrinkled, you can try these natural ways:

A. Face Massage

Face massages stimulate cell growth and increase blood flow. This helps in the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles.

Massaging your face for 5-6 minutes every day should work. This is a traditional practice that some beauty experts swear by.

B. Face Mask

Face masks hydrate the skin and promote collagen production. Some masks claim to have anti-aging properties. These can help improve elasticity.

D. Home Remedies

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an antioxidant[8]. It helps eliminate free radicals that damage tissues, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles

2. The Good old Honey

Honey is an ingredient that can be used to treat almost any skin issue. Its antioxidant properties help rejuvenate the skin and make it appear tighter.

3. Aloe Vera Supplements

Studies show that aloe gel intake considerably reduces wrinkles and elasticity[9]. It stimulates collagen production. This can help improve the overall texture and appearance of your skin.

4. Citrus Juices

Citrus juices contain Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. Citrus-based juices can slow down the skin aging process[10].

Some other kitchen ingredients you can use to tighten your skin include:

• Yogurt
• Cucumber juice mask
• Lemon juice mask

Follow These Skin Care Tips To Prevent Sagging Skin On Your Face

A. Massage Your Whole Face Regularly

Don’t skip the forehead. Massaging improves blood circulation and promotes collagen production. This slows down the aging process.

Your forehead and under-eyes will show you the first signs of aging. We tend to massage our cheeks and forget about the forehead. This can result in prominent fine lines on your forehead. Make sure to massage your forehead along with the rest of your face regularly.

B. Apply Cucumber Juice To Your Under-Eyes Regularly

While massaging your face, you can apply a cucumber juice eye mask. Blend a cucumber and separate the juice from the paste. Gently rub the juice around your eyes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Wash if off when it’s dry.

C. Moisturize The Skin Under Your Jaw

We often forget to keep our neck and jaw moisturized. After a certain age, collagen production slows down. Moisturizing your skin regularly keeps it soft, increases blood flow and keeps your skin hydrated.

D. Facial Exercises

Research indicates that facial muscle exercises can contribute to skin rejuvenation [11].Your dermatologist may recommend facial muscle exercises regularly to improve loose skin on your face.

E. Sunscreen is Your Best Friend!

Sun damage can result in early signs of aging. The rays of the sun can dehydrate your skin and cause it to look wrinkled and flaky. It can also contribute to age-spots and sun-spots. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every time you step-out during the day!

Loose skin requires a lot of patience and time to get rid of. It is always a good option to prevent it. Maintaining a healthy diet and taking care of your skin are vital to help slow down the aging process.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin