Considering the fact that it’s a trend for teens to be skincare-obsessed, it’s safe to say that skin elasticity is a concern for just about everyone. Of course, when you’re younger, your skin can bounce back much quicker than it does in later years, but there are so many ways to take care of your skin to reduce the appearance of damage in the future, and to add moisture and collagen back to the skin’s surface later on.
If you want to keep your skin’s elasticity in-tact over time, there are a few key things you need to know about external factors that affect the skin’s appearance, and ingredients you should be incorporating into your skincare routine to keep it as healthy as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your skin plump, tight, and healthy so it glows for years to come.
Meet the Expert
Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York City.
Azza Halim, MD, is a multi-specialist physician based in Florida, Chicago, and California.
What Is Skin Elasticity?
According to physician Azza Halim, MD, your skin’s elasticity is based on two main proteins: collagen (for skin structure) and elastin (which aids in skin stretching, plumpness, and firmness). “Healthy, youthful skin has the ability to stretch then bounce back when elastin is not depleted,” says Dr. Halim, “When elastin in the dermal layers of the skin is depleted, it results in elastosis, which is loss of elasticity.”
Skin elasticity just refers to its ability to stretch and go back to its original shape, explains plastic surgeon Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD.
What Causes Loss of Elasticity?
There are so many factors that contribute to the loss of skin elasticity, but the main causes are sun damage and smoking. Here’s a full list of things that can take a toll on overall skin health and appearance, according to Dr. Vasyukevich.
• Aging: “Over time, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin, the building blocks of skin elasticity,” says Dr. Vasyukevich.
• Sun Damage: “UV rays break down collagen and elastin,” he says. This leads to wrinkles, sagging, loose skin, age spots, and more skin issues.
• Smoking: The main reason smoking causes such damage to the skin is that it restricts blood flow to the skin, which “hinders the delivery of nutrients essential for healthy skin,” explains Dr. Vasyukevich.
• Rapid Weight Fluctuations: This can stretch and damage the elastic fibers in your skin.
• Poor Diet: “A diet lacking in essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E can impact skin health and elasticity,” says Dr. Vasyukevich.
• Dehydration: Healthy skin is hydrated skin. This means you should aim to drink at least half your weight in ounces every single day.
• Genetics: Unfortunately, genetics are hard to control. “Some people are naturally predisposed to losing elasticity faster than others,” says Dr. Vasyukevich.
How to Protect Skin Elasticity
Luckily, there are so many ways to protect your skin elasticity over time. “Consistency is key,” says Dr. Vasyukevich. “Taking care of your skin daily with these practices will help you maintain elasticity and keep your skin looking its best in the long term. If you have any specific concerns, schedule a consultation with an expert to find the right solution tailored to your specific needs.”
1. Use Sun Protection: Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen daily, even if you’re indoors (you could still be catching UV rays from a window!). We love SUPERGOOP’S Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 to wear daily under makeup. It’s light, breathable, and non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores and breakouts!). It would also be smart to layer a skin tint or foundation that also includes SPF on top. For this, we’re fans of IT COSMETICS CC+ Cream with SPF 50+.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet: Choose foods “rich in antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, E), minerals (zinc, selenium), and omega-3 fatty acids and hydration,” says Dr. Halim.
3. Add Hyaluronic Acid to Your Skincare Routine: “Moisturize regularly,” says Dr. Vasyukevich. “Look for products containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help retain moisture and plumpness.” We love GLOW RECIPE’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream for daily use.
4. Add Retinol to Your Skincare Routine: According to Dr. Vasyukevich, retinol “stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture and elasticity.” If you’re looking for an over the counter retinol to start with, we’re fans of MURAD’s Retinol Youth Renewal Serum.
5. Use an Antioxidant Serum in the Morning: Antioxidants help shield the skin from free radicals it encounters during the day like pollution and UV rays (you still need to use SPF!). Incorporate a vitamin C serum into your skincare routine in the morning, before you apply SPF. We love SCENTUALS Vitamin C Facial Serum for this.
6. Exercise Regularly: According to Dr. Halim, “Exercise [helps] improve circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which can help maintain elasticity.
7. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle: It should go without saying by now, but avoid smoking, get a good night’s sleep every night, and try to keep stress at bay.
8. Consider an In-Office Skincare Treatment: “While sheet masks provide temporary hydration, consider consulting a dermatologist about microneedling or laser therapy for more lasting effects,” says Dr. Vasyukevich. “These procedures stimulate collagen production but require professional consultation and involve some downtime.”
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