What Are the Overnight Treatments for Loss of Elasticity of the Skin?
Loss of elasticity occurs as a result of several factors, including rapid weight loss that may cause skin to sag, sun exposure and aging over time. Aging usually begins in our mid-20s. The production of collagen and elastin begins to slow down, meaning that skin does not spring back into place as quickly and it starts to lose suppleness. Elasticity doesn't vanish overnight, but certain activities will contribute to the overall loss of elasticity, such as smoking, sun exposure, tanning, repetitive facial expressions and sleeping positions. Several treatments are available to combat loss of elasticity in the skin. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cream Treatments
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Creams are available to help promote skin elasticity. Look for face creams specially formulated to be effective at night while sleeping. These can also be complemented by using serums and moisturizers during the day to keep skin soft and supple. The sun causes between 90 and 95 percent of wrinkles. Always wear sunscreen during the day with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Sun cream protects skin from ultraviolet light, which, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists, breaks down and impairs the production of collagen.
Sleeping Position
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Reassess your nightly sleeping position. Research from the American Academy of Dermatologists suggests that certain sleeping positions promote the production of wrinkles over time -- called sleep lines -- when the skin is pressed against a pillow. Sleep on your back rather than on your front or your side, so that skin is not crumpled and lines do not form.
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Lifestyle
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Get plenty of sleep to help skin cells renew overnight and try to manage stress levels. Eat foods that promote cell repair and collagen production. Consume a diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Diets low in fat and rich in vitamin C tend to be linked to younger-looking skin. Drink plenty of water and do not smoke. Smoking causes biochemical changes to the body that accelerate the aging process of aging and loss of elastin. Take skin supplements such as pure fish oil, which has been shown to improve skin elasticity in clinical trials. Avoid alcohol and sugars, including fructose, which damages the production of collagen and reduces elasticity. Exercise regularly to boost overall muscle tone and maintain a healthy weight.
Noninvasive and Surgical Treatments
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A number of treatments are available to combat the visible signs of aging. These include botulinum toxin and injectable fillers, as well as chemical peels, laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion. These noninvasive treatments offer an alternative to a face-lift, leaving skin looking smoother and more radiant. Surgery is an option for those seeking help with sagging skin after weight loss or those who wish to reclaim a taut, youthful complexion. Discuss your needs with a dermatologist, who can recommend a range of different products and treatments.
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References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Causes of Aging Skin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Supplementation With Eskimo Skin Care Improves Skin Elasticity In Women; D. Segger, A. Matthies, T. Saldeen; 2008
- American Technion Society; Fructose Consumption May Accelerate Aging: Skin's Elasticity And Softness May Be Affected; November 24, 1998
- American Academy of Dermatology: Non-Facial Aging Skin: Treatments
- Mayo Clinic; Skin Care: Five Tips for Healthy Skin; November 24, 2009
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
