Published February 20, 2024
Loss of skin elasticity is a natural and inevitable part of the aging process. But there are a number of external factors that can exacerbate it. This article takes a deep dive into the dermis to reveal the underlying mechanisms responsible for loose skin. We'll also look at techniques used in aesthetic medicine that can combat a loss of elasticity, as well as treatments recommended by FILORGA's experts.
ELASTIN AND SKIN PROTEINS: THE SKIN’S KEY TO FIRMNESS
- The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.
- The dermis is just beneath it.
- And the hypodermis is the bottom layer.
Skin firmness and elasticity are dependent on physiological processes that take place in the dermis, a layer of skin that can be likened to a compact gel composed of several materials. Formed of proteins such as collagen, elastin, proteoglycans (a mixture of proteins and sugars), and glycosaminoglycans (long chains of carbohydrates), the dermis constitutes the framework of tissue. All of these molecules are produced by cells called fibroblasts.
In the dermis:
- Much like mattress springs, elastin fibers have elastic properties that allow them to stretch and return to their original state. They impart suppleness and elasticity to the skin.
- Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (including hyaluronic acid) absorb water like a sponge, lending the skin firmness and plumpness.
THE SKIN LOSES ELASTICITY WITH AGE
Loss of elasticity is one of the main signs of skin aging. Its causes can be both internal and external.
INTERNAL (OR INTRINSIC) CAUSES
The quality of the dermis diminishes with age. As fibroblasts decrease in number, leading to a drop in the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin, the body also produces more enzymes that break down proteins. As a result, the skin's structural fibers are broken down faster than they are replenished, which leads to skin aging.
Meanwhile, the junction between the dermis and the epidermis, known as the dermoepidermal junction, shrinks in size. This contributes to increased skin fragility and can also result in reduced nutrient transfer between the dermal and epidermal layers, meaning the epidermis receives fewer protective and nourishing compounds from the dermis.
EXTERNAL (OR EXTRINSIC) CAUSES
Extrinsic aging is caused by environmental factors that combine with intrinsic causes.
For most of us, these environmental factors only affect areas that receive a lot of sun exposure, such as the face, arms, and neckline. Exposure to UV radiation (also known as photoaging) is responsible for approximately 80% of the signs of facial skin aging.
Acute exposure (i.e. a single severe incident) of the skin to UV radiation causes sunburn, changes in pigmentation, and damage to dermal tissue.
Long-term exposure to UV radiation over many years disrupts the skin's normal structure and eventually causes premature aging of the skin. Photoaging actually affects the dermoepidermal junction and damages the dermis by causing significant changes to its network of elastin fibers. This leads to a sharp decline in skin elasticity and results in the appearance of wrinkles. A similar, but generally more gradual, phenomenon also occurs in intrinsic aging.
Smoking also accelerates both the intrinsic aging process and the extrinsic aging process caused by UV radiation. This is because the elastic fibers in the dermis seem to be the primary targets of the compounds found in cigarette smoke. This may explain why smokers have significantly more facial wrinkles, which are generally narrower and deeper than those of non-smokers.
So, to tackle skin elasticity loss and protect the quality of the dermis, it's vital to preserve and stimulate fibroblasts. This can be achieved either by using special cosmetic treatments or, in cases of severe loss of elasticity, by using aesthetic medical and surgical techniques.
TECHNIQUES USED IN AESTHETIC MEDICINE TO RESTORE SKIN ELASTICITY
RADIOFREQUENCY TREATMENTS
Radiofrequency treatments can tighten sagging skin while simultaneously slowing down skin aging. It works by emitting very high-frequency electromagnetic waves that heat up subcutaneous tissue to around 55°C. This heat within the dermis causes existing collagen fibers to shrink and new collagen to be produced, consequently improving the skin's firmness and tautness. Results are at their best after 6 months.
LASER PROCEDURES
A laser is used to penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis, resulting in immediate inflammation and the release of growth hormones that then stimulate the production of collagen. The body reacts by producing cells that form new connective tissue that “pushes” the wrinkle outward and tightens the skin. Laser procedures can also be used to remodel collagen 3 to 12 months after treatment.
FIND OUT HOW FILORGA TACKLES SKIN ELASTICITY LOSS
Laboratoires FILORGA's experts recommend the following to tackle sagging skin and maintain a youthful appearance:
EFFECTIVE SUN PROTECTION AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE
Photoaging, as we have seen, is one of the main causes of skin elasticity loss. Our skin experts wrote this article about preparing for sunny days specifically to help our customers understand all the ways in which they can protect themselves.
GLOBAL-REPAIR ADVANCED: THE ULTIMATE REPAIR DUO
Our GLOBAL-REPAIR ADVANCED repair duo acts on the collagen and elastin in the skin by repairing cells. Composed of a light, non-greasy ELIXIR and a smooth, silky CREAM, GLOBAL-REPAIR ADVANCED is highly effective in tackling the 10 signs of skin aging, including loss of elasticity and density:
The ELIXIR contains an oil extracted from Pistacia lentiscus, a tree native to the Greek island of Chios. It boosts the synthesis of a protein nicknamed the “new youth protein”. This protein counters the effects of skin aging by stimulating cellular activity and, in particular, by encouraging the synthesis of type I collagen.
The CREAM contains peptides that counter the breakdown of skin fibers and stimulate the production of collagen, fibronectin (a glycoprotein), and hyaluronic acid. It also contains peony extract, which helps redefine the jawline. It provides improved elasticity and firmness and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
GLOBAL-REPAIR ADVANCED is applied morning and evening, with the serum first.
Find out more about our GLOBAL-REPAIR Collection.