How Do I Improve My Skin Elasticity and Feel Great Again?

Wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin are all part of the aging process. The skin acts as a barrier between your body and the environment. For this reason, it’s vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation, pathogens, and irritants.

These factors can affect skin elasticity, leading to premature aging. Your diet and lifestyle habits play a role, too. For example, sleep deprivation accelerates skin aging and interferes with your body’s ability to repair damaged tissues.

Other factors contributing to wrinkled skin include smoking, pollution, genetics, and stress. Sudden weight loss or weight gain can affect your skin’s appearance, too. You also need to consider your beauty routine, as it has a direct impact on skin health.

While it’s impossible to stop aging, there are steps you can take to maintain a youthful appearance. For starters, use the tips below to improve your skin elasticity and minimize wrinkles.

Fill up on Antioxidants

Smoking, sun exposure, and other factors increase the production of free radicals in your body, leading to oxidative stress. Over time, oxidative stress contributes to the loss of elastin and collagen fibers, affecting skin elasticity. Simply put, it speeds up aging and wreaks havoc on your skin.

One way to reduce oxidative stress is to consume a diet rich in antioxidants. Whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, contain flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, polyphenols, and other compounds. These substances nourish your skin from the inside out and mitigate the effects of aging.

For best results, add coenzyme Q10, astaxanthin, quercetin, and other supplements to your diet. You may also use topical creams containing antioxidants to fully reap the benefits.

Use Sun Protection

As mentioned above, exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases oxidative stress and accelerates aging. That’s why dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen year-round, including in the winter and indoors.

Make a habit out of applying sunscreen every morning, as well as later in the day. Ideally, choose one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. To stay on the safe side, schedule annual skin exams starting in your 20s or early 30s.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Proper hydration plays a key role in health and wellbeing. What you may not know is that it also supports skin function. Drinking plenty of water can make it easier to maintain a healthy glow and keep your skin firm.

Make sure you also avoid exposure to dry air. Use a moisturizing cream or body lotion, especially during the cold winter months, to keep your skin hydrated.

As far as your diet goes, fill up on fruits and vegetables high in water, such as lettuce, cucumbers, apples, and oranges.

Take the Steps Needed to Improve Skin Elasticity

Your lifestyle has a direct impact on skin elasticity and overall health. Small changes, such as applying sunscreen daily and eating antioxidant-rich foods, can make a world of difference.

Also, try to maintain a consistent skincare routine. Apply a moisturizer every day, exfoliate your skin once a week, and choose quality skincare products with vitamin C, retinol, or peptides.

Interested to find out more? Our Health section offers expert tips on skin health, body rejuvenation, clean eating, and exercise, so you might want to check it out!