How to Improve Elasticity in Aging Skin

Coveted young days. When youth was upon us. The hair so bright; the teeth all shiny; energy soaring and the skin so smooth. Fast forward the years to about 5 decades and what have we got? The hair graying and thinning; teeth all but gone, only to be replaced by dentures; and sagging skin. That probably hits one the most - the skin elasticity gone. Leaving folds of skin loosely etched across the body. Being able to pull at the stretches of skin for long, without experiencing the slightest pain. And one is forced to think of one's youth when the skin had tautness. A tightness, a shine that seemed like it would always stay. But losing skin elasticity is natural and cannot be avoided. Here's the deal though. One might also argue about the fact that there are so many individuals who look so much younger than their real age. How? They manage to have a skin as taut as a stretched balloon (Strange example? Picture a balloon and you'll know.) All of which has to do with skin elasticity. The skin has been able to retain its elasticity so that the skin does not look loose and sagging. And believe it or not, there are ways of improving the elasticity of the skin. How? Read, read.

Ways to Improve Skin Elasticity

As we've said before, aging is the most common factor that leads to the loss of elasticity of skin. The other is the environmental factors (sun, pollution) that can cause one to lose skin elasticity. This might even cause premature skin elasticity loss. Along with that, a third major reason is excessive and sudden weight loss that leaves loose folds of skin in its wake.

There are certain ways in which one can combat the effects of the environment and aging, and retain skin elasticity. Here are some of them:

Avoid Sun Exposure
It is time to understand that exposure to sun's rays can cause untold damage to your skin. Which is in many cases, irreparable. The sun's harmful UB and UBV rays drain all the water from the skin, increase the melanin levels and thereby give the skin a very leathery and stretched out look. Continuous exposure leads to loss of skin elasticity. Not only does one face danger when they are out in the sun, but the sun's rays can cause havoc, even when one is indoors. Therefore it is necessary to use sun protection in the form of sun screen for the skin (SPF 30 or more). Also make sure that you cover all parts of your body when in direct contact with the sun's rays and avoid stepping out during hours when the sun's rays can inflict the most damage (11 am - 4 pm).

Exercise Regularly
Doing some form of exercise is such an important factor to prevent the loss of skin elasticity, that there can be volumes written on it. But for now, a brief overview.

Exercising helps flush out all the toxins from your body, improve blood circulation (extremely important for skin care), supply more oxygen and nutrients to the body and regulate the hormones. Hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc in your body and the direct result will be seen on your skin. The skin will look paler and loose. Exercising will also improve muscle mass, which is an important factor in restoring and maintaining skin elasticity. One other major advantages is that it will lead to the metabolism of vitamin D and therefore lead to improved skin health.

Quit Smoking
If you don't, then there's one thing that is taken care of. But for those who do, try to give up smoking and it will show results. You might not feel any loss of skin elasticity while you are in your youth, but smoking will cause the aging and damaging of the skin to hit you faster. Smoking causes the blood vessels to constrict, thereby preventing proper intake of oxygen and other nutrients essential for the body to maintain elasticity of skin.

Intake of Healthy Diet
There are certain foods for skin elasticity restoration and improvement that can be included in your diet. These contain essential minerals and vitamins like vitamin E and C. Here are some of them:

• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Corn
• Egg yolk
• Artichoke hearts
• Broccoli
• Flaxseed (Omega fatty 3 acids)
• Water
• Dark green leafy vegetables

The general advantage of including these foods in your diet is that they will provide you with the essential antioxidants to fight free radicals, along with amino acids, vitamin E, vitamin C and folic acid, and will supplement you with a bounty of collagen (which is responsible for skin elasticity).

Studies have shown that adding a spoonful of virgin coconut oil in your cooking can lead to improved skin elasticity.

Creams and External Treatments
There are several products and treatments that have become available in the market these days. Availing of these products will help restore and delay the skin aging process by improving collagen levels in the body. Some of these treatments include - Injectable fillers, botulinum toxin, radio-frequency, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peeling and microdermabrasion. So does the application of several beauty products like anti-aging creams and other anti-aging skin products help one to maintain youthful looking skin and delay the loss of skin elasticity.

These are some of the ways in which one can improve and restore skin elasticity. Hope these helped and that you will start taking care of your skin regularly now. All the best! And may you always be blessed with glowing, healthy skin.