An expert guide to reverse saggy skin with natural remedies

As we get older, our skin tends to lose its natural elasticity and turns fragile. Decreased production of natural oils dries our skin and makes it appear more wrinkled. This happens when fat in the deeper layers of our skin diminishes. This causes loose, saggy skin and more-pronounced facial lines and crevices.

Repeated facial expressions like typical facial movements and expressions can also lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, overexposure to the sun at a young age, sudden weight loss or even pregnancy could be a reason for your skin to turn saggy. In rare cases, it could be a genetic disorder as well. To unravel the causes and discover natural remedies to tighten loose skin, Midday Online spoke to Radhika Iyer Talati, an entrepreneur and founder of Anahata Organic.

1. Are there certain lifestyle habits that lead to saggy skin?

Talati shares with us poor lifestyle habits that contribute to the appearance of saggy skin on our faces:

Sun exposure: Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to premature sagging and aging.

Smoking: Smoking has been linked to premature aging of the skin due to the harmful chemicals and toxins in tobacco that can damage collagen and elastin.

Poor diet: A diet lacking in essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants can negatively impact skin health, contributing to saggy skin.

Dehydration: Inadequate hydration can lead to dry and less supple skin, making it more prone to sagging.

Lack of exercise: Regular physical activity helps improve blood circulation and can promote skin health by delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to skin cells.

Harsh skincare products: Using products that contain harsh chemicals or ingredients that irritate the skin can lead to damage and loss of elasticity over time.

Pollution and environmental factors: Exposure to pollution, environmental toxins, and free radicals can contribute to skin damage and premature aging.

Additionally, inadequate sleep also leads to puffy eyes and sagging skin. Consuming excessive sugar or alcohol and depriving the body of enough rest are also some important reasons.

2. What role does genetics play in the formation of fine lines and sagging?

Genetics plays a significant role in the formation of fine lines and sagging skin. The genes we inherit can influence the rate of collagen and elastin breakdown, as well as the natural moisture levels in our skin. Some people may genetically produce more collagen and have better skin elasticity, leading to fewer fine lines and less sagging as they age. While others may have a genetic predisposition to reduced collagen production, resulting in earlier and more pronounced fine lines and sagging.

Collagen degradation or collagen loss is a condition that could be gene controlled in many people. The MMP1 gene that produces a protein that helps in breaking down collagen for everyday development leads to the skin losing its elasticity at a young age resulting which leads to the formation of wrinkles. Yet another factor is controlled by the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a rare, connective tissue disorder that is a genetic condition, that results in saggy, doughy skin, often on the face.

3. What skincare ingredients or products do you recommend for reversing fine lines and lose skin?

There are several ingredients that can help keep the skin firm and toned.

1. Ceramides hold our skin cells together keeping it plumper and firmer.
2. Retinoids amp up newer cell growth helping cell regeneration.
3. Antioxidants like vitamin C protect the skin from fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Amino acids like Peptides preserve proteins that exist in the skin. They help the skin to appear more even and toned.
5. Vitamin B3 penetrates several layers of the skin tissue and helps brighten the skin.
6. Hyaluronic acid can repair skin tissues keeping the skin feeling supple and hydrated.

4. How important is sunscreen in preventing saggy skin, and what type of sunscreen is best suited for this purpose?

Though there are mixed reviews about how important sunscreen really is for the skin, using natural ones that offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays is great for the skin. Sunscreens help fight harmful rays, protect the skin from premature aging, help avoid blotching, sun tan and even help avoid skin cancer. A natural mineral sunscreen made with basic ingredients like Shea butter and glycerin or Aloe Vera gel is highly recommended.

5. Can facial exercises or massage techniques help improve the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin?

Yes, they definitely can. Practicing facial yoga regularly is known to help lift sagging skin, tone facial skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles effectively. Coupling these exercises with breath awareness allows for the redistribution of facial fat more evenly. While these practices will not completely alter the sagging immediately, but keeping at it will surely stall the degeneration of the skin to a large extent.

Here are 12 pro tips to look younger and more energised:

1. Abhyanga: Self-massage with specific oils to push in intense hydration, muscular strength and added flexibility.
2. Keep the spine erect at all times: not only will this practice bring more alertness in brain activity, but will also help tone facial skin in the long run.
3. Weekly exfoliation using natural herbs as a ritual is something you will thank yourself for practicing.
4. Drinking enough water and if it's warm water, then even better.
5. Being aware of all that you eat and when you eat. Avoiding fine refined flour, sugar, preservative-laden food and all fast food will help pump in enough nutrition in the body.
6. Cleansing, toning and moisturising consciously every day is the big secret to great skin.
7. Getting enough sleep always helps. Even more, if it is at a fixed time every day.
8. Working out! Be it Yoga, cardio, strength training or just walking. Do not skip working out for at least 5 days a week for 30 to 40 minutes every day.
9. Apply ice to your face every single day. This simple lifestyle practice will help pump on more blood to your face reducing puffiness and inflammation.
10. Spending time in nature on a regular basis and grounding to Mother Earth by walking barefoot for at least 20 minutes every day mindfully.
11. Consciously reducing smoking or drinking alcohol will benefit the skin and body for a long time.
12. Meditate! This sums up everything. All the health, all the energy, all the goals, all of it happens when you meditate every day.

6. What role does hydration play in maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines?

The more hydrated your internal body is, the suppler and more elastic your skin will be. As we know, dehydrated skin is more prone to sunburn and other forms of UV damage. Keeping yourself and your skin hydrated can help protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. Keeping the skin hydrated will replenish electrolyte deficiency and help keep the skin looking far younger than its real age.

7. How can someone differentiate between fine lines caused by facial expressions and those resulting from loss of collagen and elasticity?

Differentiating between fine lines caused by facial expressions and those resulting from loss of collagen and elasticity can be challenging but not impossible. Fine lines caused by facial expressions, also known as dynamic wrinkles, typically appear when you smile, frown, or make other facial expressions and disappear when your face is at rest.

On the other hand, fine lines resulting from collagen and elasticity loss, known as static wrinkles, are present even when your face is relaxed. Additionally, dynamic wrinkles tend to be more prominent in areas where muscles contract during facial expressions, like around the eyes (crow's feet) and forehead (frown lines), while static wrinkles are more evenly distributed and may be more pronounced in areas exposed to sun damage.

A good way to distinguish them is by relaxing your facial muscles; if the lines persist, they are likely caused by collagen and elasticity loss. Proper skincare, sunscreen use, and seeking advice from a dermatologist can help manage and prevent both types of wrinkles.

8. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with certain treatments for fine lines and saggy skin?

A skin specialist would be the right person to answer subjectively on this matter, but generally speaking, many skin treatments are known to be quite safe. I personally believe that naturally working around your skin is far more preferable than getting into endless ultrasound and chemically controlled skin treatments. It is advisable to consult a well-established skin specialist before you start any specific treatment for your skin.

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