Seeing Saggy Skin? What to Do When It Happens

Saggy skin is an undeniable effect of aging, and seeing it on your face can be alarming. Imagine being so used to plump cheeks and a taut neck, and then one day realizing that gravity has completely let you down, literally. Although it’s a part of life, there are ways to improve saggy skin mildly. Read on for more on the phenomenon, including why it happens and how to prevent it.

Saggy skin usually occurs on the face, particularly around the eyes, jowls, chin, neck, arms, and abdomen. There are a few most common causes, such as weight loss, aging, and pregnancy.  

Weight loss. You can be very young and have saggy skin due to extreme weight loss. Collagen fibers in the skin are usually referred to as the “scaffolding” that gives the skin its form. When you carry a lot of weight for a long time, this structure can change its shape and become damaged so that when you lose weight, it won’t be easy for it to simply snap back. This is how weight loss can cause saggy skin, especially if you’re older.

Pregnancy. By the same logic, saggy skin is common after pregnancy. Women who carry twins or triplets are more likely to experience this side effect around the abdomen than those who carry one baby. However, maternal age is a factor. The younger you are, the more likely your skin is to spring back to its original state. 

Aging. Speaking of older, aging is another common cause of saggy skin. Again, it’s from the loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, which decline as people age. This deterioration can accelerate from frequent and prolonged UV and cigarette smoke exposure. Poor nutrition and excessive drinking can also contribute to this effect.

Once you get saggy skin, it’s almost impossible to reverse it with non-surgical means. And while it may take some getting used to, know that it’s not all bad. First, you are more than the appearance of your skin. Second, some methods could help subtly improve the skin’s appearance — and maybe give your confidence a boost.

Use Retinol. Ideally, you should start using anti-aging products, most of which contain retinol, at 25 years old. However, you can still reap its benefits if you’re over 25. Retinol improves cellular turnover and encourages collagen production, making the skin smoother, firmer, and plump. Since dry skin also looks a lot droopier, it may also help to use hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which draw moisture to the skin’s surface.

Try using POND'S Age Miracle Anti-Aging Night Cream, which has 15 times Retinol C and niacinamide to boost collagen production. For sagging skin around the eyes, use POND'S Age Miracle Anti-Aging Eye Cream, which helps firm the skin and blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Build Muscle. Exercising can help you lose subcutaneous fat, which is the jiggly layer of fat just under the skin that may be contributing to its saggy appearance. Lifting weights, on the other hand, can help replace the lost fat and collagen with muscle mass, reducing loose skin.

As for facial exercises, the verdict is still out on whether they help make skin firmer. A study in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that spot reduction of fat, whether in the abdominals or facial area, does not work. Maintaining a healthy diet and having a regular exercise routine is still the way to go if you want to see results. 

Massage your face. Facial massage, on the other hand, has shown promising results. According to a 2019 study published in PLoS ONE, using a massage tool along with a serum or oil is an efficient anti-aging strategy. If you don’t have an oscillating massage device, you could also use a gua sha or your fingers to stimulate blood flow. It increases elastin and collagen ratio, according to the NIH.

Saggy skin is a normal part of aging and how you address it is up to you. Thankfully, there are several options available that do not include surgery. You can choose the fitness route, the skincare route, or the wellness route. At the end of the day, what’s important is that you feel good about yourself and your skin.