As we age, our skin begins to lose elasticity, making it easier for fine lines and wrinkles to appear. Now, you may not be able to completely skip out on the ageing process, but you sure can increase skin elasticity to slow it down. To get the upper hand on ageing, we talk about what skin elasticity is, how elastin compares to collagen (spoiler alert: they aren’t the same thing), and exactly how to boost skin elasticity.
Ageing is a natural, beautiful thing. Without getting too emosh, every year we get given is a gift that we should cherish. And while that’s all true (gratitude, people!), our skin doesn’t always make it so easy to remember, especially if your parents give you a sneak peek into what premature ageing looks like.
Skin elasticity is really as simple as it sounds. It’s the skin’s ability to snap back to its original state after it’s stretched like when we make a facial expression or get a bit aggressive when applying our skincare routine. Loss of elasticity in the skin causes the skin to sag as it becomes harder for it to bounce back into position, and fine lines and wrinkles form as a result.
Our skin contains three layers, and the dermis, which is the middle layer, contains two proteins known as elastin and collagen that make up the skin’s elasticity. The more elastin and collagen you have in the skin, the more elasticity it’ll have.
Although elastin and collagen work as a team to maintain skin elasticity, they have different job roles. Elastin allows the skin to perform like a rubber band and tightens the skin, whereas collagen is more like a foundation to hold its shape and adds volume which smooths over fine lines and wrinkles.
ADD VITAMIN C TO YOUR DIET & SKINCARE ROUTINE – Vitamin C can increase skin elasticity as it’s an antioxidant that can stabilise free radicals and reduce the breakdown of collagen and elastin caused by environmental stressors, such as UV rays and pollution. To really load up on Vit c, make sure to include it in both your diet and skincare routine.
AVOID LONG PERIODS OF DIRECT SUN EXPOSURE – Now you know that UV rays destroy collagen and elastin, you can easily prevent the skin from losing elasticity just by knowing when to step into the shade. And if it’s unavoidable, slap on a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen for antioxidant protection.
WATCH YOUR SUGAR INTAKE – Yup, your Krispy Kreme doughnut obsession has gotta go. When we eat or drink high amounts of sugar, our body breaks it down into glucose and carbohydrates, dramatically boosting our insulin levels. This causes a sudden burst of inflammation which can suffocate and destroy collagen and elastin fibres, fast-forwarding loss of skin elasticity. Repeat after us: a doughnut a day keeps skin elasticity away.
AQUAPURE HYDRO FACIAL WITH LIFTING & TIGHTENING – 75 MINUTES | £189.00
A multi-step facial treatment that covers cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, nutrients, and antioxidant protection combined with LED light therapy to maintain skin elasticity. LED light therapy gently stimulates the skin cells responsible for producing elastin and collagen with heat. It also helps to strengthen the mitochondria, the engine of a cell that creates energy for its tasks. With the mitochondria at full power, the more efficient it can produce elastin and collagen fibres.
Using naturally occurring chemicals, our Signature Chemical Peels exfoliate the skin to remove dead and damaged skin cells whilst promoting skin cell turnover, elastin, and collagen. The result? Brighter, renewed skin with increased elasticity – take that bad genes.
For a more personal approach to restoring skin elasticity, this facial treatment will deliver the best approach for your skin type for maximum results. Working with our expert tribe, you’ll discuss in detail what you know about your skin and your concerns. Combo skin with forehead lines? We got you. Acne-prone skin with crow’s feet? We got you too. If you have sensitive or problematic skin, we’d highly recommend our Bespoke Anti-Ageing Treatment to avoid upsetting it and throwing a full-on pimple tantrum.
