SAGGY SKIN: WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Skin is comprised of three main layers, namely, epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
Firstly, being anatomically at the top layer of skin, epidermis functions as protective barrier, makes new skin cells, protects the body and gives color to the skin.
Secondly, the middle layer, dermis. Dermis also has several important roles such as; (i) provides strength, resilience and stability via collagen and elastin, (ii)contains the nerve receptors essential for touch and senses, (iii)makes oil thus keeping the skin smooth and soft, (iv) produces sweats and regulates body temperature, and (v) supplies blood and nutrients to epidermis.
Last but not least, the fatty bottom layer of skin is called hypodermis, which carries multiple vital roles, for example, helps the nerves and blood vessels, cushions muscle and bones, connects skin to bone and muscle via connective tissues, and regulates body temperature.
These three layers of skin work harmoniously and hardworkingly in helping the skin to have the best performance and functionality.
Like any other body organs, skin also undergoes many changes through out one’s entire life. Starting from childhood to puberty, then to adulthood and later become elderly, skin always changed. It is absolutely natural for our body to age, but when skin ages, it also becomes saggy. Saggy skin happened when one’s skin loses its stability, firmness and strength due to significant reduction of two most important skin proteins, the collagen and elastin in the dermis layer. Saggy skin usually occurs among 50 to 60 years old people and it can be seen at several parts of the body, for instance, cheeks, jowls, eyelids, chin, throat and stomach. Besides aging, there are several other factors that cause saggy skin, including:
- Too much of UV exposure
2. Weight loss
3. Post-pregnancy
4. Smoking habit
5. Imbalance / unhealthy diet
6. Dehydration
7. Loss of epidermis thickness at age of 70.
After learning all the possible causes of saggy skin, now it is time for us to acquire more knowledge on the treatments for saggy skin. Treatment is highly depending on severity and the area of sagging. In order to rejuvenate and bring back some youthfulness to the skin, we can initiate some non-surgical methods and well-proven cosmetic/aesthetic procedures, as written below:
(A) Non-surgical method
- 1. Firming creams
-Use daily facial cream that has retinol and collagens.
2. Facial exercise
-Jaw and mouth exercise can help strengthen the facial muscles, thus giving some anti-aging benefits.
-Regular facial muscle exercises improve blood flow to the face, supplies the skin with more nutrients, yielding in skin cells rejuvenation and wrinkle prevention.
3. Supplements
-Choose supplement that contain collagen peptides and vitamin C. Both of these ingredients are very powerful in improving skin’s appearance.
4. Protection against UV rays
-While doing activities under direct sun exposure, wear reasonable clothes or long sleeve shirt to all skin area and hat or cap to cover face area. Use umbrella when needed.
(B) Aesthetic procedures
1. Chemical peel
-Chemical peel is a minimal invasive procedure, yet it helps to improve skin texture and also removes damaged skin cells.
2. Laser treatment
-It is the most effective treatment to tighten skin and the better result can last up to 5 years.
3. Ultrasound skin tightening
-With the presence of heat, the ultrasound waves go deeper into skin layer to promote production of collagens, resulting in smoother and firmer skin.
In summary, saggy skin is common when we age. However, some people experience it way before the age it should be. With sagged skin, these people typically look much older than their actual age. Not only that, the sagged area also looks unpleasant and unattractive. Gratefully, with current advancement in medical and skin technologies, more reliable options and treatments for saggy skin available on market. But we should take wise action and get professional skin consultations by trusted dermatologists or certified aestheticians. At Zeyls Clinic, our skin expert, Datin Dr. Suhaila Sujani will guide you to regain your skin youthfulness.
