How To Improve Skin Elasticity With Natural & Ayurvedic Remedies?

How To Improve Skin Elasticity With Natural & Ayurvedic Remedies?

Are you looking for sure-shot solutions to improve your skin’s strength and suppleness? If yes, you should begin with improving and protecting your skin’s elasticity, also commonly referred to as firmness.

With growing age, your skin's elasticity begins to gradually decline along with its structural proteins. This gradual depletion occurs when the new collagen cell production slows down and the rate of its depletion increases. This rate of depletion magnifies during menopause.

The good news is that you can improve your skin elasticity with Ayurvedic therapies.

What Is Skin Elasticity & Why Is It Important?

Skin elasticity is the ability of your skin to stretch to a certain extent when pulled and return to its normal form once released. For example, when you do your eye makeup, you may have observed that your eyelid’s skin returns to its original form after applying makeup.

The gradual loss of skin elasticity occurs when the elastin, collagen, and fat molecules in the three layers of your skin begin to break down. This may cause sagging skin, which in turn leads to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in your face. [1].

Your skin naturally renews itself every 28 days!

How To Test Skin Elasticity?

You may test and understand your skin’s elasticity by conducting a simple exercise known as the “pinch test”. The results will show whether your levels are equivalent to your actual age.

How To Test:

  • Relax your hands and keep your palms facing downwards.
  • Gently pinch the skin on the top of your hand.
  • Hold for at least 5 seconds.
  • Leave your skin and start counting the time it takes to return to its original form.

How To Score:

  • 1-2 seconds signifies people under 30
  • 3-4 seconds signifies people in the 30-44 age group
  • 5-9 seconds signifies people in the 45-50 age group
  • 10-20 seconds signifies people above 60
  • 35-55 seconds signifies people above 70

What Causes Loss Of Skin Elasticity?

diagram showing the decrease in collagen and broken elastin in aging skin

A. Internal Factors

1. Biological Age

Your biological age has a direct impact on the structural changes which take place in your skin. It also affects the functioning and turnover of skin cells, which slows down with growing age.

2. Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers which help in the production of structural proteins such as elastin and collagen. Both of these are responsible for providing support, firmness, and flexibility to your skin. With the onset of menopause, the hormonal balance, as well as activity, begins to fluctuate, thereby resulting in elastin and collagen depletion.

B. External Factors

One of the concerning factors which cause premature aging of the skin is oxidative stress [2]. It is triggered and accelerated by a wide range of external influences.

1. Sun

The harsh UV A and B rays accelerate the breakdown of the skin’s structural units like elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, which provide firmness and elasticity to your skin. This leads to immediate effects like sunburn and long-term effects like cancer.

2. Pollution

Pollution stimulates the formation and release of free radicals. This in turn speeds up oxidative stress and damage to your skin.

3. Smoking

One of the primary triggers of free radical damage in the skin is tobacco smoke. Smoking causes weakening of the skin’s structural components [3] as well as leads to the appearance of signs of aging like wrinkles.

4. Diet

What you eat truly reflects in your skin’s overall appearance and health. Spicy, oily, and processed foods impact your skin’s health.

Nothing causes skin to sag faster than a diet full of refined Carbohydrates (maida) and Sugar,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

5. Lack Of Sleep

It is imperative to sleep at least 8 hours in the night to allow your skin to naturally heal, repair, and regenerate itself.

How To Improve Skin Elasticity?

A. Natural Ways For Skin Elasticity

1. Retinol/Retinol Alternatives

A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol is considered a popular and well-researched topical ingredient in dermatology [4]. It promotes elasticity, stimulates the production of elastin and collagen and restricts inflammation. As it has a high strength value, retinol may cause sun sensitivity in a few individuals. Hence, a gentler way to use is by trying oil-based formulations.

These derivatives work as excellent anti-aging solutions by promoting cell turnover and collagen production in your skin.

Important Note:

Most retinol-based skin care products are only specific for facial use. It is imperative to read the label carefully and follow the instructions as directed.

2. Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is naturally found as nicotinic acid or niacinamide. It is a potent and active ingredient in various anti-aging formulations. When used topically, it is highly effective in minimizing the breakdown of collagen while promoting fibroblast formation.

3. Regular Exfoliation

With growing age, your skin’s natural ability for cell turnover (cell renewal) gradually declines. The dead skin cells may give you a dull, tired, and stretched appearance. Regular and gentle exfoliation of your skin helps remove the accumulated dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps promote collagen synthesis while simultaneously inhibiting enzymes which break down collagen in your skin. Vitamin C is a popular topical ingredient for collagen synthesis and is commonly recommended by several dermatologists for daily use.

5. Stress Reduction

The main stress hormone, cortisol, is known to affect collagen synthesis and function in your skin [5]. When you have high stress levels, excessive amounts of cortisol is secreted in your body.

You may practice deep breathing and workout everyday.

6. Exercise

One of the most simple yet effective methods to manage inflammation in your body is to regularly work-out and exercise. Inflammation signals the breakdown of elastin and collagen in the skin. Physical exercise helps keep your skin younger, firm, and healthy.

7. Follow A Healthy Diet

As you are aware, inflammation signals specific enzymes to break down elastin and collagen in the skin. Therefore, it is important to include foods which have anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Consume foods rich in natural antioxidants, which are abundantly found in fresh, leafy vegetables and berries.
  • Consume essential fatty acids which are commonly found in almonds and salmon.
  • Vitamin D and probiotics are also helpful in promoting skin elasticity. Vitamin D plays an important role in cell formation, renewal, protection, and repair. Organic red grapes are the best natural source of resveratrol.
  • Curcumin and glucosamine are abundant in turmeric plants, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to the skin.

8. Facial Massage

An inexpensive and simple skin care practice, which you can easily follow at your home, is facial massage. One such popular and effective facial massage is gua sha, which should be done regularly for best results. This facial massage contours and stimulates the muscles, resulting in improved circulation and skin complexion.

9. Sleep

At least 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night is beneficial for your overall health, including your skin. Try and sleep before midnight, as it helps restore and rejuvenate your skin.

If you go to sleep post midnight, then your risk of disturbed circadian rhythms increases. This interruption affects the secretion of melatonin, which in turn gives rise to cortisol (stress hormone). When you experience elevated cortisol levels in your system, then it leads to inflammation. This in turn speeds up the destruction of elastin and collagen.

10. Hydration

The barrier function of your skin reduces with advancing age. This leads to the loss of firmness and plumpness due to loss of moisture. Hence, adequate hydration is crucial for protecting skin elasticity in old age.

The thumb rule for adequate hydration is to take half of your body weight and drink that much amount of water in ounces. In addition, it is important to replenish electrolytes and minerals in your daily diet which may have been excreted through exercise and sweating.

Vedix Tip: If you are taking prescription medications, breastfeeding, or pregnant, always seek expert advice from your doctor before starting any topical or oral supplement routine.

It is imperative to seek advice on what supplements are right and beneficial for you before beginning any supplement course.

B. Essentials Oils For Skin Elasticity

Essential oils are primarily liquid derivatives of plants. These oils are potent and highly concentrated in their pure form. They offer numerous therapeutic benefits to your mind, body, and hair. The skin benefits of essential oils include regeneration, rejuvenation, and anti-aging.

Essential oils have potent antioxidants which help improve your skin elasticity by:

  • Preventing free radical damage and renewing flawed skin cells which cause loose, sagging skin.
  • Shrinking enlarged, open pores to give you a smooth, even complexion. The astringent properties of essential oils help provide structural support and firm up your skin.
  • Improving collagen synthesis in the skin, thereby maintaining taut skin and restricting sagging.

Some of the essential oils which help improve skin elasticity include:

  • Cypress
  • Bergamot
  • Lemon
  • Rosemary
  • Tea tree
  • Meroli
  • Myrrh
  • Frankincense
  • Patchouli
  • Geranium

C. Ayurveda For Skin Elasticity

woman with facial mask at ayurvedic spa

1. Balance Of Doshas

This ayurvedic principle states the normal levels of biological energies, also known as tridoshic balance. This includes:

  • Regulating vata dosha: By regulating efficient nutrient supply and blood circulation in the skin.
  • Maintaining pitta dosha: By ensuring optimal hormonal functions and metabolic activities of the tissues.
  • Controlling kapha dosha: By conserving moisture levels in the skin, thereby reducing dry skin condition.

The beauty elixir in traditional ayurvedic medicine is ghee, which is known to offer numerous essential nutrients to your skin. If you’re using aged ghee from cow’s milk, then it acts as a natural tonic for your skin as it deeply nourishes, tones, and smoothes your complexion. It also prevents the appearance of early signs of aging.

2. Ayurvedic Herbs [6]

A. Gulab (Rose)

Also called satapatri, rose is renowned for its enticing, rich fragrance. It contains large amounts of Vitamin A and B complex, as well as hydrating and nourishing phytonutrients. These help lock in moisture content, enhance collagen production and support skin integrity.

How To Use:

  • Take half a cup of normal water and add 10-12 fresh rose petals.
  • Simmer the water in gentle heat and strain the liquid in a glass bottle once cool.
  • Gently apply the rose-infused water on the faded, rough parts of your skin.
  • This will quickly moisturize and tone your face.

B. Gotukola (Asiatic Pennywort)

A rich source of the potent antioxidant triterpenes, including madecassic acid and asiaticoside, gotukola is a renowned ayurvedic herb for treating injuries, scars, and acne breakouts in the skin. It is also known as mandukaparni.

How To Use:

  • Naturally air dry a few leaves of gotukola and grind it into a powder.
  • Mix the powdered gotukola in some pure honey.
  • Evenly apply the lepa on your skin to alleviate dryness, swelling, and acne breakouts.

C. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amalaki or amla is a popular ayurvedic ingredient for its numerous benefits for the skin, hair, and overall health. It is abundant in essential nutrients for your skin such as tannins, gallic acid, and Vitamin C. Due to its adaptogenic property, amla helps protect your skin from pressure and excess stressors.

How To Use:

  • Evenly apply a thin layer of amla extract or juice onto your face and neck.
  • Leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
  • It helps rejuvenate your skin and prevents drooping and wrinkling.

D. Chandan (Sandalwood)

Also known as shweta chandan, sandalwood is abundant in natural brightening essentials, cooling and soothing properties, and a pleasing fragrance. It helps reduce and prevent dark spots, sun tans, sunburns, and uneven skin complexion.

How To Use:

  • Make a thin paste by mixing 1-2 tsp of pure chandan powder in a few drops of fresh milk.
  • Apply a thin and even layer of the paste onto your face and neck after cleansing.
  • Leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
  • This will give you a flawless, supple, and bright complexion.

E. Salai (Indian Frankincense)

Also known as sallaki, salai is abundant in anti-inflammatory properties. Salai is a renowned ayurvedic herb for treating a wide-range of skin issues including rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema.

How To Use:

  • Apply a thin layer of the salai gum resin derivative onto the wounded and peeling areas of your skin.
  • Leave it for 3-5 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
  • This helps in treating blemishes and acne breakouts.

D. Home Remedies For Skin Elasticity

1. Coconut Oil

A commonly used kitchen ingredient, coconut oil is an effective home remedy for skin elasticity. It has antioxidant properties which help reduce free radicals which may damage your skin. Additionally, the rich and fragrant oil moisturizes and hydrates your skin from deep within, preventing loose, sagging skin.

How To Use:

  • Take a tsp of pure coconut oil, gently apply it onto your skin and neck, and massage it in circular motions for at least 5 minutes before going to sleep at night.
  • The deep facial massaging allows the oil to enter the inner layers of the skin, resulting in hydrated and nourished skin.
  • Leave it overnight for enhanced rejuvenation.

2. Honey & Egg White Mask

Honey and egg whites work wonders on your skin by naturally tightening loose and sagging skin. A rich source of albumin protein, egg white helps renew cell growth, boost skin elasticity, and provides a natural shine [7]. Honey is a humectant which contains potent antioxidants. It helps eliminate the toxin build-up in the skin. When used in combination, both ingredients work wonders on your skin’s appearance.

How To Use:

  • Take one egg white in a bowl and add 3 tbsp of pure honey.
  • Mix it well and apply a thin layer of the paste onto your face and neck.
  • Leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil was traditionally used as an antibacterial agent, moisturizer, and cleanser to impart a natural glow to the skin as well as to ensure protection from sun damage. It is also a potent antioxidant which benefits your skin. A rich source of Vitamin E, olive oil helps improve your skin elasticity.

How To Use:

  • After cleansing your face in the evening, take a few drops of pure olive oil and gently massage it onto your face and neck.
  • Gently massage in circular motions for 5 minutes to allow the oil to enter the deeper layers of the skin.
  • You may use olive oil daily instead of using body lotion.

4. Coffee Scrub

Coffee helps your skin by delaying the signs of premature aging, including loose skin. A rich source of antioxidants, coffee scrub helps exfoliate and strengthen your skin as well as smooth and even out your complexion.

How To Use:

  • Add half a tsp of cinnamon, half a cup of brown sugar, half a cup of coffee grounds, and two tbsp of pure coconut oil.
  • Apply the scrub onto your face and neck.
  • Gently scrub your skin with your fingers using circular motions.
  • Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

5. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel provides a wide-range of health benefits, including healing and tightening sun-damaged and aging skin. It is popularly used as an astringent, which delays the breakdown of elastin and collagen in your skin.

How To Use:

  • Before going to sleep at night, take a cotton ball dipped in witch hazel and evenly apply it to your face and neck.
  • Leave it for at least 5 minutes to dry.
  • Don’t rinse your skin after application.

Vedix Tip: To reap maximum benefits, apply a second layer of witch hazel onto your face and neck. It is a mild and natural toner which is a perfect substitute for an alcohol-based astringent.

E. Medical Treatments For Skin Elasticity

Before you choose any medical treatment for improving skin elasticity, consult a knowledgeable dermatologist to discuss your specific skin issues and which skin care and treatment will be suitable for your skin type and concerns.

Below are a few medical treatments for boosting the structural support of your skin. These include:

1. Chemical Peels

Medium depth chemical peels use a combination of vitamins and acids to improve clarity, texture, and tone. These peels act at the cellular level of the skin layers, instead of just exfoliating the dead skin cells from the outermost layer.

2. Microneedling

These treatments stimulate your skin to naturally repair and renew itself on its own.

3. Radiofrequency

These treatments use a combination of treatment methods in order to brighten, tighten, and lift the skin. They also help stimulate fibroblasts to produce new elastin and collagen fibrils.

4. HydraTight & HydraFacial

A widely popular treatment, it employs non-invasive rejuvenation and resurfacing of the skin by including cleansing, extraction, exfoliation, antioxidant protection, and hydration.

5. Laser

These treatments improve skin tone as well as strengthen and tighten the skin by radiating heat into the deeper layers of the skin. This doesn’t cause any injury or harm to the uppermost layer of the skin, thereby smoothing wrinkles and reducing skin laxity.

6. Cosmetic Acupuncture

When combined with natural face-lifting massages, cosmetic acupuncture may help restore and rejuvenate your skin.

7. Botox

Botox may minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines which occur due to the repeated facial expressions and movements. Additionally, it is known to improve skin elasticity temporarily.

8. BHRT

One of the best benefits of hormone replacement therapy is the potential to boost skin elasticity, density, and hydration. These often go away during menopause. BHRT, also known as bio-identical hormone therapy, is beneficial in minimizing the effects of hormonal fluctuations and improving your overall well-being.

What Are The Best Foods & Supplements To Improve Skin Elasticity?

A. Foods To Consume & Avoid

If you wish to improve your skin elasticity, then try to consume foods which are abundant in Vitamins A, B, C, and E, zinc, and omega 3 fatty acids.

  • Nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fatty fish are beneficial for your skin along with green tea and dark chocolate.
  • Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Avoid excess sugar or sugary foods
  • Avoid consuming processed foods, red meat, fried foods, and carbs.
  • Avoid any inflammatory foods which may cause damage to your skin.

B. Supplements

Taking supplements also helps in preserving the structural proteins which your skin begins to lose with aging, thereby helping your skin by strengthening and firming. It also helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

1. Collagen Supplements

These supplements help boost skin hydration and elasticity, apart from benefiting your bone, joints, and gut health. By consuming hydrolyzed collagen additives, the small peptides move through your gut line to various parts of your body. These supply amino acids to the growing cells. These amino acids then aid the natural synthesis of fibrillin, elastin, and collagen in the body.

2. Plant-based stem cells

Plant-based stem cells include white tea leaf derivatives, comfrey stem cells, or raspberry leaf extract. All these natural extracts help protect the skin from external triggers like UVA and B rays by building a protective barrier, allowing the cells to grow and proliferate at a normal pace.

3. Hyaluronic acid

Also popularly known as the “elixir of youth”, the beneficial supplement allows the skin to retain its moisture content. Topical application of hyaluronic acid helps add to the reserves, as well as replenish the skin’s demand for hyaluronic acid. Oral intake of hyaluronic acid has shown the ability to restrict fine lines and wrinkles and enhance overall skin complexion.

4. Genistein Isoflavones

Genistein isoflavones, which are natural phytoestrogens, are abundant in soybeans. These have shown to enhance skin elasticity when applied topically and taken orally.

How To Prevent Loss Of Skin Elasticity?

girl holding a jar with a cosmetic cream in her hands

1. Limit your sun exposure & protect your skin when possible.

2. Stay hydrated at all times.

3. Cut down on sugar & consume nutritionally-rich foods.

4. Improve your quantity & quality of sleep.

5. Exercise regularly for healthy blood flow.

6. Switch to skin care which boosts elasticity.

7. Quit smoking & cut down on alcohol intake.

Vedix Tip: If you run, jog, or do other cardio-based exercises frequently, then try and avoid straining your neck muscles. The muscles in your neck may pull your chin downwards. If you frequently keep straining at your neck muscles, then it will lead to the appearance of permanent wrinkles and fine lines around your mouth and chin area. While running or exercising, keep your neck relaxed and hold your head straight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skin Elasticity

1. At What Age Does Skin Lose Elasticity?

Collagen synthesis begins to decline when you hit your mid-20s. This continues to keep declining approximately 1-2% every year. Your skin begins to noticeably lose elasticity in your 30-40s. The maximum loss of elasticity is observed in the initial five years during menopause, when you lose almost 30% of your collagen reserve.

Men and women both begin to experience collagen loss at the same level initially. However, women tend to lose collagen rapidly after their menopause for around five years. On the contrary, men tend to age slowly. The rate of loss of skin elasticity may vary from individual to individual, as per their lifestyle and genetics.

2. Which Layer Of The Skin Gives Strength And Elasticity?

The middle layer of your skin is the dermis. It is further subdivided into reticular and papillary dermis. The reticular layer is made up of dense connective skin tissues which are responsible for providing skin flexibility. Constituting nearly 80% of the dermis layer, it also has dense sympathetic and sensory nerves. Elastin imparts elasticity to skin, while collagen provides tensile strength and structural support. Collagen fibrils extend into both reticular and papillary dermis.

3. How Long Does It Take For Skin To Regain Elasticity?

Losing your skin’s elasticity is a natural process, and gaining it back will depend on the factors responsible. Depending upon whether the triggers have been internal or external, and the remedies you have opted for, your skin may revert to its original form and regain its elasticity in six months to two years. A few of the above-mentioned home remedies, ayurvedic herbs, and natural ways may speed up the process.

The Last Word

With growing age, prolonged sun damage, and various other factors, your skin elasticity begins to decline over the years. The good news is that you may improve your skin elasticity by using natural ways, home remedies, ayurvedic herbs, and specific skin care regime. Additionally, you may delay the loss of skin elasticity and improve it in the long-term by adopting healthy and beneficial lifestyle choices as listed above.

To ensure good health and appearance of skin, the sooner you begin with healthy and mindful living, the better will be the final outcome.

Know Your Dosha Now
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