How To Tighten Sagging Skin On Face With Ayurvedic Remedies?

How To Tighten Sagging Skin On Face With Ayurvedic Remedies?

Are you worrying over the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loose skin on your face? Is your skin losing its natural firmness and elasticity due to sudden weight loss [1] or any other factor?

Slackening and sagging skin on face is an unwelcome sight. However with the help of natural Ayurvedic remedies, you can achieve firm skin and regain your youthful charm.

Scroll down to know what causes sagging skin and how you can prevent it.

What Is Meant By Sagging Skin?

Sagging or loose skin primarily happens when any external or internal factor affects the essential skin molecules, known to keep your skin hydrated, firm, and supple.

Usually, many of us begin to experience skin loosening or laxity when we reach middle age (age-group of 35-40). Skin loosening, which happens due to increasing age [2], is deterioration of elastin fibers, collagen and hyaluronic acid. The acid molecule aids in retaining moisture in the skin.

Collagen is a type of protein which is abundantly found in your body. The protein molecule builds the joint tissue between your bones and muscles as well as holds the skin firmly in place. It is naturally produced in the human body, but with growing age, the protein production decreases. This leads to loosening of skin and appearance of wrinkles on your face.

Once the normal level of collagen begins to decrease in your body, the fat tissues in the deep skin layers also begin to decrease. This results in a vacant gap under the skin layers, which leads to sagging or drooping of your skin where it earlier used to be compact.

Several lifestyle choices may cause wrinkles to appear earlier on your face. Other than genetic factor, wrinkles may appear early due to:

  • Unhealthy diet along with consumption of processed food
  • Extreme or sudden weight gain or loss
  • Exposure to adverse ultraviolet A/B rays
  • Smoking

Causes Of Sagging Skin On Face

young skin and saggy skin structure

Supple and firm skin can easily come back to its normal state after stretching. However, when it starts to lose its elasticity, it begins to loosen up and droop. You can experience sagging skin in the areas such as:

  • Stomach
  • Upper arms
  • Throat
  • Chin
  • Jowls
  • Eyelids

Several reasons that causes sagging of your skin include:

1. Age

Once your skin begins to age, it begins to lose two essential proteins produced in your skin – collagen and elastin.

Elastin is responsible for giving your skin its ability to stretch. When stretched, your skin has the ability to come back to its firm state.

Collagen is produced in your skin with the help of fibroblasts. It is made up of tightly-knit fibers which aid your skin to maintain its firmness and structure. With advancing age, both the production of collagen and elastin begins to decline.

2. Weight Loss

Being overweight or obese for years may damage the elastin and collagen fibers in your skin. Once you lose your excess weight, it becomes difficult for your skin to come back to its original state. Losing excess weight may result in sagging skin in different areas of your body, including your face.

Skin loosening usually happens when you tend to lose weight rapidly like undergoing bariatric surgery. Sudden weight loss programs and procedures may lead to drooping, loosening skin which hangs on your body.

As youthful skin has the ability to bounce back to its natural state more quickly even the age when you lose weight can factor in how lose your skin may become.

3. Pregnancy

During and after pregnancy, it is common to experience loose and saggy skin [3] as your body undergoes physical changes. Those who conceive twins or triplets during their pregnancy may experience more loose skin near and around their abdomen when compared with those who have only single pregnancy. The age in which you become pregnant can also play a key role in making your skin sag.

4. Ailments

Few ailments and illnesses may lead to sagging skin. Granulomatous, a rare subclass of T-cell lymphoma, is one such medical condition which may cause loosening of the skin in patients. They experience a gradual loosening of skin on their knees and elbows. Loose skin from granulomatous may not reverse with any treatment.

Another ailment which leads to skin loosening is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). It is a rare genetic disorder which affects the connective tissue in the human body. Those affected with this disorder have a severe defect in the production of collagen which leads to loose, drooping skin, especially on their faces.

Can You Reverse Sagging Skin On Face?

There are many treatments and remedies aimed at preventing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin rather than reversing the skin conditions.

In order to restore your skin’s natural look and feel, you may have to opt for invasive and clinical medical procedures which are permanent and effective.

However, we suggest that the best way to prevent and restore sagging skin is to start early and follow natural, Ayurvedic remedies and make healthy lifestyle choices for a cumulative effect. Make your skincare routine [4] as your lifestyle choice and follow basic skincare tips like using sunscreen and quitting smoking for a youthful skin.

How To Tighten Sagging Skin On Face?

female double chin after correction

1. Ayurveda For Sagging Skin

As per the ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, several factors determine your skin youthfulness and health. These factors include moisture balance (a well-balanced Kapha), proper regulation of metabolic activities which harmonize hormonal and chemical reactions in your skin (a well-balanced Pitta), and regulation of nutrients and blood circulation to the various skin layers (a well-balanced Vata).

The overall health of the three Dhatus (classes of body tissues) are immediately reflected on your skin: muscle (Mamsa), blood (Rakta), and nutritional flow (Rasa). Rasa provides nutrition to all your body tissues, keeping your skin healthy and supple. Rakta, in collaboration with the liver activity, aids in detoxifying toxins from your skin, whereas Mamsa gives structural support to your skin keeping it firm.

In order to prevent sagging skin, an effective ayurvedic remedy and treatment must help and support all the three Dhatus. These include two types of ayurvedic therapies: Vyadhihara (healing and curative), and Urjaskara (promotive) [5].

For Vata skin:

Ayurvedic remedies and therapies which rehydrate and nourish the skin must be considered as it is highly susceptible to aging skin, premature aging and wrinkles. Natural skin moisturizers and warm oil massage is recommended.

For Pitta skin:

Herbal oils for daily massage and strong sunscreens are recommended for protection from harsh sunlight. Avoid skin tanning procedures and therapies which focus exposing your delicate skin to heat/steam for long duration.

For Kapha skin:

Cleansing the skin with a herbal, gentle exfoliant, along with warm oil massage on a daily basis is recommended.

A. Vayasthapana - Age Defying Property

Natural and herbal ingredients which deeply nourish your skin and provide support to its physiological activities is known as Vayasthapana. It is translated as ‘arresting age’ or ‘everlasting youthfulness’. These ayurvedic herbs provide support to your skin’s health by balancing all the three doshas. Gotu-Kola, also known as Centella asiatica, is a well-known ayurvedic herb which has anti-aging properties. It is also renowned for enhancing the production of collagen in the skin.

B. Varnya – Youthful Glow

A group of ayurvedic herbs and ingredients which have the potential to enhance your skin’s natural radiance and glow is known as Varnya. If your skin lacks a healthy radiance, or the varnya complexion, then it isn’t considered young in Ayurveda. This class of herbs include Indian sarsaparilla, Indian madder, vetiver and sandalwood.

C. Sandhaniya – Restorative Property

This is a class of herbs which unites discontinued tissues along with restoring and healing your skin’s functioning, which in turn repairs the adverse effects of skin aging. Mimosa pudica, also known as ‘sensitive plant’, increases the regeneration and healing of the skin tissues.

D. Vranaropana – Deep Healing

These ayurvedic herbs enhance the healing properties of your skin. Sensitive plants and Gotu Kola belong to the Vranaropana class of herbs which are renowned for their potential to heal wounds and tear and wear of connective tissues.

E. Tvachya – Deep Nourishment

This class of ayurvedic herbs provide complete nourishment to your skin, including supporting its moisture balance. Rose petals, Costus, Silk cotton tree and Gotu kola are known for their nourishing properties. When taken along with natural Vitamins E, C and A supplements and grapefruit extract, they enhance the restorative value of these herbs.

2. Home Remedies For Sagging Skin

natural facial mask ingredients

A. Aloe Vera Gel

It is considered as one of the most effective home remedies to restore your skin’s elasticity [6]. Aloe vera contains a high amount of malic acid which enhances your skin’s firmness and stretchability.

Ingredients:

  • Aloe vera gel
  • Aloe vera leaf to extract the pulp

How To Use:

  • Take pure aloe vera gel or extract the gel from the leaf and directly apply it on your face and neck region
  • Leave it to dry for 15-20 minutes
  • Cleanse using lukewarm water
  • Repeat the same at least for 3-4 times in a week
  • Another alternative is to apply a combination of aloe vera gel with mayonnaise and honey
  • Apply the mask on the face and neck region, let it dry for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water for best results

B. Honey & Egg White

A rich source of albumin, egg white is an effective natural remedy for loosening skin. It not only enhances the natural texture of your skin by regenerating the skin cells, but also makes it radiant and healthy. Also, honey deeply nourishes and conditions your skin, leaving it soft and supple.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of natural honey
  • 1 egg white

How To Use:

  • Mix both honey and egg white to form a thick paste
  • Apply this mask on your face and neck region
  • Let it dry for 15-20 minutes
  • Rinse with cold water
  • Repeat the same 2-3 times a month

C. Oil Massage

Massaging with Ayurvedic and herbal oils not only restores your skin’s firmness, but also enhances your complexion by clearing blemishes and smoothens the appearance of wrinkles. Try using olive oil for your skin as it is a rich source of Vitamin A and E which are essential for your skin’s health. Also, it has anti-aging properties.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil

How To Use:

  • Take virgin olive oil in a bowl and heat it till warm
  • Take a little amount of the warm olive oil to massage your face and neck region
  • Continue massaging your face for at least 10 minutes
  • Dip a clean cloth in lukewarm water and wipe it gently
  • Alternatively, you may also use jojoba oil, almond oil, or coconut oil for massaging your face

D. Coconut Oil & Ground Coffee

Coffee is a rich source of caffeine which makes your skin supple and taut by deeply moisturizing it and minimizing fat deposits. Coffee in ground form gently exfoliates dead tissues from your skin and antioxidants help in slowing down the effects of aging.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 th cup of ground coffee
  • Half teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 th cup of brown sugar
  • Two teaspoons of coconut oil

How To Use:

  • Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, coconut oil and ground coffee
  • Gently scrub your face and neck region with the mix
  • Continue scrubbing for 4-5 minutes
  • Rinse with lukewarm water
  • Use this scrub once a week for best results

E. Cucumber & Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil aids in improving blood circulation, thereby naturally toning your skin. Being a rich source of antioxidants, it delays the signs of aging and enhances your skin’s elasticity. Cucumber soothes your inflamed skin and reduces blemishes.

Ingredients:

  • Half a cucumber
  • One teaspoon of rosemary oil

How To Use:

  • Grind the cucumber to make a smooth paste
  • Add rosemary oil to the cucumber paste and apply the mix on your face and neck
  • Allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes
  • Rinse with lukewarm water
  • Use this mix once a week for best results

3. Essential Oils For Sagging Skin

Essential oils [7] are potent, highly concentrated plant extracts in liquid form which have amazing health benefits. Some of the essential oils which works wonders for your skin include:

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

You can make your own personalized facial blend by adding a suitable carrier oil depending on your skin type:

A. Anti-aging skin: Rosehip oil.

B. Acne-prone skin: Use carrier oils which have zero comedogenic rating such as argan, hemp seed and sunflower oil.

C. Dry skin: Use nourishing oils such as coconut, shea and olive oil.

D. Oily skin: Use light oils such as apricot kernel, sweet almond, and grapeseed oil.

E. Normal skin: Use carrier oils that are light such as jojoba oil.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of carrier oil of your choice
  • 7 drops of lemon
  • 10 drops of frankincense
  • 10 drops of geranium
  • 1 dropper bottle

How To Use:

  • Add the essential oils along with any suitable carrier oil in a glass dropper bottle. Close the lid and gently shake the bottle to mix it
  • Store the glass dropper bottle in a cool, dark and dry place.
  • Take only 2-3 drops of the mix onto your palms and gently massage the blend onto your face and neck region

Vedix Tip: Apply the blend containing essential oils only at night as lemon is considered highly photo-sensitive.

4. Other Medical Procedures

Exilis, Thermage and Thermalift are medical devices which are used for restoring collagen in the skin by radiofrequency treatment.

Ultrasound therapy is also suggested for stimulating collagen production in your body.

5. Foods For Skin Tightening

healthy skin care food

A. Foods Containing Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for enhancing your skin’s natural appearance and health. Dark, green vegetables and citrus fruits are rich sources of vitamin C which plays an important role in the production of collagen. The vitamin aids proline and lysine to form collagen.

Additionally, it is a powerful antioxidant which stops free radicals from damaging elastin and collagen. A rich source of vitamin C, tangerines also contain zinc and selenium which help in production of elastin in the human body.

B. Foods Containing Zinc

Whole grains, nuts, and oysters are rich sources of zinc that is required for the production of collagen in the body. Oysters are also a rich source of selenium which is equally important in the production of elastin. Selenium also helps in fighting the adverse effects of UV rays.

C. Sweet Potatoes & Carrots

These are root vegetables which are a rich source of Vitamin A. It is known to repair collagen tissues and beta carotene that fights the free radicals in the sunlight.

D. Garlic

Garlic, which contains sulfur, taurine, and lipoic acid, helps in the production of collagen in your body.

E. Tomatoes

Tomato [8] is a powerhouse of antioxidants, such as carotenoids. The red carotenoid, also known as lycopene, is renowned for preventing free radicals from damaging your skin. Additionally, it enhances your defence mechanism against inflammation and oxidative stress.

F. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers have two wonderful, skin-friendly vitamins: Zinc and Vitamin C. The latter helps in protecting and preserving the natural collagen found in the skin. Whereas the former helps in the production of elastin, primarily responsible for your skin’s elasticity.

G. Egg Whites

Natural sources which are rich in protein like egg whites contain proline and lysine. Both amino acids are the building blocks of collagen in your body.

How Long Does It Take For Skin To Tighten?

Your skin may regain its firmness, but it is a time-consuming process which may take several years. Usually, it takes months or years for your skin to become firm. If you continue to have saggy skin even after 1-2 years, then it gets difficult for your skin to regain its elasticity.

The actual time for your skin to appear firm depends on the extent of your weight loss and how rapidly you lost your excess weight. If the weight loss happens rapidly in a short duration, then it may take many years to regain its firmness, or your doctor may even advise a surgery.

How Can You Prevent Sagging Skin On Face Naturally?

girl puts aloe-vera gel on her face

Don’t lose hope if you’re experiencing the signs of sagging skin in your face. Take immediate steps which will help minimize the chances of a sagging neck or chin. These preventive measures include:

1. Try sleeping on your back, not on your stomach

2. Avoid harsh facial expressions such as frowning

3. Use a good sunscreen on the exposed areas, especially on your face and neck region

4. Reduce your alcohol intake

5. Quit smoking for a healthy and supple skin [9]

6. Minimize your stress levels by meditating or practicing deep breathing

7. Sleep for at least 8 hours every night

8. Exercise for overall good health and skin

9. Use natural and ayurvedic skin formulations which contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and retinoids

10. Drink water to nourish and hydrate your skin as well as expel toxins

11. Follow a healthy diet rich with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

The Last Word

The ancient science of Ayurveda offers a plethora of remedies, therapies and principles of skin care to prevent signs of aging and sagging skin. The holistic and rejuvenating therapies focus on healing-from-within principles, which offers potential skin benefits. By following natural and herbal remedies, you can delay, defy and prevent the adverse effects of aging skin, especially sagging skin on your face. Besides, make sure to stick to healthy diets, healthy lifestyle practices, and a proper and regular skin care regimen.

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