Many of us attribute saggy skin to aging, but there's more to it. Your genes, lifestyle, and dietary habits can affect the firmness and tightness of your skin. If you notice that your facial skin looks droopy and saggy lately, it is an indicator that the structure of your skin has been compromised. While it may be impossible to get rid of the issue totally,  skincare can offer you some solutions to help you manage the condition.  Before we proceed with the best skin firming beauty ingredients, let's have a brief understanding of what causes loss of skin firmness. 

Why is my skin saggy?

Your skin starts to sag when it loses elasticity due to a breakdown of two important proteins; elastin and collagen. These proteins keep your skin supple, firm, and youthful by strengthening and supporting the structure of your skin. 

Let's paint a picture; collagen is like the skeleton of the skin, giving the skin the framework it needs, while elastin is  like an elastic band within collagen, that returns the skin to its normal position after it has been pulled or stretched.  When collagen and elastin levels begin to drop, your skin no longer feels firm and elastic. The best skin firming beauty ingredients might help, but you need to know what other factors are responsible. 

Factors responsible for saggy skin

Let's look at a few factors that may cause your skin to lose its strength and bounce. You actually be able to prevent some of these. 

    1. Aging

As you grow older, your body produces collagen and elastin at a slower rate, causing their levels to drop.  When this occurs, your skin can no longer return its firm state after it has been pulled. Sagginess caused by aging is irreversible and can only be managed.

     2. Harmful UV rays of the sun

If you expose your skin to the damaging rays of the sun without using a broad  spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, your skin will lose its firmness in no time. When the ultraviolet rays hit the topmost layer of the skin, they penetrate the skin and destroy the DNA cells. Destruction of the DNA cells tears down the collagen framework, leading to a droopy appearance. If you have a hard time choosing a mineral sunscreen, check out my ultimate guide to choosing a mineral sunscreen. 

    3. Lifestyle habits

Lifestyle habits such as poor nutrition, weight loss, and smoking can cause skin laxity. If you consume high sugar diets and empty carbs, it will speed up the rate of collagen breakdown. For smokers, tobacco smoke slows down the formation of collagen and elastin.

How can I make my skin firmer?

A sure way of strengthening your skin if it has lost its tautness, is by incorporating some of the best skin  firming beauty ingredients into your skincare ritual.  Applying products to our skin is something most of us are used to already.  Just pay attention to the ingredients you use.  Here are my must-haves:

1. Retinoids

If you want a firmer, happier, and brighter complexion, always include a retinol-based product in your skincare arsenal. The Graydon Skincare Full Moon Youth Preserving Serum is a crowd - pleaser and you should try it. The formula is a cocktail of botanical retinol and other plant-based ingredients. I love it because it is perfect for all skin types including sensitive skin. If you’re looking for an every day moisturizer with retinol, Graydon’s PhytoClear satisfies thirsty skin with two types of plant retinol - bakuchiol and moth bean extract. 

2. Vitamin C

For supple, smoother, and soft skin, opt for Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C is not only known for fighting off free radicals, but it is superb for building collagen fibers.  Vitamin C benefits collagen production when ingested and when applied topically. It plays a role in the collagen synthesis process as well as stabilizing existing collagen. Boost skin firmness and wake up to dewy, youthful skin by adding the Etymologie Probiotic Vitamin C Concentrate on your beauty rotation. 

3. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient that attracts water molecules to the skin, keeping it hydrated and baby soft. Also, it fades scars and enhances the formation of elastin and collagen. For plump, radiant skin, add the Cocoon Apothecary Nordic Boost Hydrating Serum to your daily regimen or any of the Helena Lane Skincare Hyaluronic Serums. Hyaluronic acid is now added to many skincare products. Just make sure it's high up on the ingredient list. 

4. Alpha Hydroxy acids

Alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic and glycolic acid have been proven to stimulate the production of collagen. Reveal fresh and glowing skin with the LASPA Glycolic Acid Treatment, a gentle yet rejuvenating formula enriched with glycolic acid and collagen-enhancing extracts. When applied on the skin Glycolic Acid is thought to trigger a healing restorative response on the skin which spurs collagen production. It also exfoliates the skin, clears pores and reduces the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. You may have to start slow with this type of product if you have sensitive skin, but over time you will love the results.

5. Lifting Facial Massage

Using the right products and leading a healthy lifestyle are definitely key to firm, youthful looking skin. However, I cannot leave out the importance of manual massage and the use of a good facial tool.  You should be doing this nightly or at least a few times per week when you're applying your skincare products. Here's a quick video tutorial I created that's easy for you to use.  If you have a gua sha tool, you can follow using similar motions.

Final Thoughts

Now that you're aware of how to lift your weak facial skin, you can go ahead to achieve amazing results. I have also seen great benefits to my skin, hair and nails with continuous use of Aura Beauty's marine collagen supplements. They're delicious and made with wild-caught marine collagen to support collagen formation to rejuvenate skin, hair, nails and support joints. If you want to try a great tasting collagen supplement, use my link to get 10% off your first orders or subscription. You can also enter  GREENBEAUTYCURATOR at checkout. I will receive a small commission which enables me to write and research beauty ingredients.

Thank you for reading! Please feel free to REACH OUT TO ME to help you create a tailor-made, skin firming regimen just for you using the best skin firming beauty ingredients.