How to reduce skin laxity: Top tools and ingredients

Skin laxity, also known as loss of skin firmness, is a completely natural part of ageing. As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep our skin firm, bouncy and resilient when we’re younger. Collagen levels decline by about 1% each year from our mid-to-late twenties onwards, which is why our skin can start to feel thinner or looser around areas like the jawline, eyes, neck and upper arms. [1]
The good news? While you can’t stop skin laxity entirely, there are plenty of ways to support your skin — from lifestyle adjustments and topical skincare, to aesthetic treatments that target collagen renewal. So if you’re concerned, or you’d like to know more about how our skin ages, keep reading.

What is skin laxity?

Skin laxity describes what happens when you lose firmness and elasticity in your skin, which can show up as sagging, fine lines, thin skin, or a crepey texture.

What causes skin laxity?

Different factors can lead to our skin to look and feel less firm over time. Some are simply part of getting older, while others (that speed up this process) may be preventable.

1. Natural ageing: Our bodies produce less collagen and elastin production over time. The fibres that once kept our skin taut start to weaken, which can lead to wrinkles or skin that looks thinner, looser or more delicate.
2. Weight changes: Significant weight loss can lead to loose skin, especially if you’ve lost weight in a short space of time.
3. Lifestyle factors: UV exposure, smoking, dehydration, lack of sleep and poor nutrition can all cause our skin to age faster than normal.
4. Other causes: Certain skin conditions, loss of muscle tone, inflammation and serious illness, can also cause early skin laxity.

Can you stop skin from sagging?

Most signs of ageing, including skin sagging, can’t be improved — so the best approach is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Protect and support your skin’s structure starts with:

– Avoiding sun damage by applying a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, every day. [2]
– Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good hydration. [3]
– Consistently using evidence-based skincare products like Dermatica often include retinoids, antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to strengthen the skin barrier. [4]

Topical skincare ingredients

Skincare is one of the most effective and accessible ways to support collagen, prevent signs of ageing, and help keep your skin stay firmer for longer.

Collagen boosters: Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives that are clinically proven to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen in the skin. Prescription retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene are the gold standard for visible signs of ageing, while retinal is a less potent option than tretinoin, it’s still highly effective and is more gentle on the skin. It also works up to 11x faster than standard retinol. [4]

Polynucleotides: Molecules derived from highly purified marine DNA that repair and regenerate skin. They work by encouraging fibroblast cells to produce more collagen and elastin, and are often used in combination with treatments like microneedling. [5]

Firming ingredients: Look for ceramides, peptides, squalane and panthenol to support hydration, firmness and skin barrier health.

Antioxidants: Ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, ferulic acid and niacinamide help defend the skin against oxidative stress from UV and pollution, protecting the proteins that keep your skin firm. [10]


Hydrating serums: Choose ones that contain hyaluronic acid like our Daily Hydration 5HA+Cica Serum. It’s gentle enough for most skin types and helps draw moisture into the skin, plumping its appearance. Centella asiatica (cica) also soothes and reinforces your skin barrier.

At-home skincare tools

While results are less noticeable than in-clinic treatments, complimentary use of at-home devices can support circulation, product absorption and skin health.

– Gua Shas are massage tools that may help boost blood flow and reduce puffiness
– Microcurrent devices are low-level electrical currents that have a mild skin-lifting effect
– Facial rollers massage to support circulation and help improve product absorption
– LED light therapy masks may help stimulate collagen production (with regular use) [6]
– At-home radiofrequency devices help stimulate collagen production in the skin via heat [7]

Combining cosmetic procedures with topical skincare

The best results often come from a two-fold approach. Clinical treatments like Botox, skin boosters or laser resurfacing can deliver visible improvements, but the effects are temporary and often only last a few weeks. With evidence-based skincare, the results aren’t overnight, but they are longer term. And they help maintain results by continuing to support collagen, hydration and skin barrier health.
Final tip: Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must. UV exposure is one of the leading, proven causes of collagen breakdown and loose skin, so wearing sunscreen every morning, and ensuring you reapply every 2 hours when you’re outdoors is non-negotiable.

Dermatologist tips

– Use evidence-based skincare with retinoids, antioxidants and hydrating ingredients
– Apply sunscreen daily (UVA/UVB SPF 30+) to protect against UV damage
– Combine skincare and non-surgical treatments to enhance results.
– Try at-home devices, such as LED masks, alongside your skincare.
– Maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, exercise, good quality sleep and drinking enough water.
– Start early. Prevention is always easier than reversal.

Find out which formulas may be right for your skin by visiting our website.

References:
1. Oikarinen A. Aging of the skin connective tissue: how to measure the biochemical and mechanical properties of aging dermis. Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine [Internet]. 2022;10(2). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8043384/
2. Sołdacka D, Podgórska M, Barańska-Rybak W. Unique Retinol Therapy with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammaging Complex for Naturally Reborn Skin: The Clinical Case Series Study. Dermatologic Therapy [Internet]. 2023 Dec 6;2023:e5588525. Available from: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/dth/2023/5588525/
3. Nishikori S, Yasuda J, Murata K, Takegaki J, Harada Y, Shirai Y, et al. Resistance training rejuvenates aging skin by reducing circulating inflammatory factors and enhancing dermal extracellular matrices. Scientific Reports [Internet]. 2023 Jun 23;13(1):10214. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37353523/#:~:text=Resistance%20training%20rejuvenates%20aging%20skin
4. Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2006 Dec;1(4):327–48.
5. Alvin W, Chan L, Lee A, Cheuk Hung Lee, Wan J, Wong S, et al. Polynucleotides in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Current Practices and Perceived Effectiveness. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024 Jul 27;25(15):8224–4.
6. Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, et al. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery [Internet]. 2013 Mar 1;32(1):41–52. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24049929/
7. Puri N, Talwar A. The efficacy of silicone gel for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery [Internet]. 2009;2(2):104. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2918339/
8. Cosgrove MC, Franco OH, Granger SP, Murray PG, Mayes AE. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [Internet]. 2007 Oct 1;86(4):1225–31. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/86/4/1225/4649573
9. Rodrigues L, Palma L, Tavares Marques L, Bujan Varela J. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology [Internet]. 2015 Aug;8(8):413. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
10. Pandel R, Poljšak B, Godic A, Dahmane R. Skin Photoaging and the Role of Antioxidants in Its Prevention. ISRN Dermatology [Internet]. 2013;2013:1–11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789494/