Over the years, it's natural for various changes to occur in our lives, be they aesthetic and/or mental. When it comes to physical changes, it's very common to feel uncomfortable when you see your body, skin and face changing. At the age of 50, the firmness and collagen that were present at 20 are no longer the same, and there is no problem in wanting to soften these changes.
Among the main complaints when it comes to the appearance of the skin, sagging - despite being part of the ageing process - is almost always present. With this in mind, we invited Dr. Felipe Ribeiro, dermatologist and researcher, to clarify some doubts about sagging skin and indicate the best treatments for this condition. Check them out below:
What are the main causes of sagging skin?
The main causes of sagging skin involve a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Ageing is the most common cause, as over time the production of collagen and elastin - essential for skin elasticity and firmness - naturally decreases. In addition, prolonged exposure to the sun can accelerate this process by damaging these essential skin fibers. Other factors include significant weight changes, which can stretch the skin and make it difficult for it to return to its original shape, as well as harmful habits such as smoking, which compromises blood circulation and cell renewal.
Are there different types of sagging?
There are, in fact, different types of sagging skin, which can be categorized mainly into sagging muscles and sagging skin. Muscle laxity is caused by the loss of underlying muscle tone, often resulting from inactivity or ageing, which affects the overall firmness of the area. Skin laxity, on the other hand, refers to the loss of elasticity directly in the skin, due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production. Both types can occur simultaneously, especially in areas of the body where the skin is naturally thinner and more prone to loss of elasticity.
What is the typical age at which people start to notice sagging skin?
The age at which people begin to notice sagging skin varies greatly, depending on genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Generally, the initial signs of sagging can be seen from the age of 35, when collagen production begins to gradually decrease and the skin's elasticity begins to reduce. However, individuals with high sun exposure, smokers or those who have undergone significant weight loss may notice sagging earlier.
Which areas of the body are most prone to sagging?
The areas of the body most prone to sagging vary, but generally include those where the skin is thinner or subjected to regular stress, such as the face, neck, arms, abdomen and thighs. The face and neck are often the first to show signs of sagging due to their constant exposure to environmental factors, such as the sun, and their relatively thin skin. The arms and thighs can become flabby with weight changes or lack of exercise, which affect both the skin and the underlying muscle tone. The abdomen is especially prone to sagging after pregnancy or significant weight loss, due to excessive stretching of the skin.
What are the most effective treatments for reducing sagging skin?
Among the most effective treatments to combat sagging skin are options ranging from minimally invasive procedures to more intensive approaches. The following options are available today: radiofrequency, microfocused ultrasound, laser, microneedling, topical therapies, pulsed light, support threads, peels and collagen biostimulators. Each one is interesting in a particular scenario and combining them usually has a more significant effect.
Can sagging skin be prevented?
Preventing sagging skin is a process that combines adequate hydration, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and specific skin care. Drinking plenty of water every day and consuming foods rich in protein, collagen and antioxidants are key to keeping skin firm and healthy. Exercise, especially weight training, helps to build lean mass, replacing fat and keeping weight stable, thus avoiding the accordion effect that can damage skin elasticity. In addition, protection from UV rays, through the daily use of sunscreen, and the regular application of creams with active ingredients aimed at firming the skin, such as retinoids and modern hydroxy acids, also help.
For those looking for more specific results, aesthetic treatments are interesting and, among them, biostimulation - such as ILIKIA's STIIM® - stands out as a safe, fast and effective option.
According to the dermatologist, the use of STIIM® - a collagen biostimulator based on calcium hydroxyapatite - not only promotes the production of collagen in the skin, but also has a regenerative effect: “When we study the processes of collagen formation, it's interesting to bear in mind that new collagen is always better. The application of substances that act to generate new collagen is intelligent because it brings back the firmness that we lose over the years,” says Dr. Felipe.
How does this procedure work?
Once applied to the skin, hydroxyapatite integrates into the tissues and stimulates the body to weave a new collagen network, improving the skin's texture. This effect is not as immediate as that of fillers, but it is long-lasting. It is safe and effective and can be used on both the face and body.
Are complaints about sagging more common in men or women?
The perception that women complain more about sagging skin than men may stem from social norms and expectations about beauty and ageing. In many cultures, women are often subjected to higher standards of physical appearance and are frequently exposed to unrealistic beauty ideals perpetuated by the media, advertising and social pressures.
Women are often socialized from a young age to prioritize their appearance, and signs of aging, such as sagging skin, can be seen as undesirable or even taboo. Consequently, women may feel more pressure to openly address and discuss issues related to their physical appearance, including sagging skin.
In addition, the beauty industry is heavily targeting women with products and treatments designed to combat signs of ageing, which can further amplify these concerns among women.
On the other hand, men may face less social pressure to maintain a youthful appearance, and there may be fewer expectations for them to discuss or address issues such as sagging skin openly. However, this doesn't mean that men are totally immune to concerns about their appearance or ageing; instead, social norms and gender expectations often influence how individuals perceive and express these concerns.