Surprising Nutrients for Combating Sagging Skin: A Holistic Approach

Introduction:

Aging gracefully is a shared aspiration among women, with blemishes, wrinkles, and sagging skin ranking as the top three skin concerns.

The loss of skin elasticity, primarily due to decreased collagen production and stretching of the fascial layer called SMAS, causes sagging skin. To effectively tackle sagging skin, it's crucial to consider the health of both the skin's surface and the deeper layers.

Understanding the Causes of Sagging Skin:

Sagging skin arises from reduced collagen production and the stretching of the SMAS layer. While vitamin C and collagen supplements can help regenerate collagen to some extent, they do not address the changes happening in the deeper tissues, including facial muscle weakness, fat loss, and bone shrinkage. As bone density decreases, atrophy occurs, affecting the bones of the face that form part of the skull.

Solutions for Deeper Layer Sagging: 

Facial muscle exercises have become popular for their ability to tone facial muscles and reduce muscle atrophy.

Consuming adequate protein can also support muscle health. Women, especially postmenopausal women, experience reduced estrogen levels, leading to decreased bone density and osteoporosis progression. As bone density decreases, bone atrophy worsens.

A combination of exercise, hormone replacement, and nutritional support is essential to maintain bone density. Phytoestrogens in soy products offer a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy by supplementing female hormones. Essential nutrients for bone health include calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K:

1. Calcium: Found in dairy products, small fish, seeds, beans, and leafy vegetables. The recommended daily intake for women 40 and older is 1,000-1,200 mg.
2. Magnesium: Found in green vegetables, spinach, kale, broccoli, brown rice, whole grains, almonds, and hazelnuts. The recommended daily intake for women 40 and older is 310-320 mg.
3. Vitamin D: Synthesized in the skin through sun exposure, but sunscreen can block its synthesis. To avoid UV damage that worsens sagging skin, it is recommended to take vitamin D supplements. The recommended daily intake for women 40 and older is 600-800 IU.
4. Vitamin K: Found in leafy vegetables and natto (fermented soybeans). Recommended daily intake for women aged 40 and older is 90 mcg.

Please note that these recommended daily dosages are general guidelines, and individual requirements may vary depending on factors such as age, health status, and lifestyle. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation regimen.

Skincare Ingredients to Complement the Holistic Approach:

In addition to exercise, hormone balance, and proper nutrition, using skincare products with specific ingredients can help improve sagging skin appearance. The following ingredients are effective in addressing sagging skin and promoting overall skin health:

1. Retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol and retinaldehyde, stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell turnover, reducing sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines.
2. Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that penetrate the skin and signal cells to produce more collagen, improving skin firmness and elasticity.
3. Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide improves skin elasticity, reduces redness, and enhances the skin's barrier function.
4. Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, plumping the skin and reducing the sagging appearance.
5. Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage, promoting collagen production and overall skin health.

When choosing skincare products, look for formulations containing these ingredients to help address sagging skin and improve overall skin health. Using these products consistently and as directed to achieve the best results is essential.

Conclusion:

Combating sagging skin requires a holistic approach that encompasses not only skincare but also maintaining the health of your entire body. By focusing on exercise, hormone balance, and proper nutrition, you can support your skin's health from the inside out. By incorporating a balanced lifestyle and targeted skincare products, women can work towards aging gracefully and enjoying healthier, more radiant skin.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). How to firm sagging skin.  Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-car...
2. National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Calcium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthP...
3. National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Healt...
4. National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Health...
5. National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Vitamin K: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-Health...
6. National Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/nutrition/
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8. Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. M. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/8/866
9. Rittié, L., & Fisher, G. J. (2015). Natural and sun-induced aging of human skin. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 5(1), a015370.  Retrieved from https://cshperspectives.cshlp.org/content/5/1/a01...

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.