How does aging affect the skin?
With age the amount of subcutaneous (under-the-skin) fat is reduced resulting in a looser look to the skin. Skin sags because of a loss of collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for the skin’s elasticity, tone and texture. Collagen forms the structural network of our skin and gives skin its strength and durability. Elastin is similar to collagen but is a more stretchable protein that maintains the skin’s elasticity. It provides the matrix that holds individual skin cells in place. Together, collagen and elastin permit the skin to stretch, then regain its original shape. With age, the skin’s collagen begins to deteriorate, causing the skin to become thinner and sag. The elastin breaks down and causes wrinkling. Pregnancy, poor health or nutrition, aging, gravity, being overweight, excessive sun exposure can all contribute to skin that is loose and sags.
