How to combat loss of skin elasticity?

Loss of skin elasticity is a natural and inevitable process of aging. However, many external factors can accelerate this phenomenon. In this article, we delve into the heart of the dermis to explain the mechanisms behind sagging skin. We also discuss aesthetic medicine techniques that can counteract loss of elasticity, as well as facial treatments recommended by FILORGA experts.

Elastin and skin proteins: the skin's firming assets

Our skin is composed of three layers :

• The epidermis on the surface.
• The dermis just below.
• The hypodermis in depth.

Firm and elastic skin depends on physiological processes that take place in the dermis, a layer of skin that can be compared to a compact gel made up of several materials. Composed of proteins such as collagen andelastin, ofproteoglycans (a mixture of proteins and sugars) andglycosaminoglycans (long chains of carbohydrates), the dermis forms the framework of the tissues. All these molecules are produced by cells called fibroblasts. In the dermis: Like the springs in a mattress, elastin fibers have elastic properties that allow them to stretch and return to their original state. initial. They give the skin suppleness and elasticity.

With age, the skin loses its elasticity

Loss of elasticity is one of the characteristics of skin aging. There are both internal and external causes for this.

Internal (or intrinsic) causes

Over the years, the quality of the dermis declines. Along with a reduction in the number of fibroblasts, and therefore a decrease in the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin, the body produces more enzymes that break down proteins. The skin's structural fibers are therefore degraded faster than they are renewed, leading to aging. At the same time, the surface area of ​​the junction between the dermis and epidermis, called the dermoepidermal junction, decreases. This contributes to increased skin fragility and can also lead to reduced nutrient transfer between the dermal and epidermal layers (the epidermis receives fewer nourishing and protective compounds from the dermis).

External (or extrinsic) causes

Extrinsic aging is caused by Environmental factors that overlap with intrinsic causes.

For most of us, these environmental factors primarily affect areas that are highly exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, or décolleté. Exposure to UV rays, which is responsible for approximately 80% of the aging effects of facial skin, is called photoaging. Acute (i.e., a single, intense exposure) of the skin to UV radiation causes sunburn, pigmentation changes, and damage to dermal tissue.

Chronic UV exposure over many years disrupts the skin's normal architecture and eventuallycause premature aging. Photoaging thus affects the dermo-epidermal junction and degrades the dermis by significantly disrupting the network of elastin fibers. This leads to a marked reduction in skin elasticity and manifests itself in the appearance of wrinkles. A similar phenomenon also occurs during intrinsic aging, but it is generally more gradual.

Tobacco smoke is also a factor that accelerates both the intrinsic and extrinsic aging processes caused by UV rays. Indeed, the elastic fibers of the dermis appear to be the main targets of smoke-derived components. This could explain the significant increase in facial wrinkles in smokers, which are narrower and deeper than those in non-smokers.

To combat the loss of skin elasticity and preserve the quality of the dermis, it is therefore important to preserve and stimulate fibroblasts. This can be achieved through the application of specific cosmetic treatments, or, if the loss of elasticity is too significant, through the use of cosmetic medicine and surgery techniques.

Aesthetic medicine techniques to restore skin elasticity

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency helps tighten sagging skin while slowing down skin aging. It is based on the emission of very high-frequency electromagnetic waves that create heating in the subcutaneous tissue (around 55°C). This heat in the dermis will cause a retraction of existing collagen fibers as well as a production of new collagen, which will improve the firmness and tone of the skin. Optimal results are achieved after 6 months.

The laser

The laser penetrates the deep layers of the dermis, causing immediate inflammation and the release of growth hormones that stimulate collagen production. In response, the body produces cells that form new connective tissue, which pushes the wrinkle outward and tightens the skin. The laser also allows collagen remodeling 3 to 12 months after treatment.

Discover how FILORGA combats loss of skin elasticity

To combat sagging skin and maintain youthful skin, the experts at FILORGA Laboratories recommend:

As a preventative measure, effective sun protection

As we've seen, photoaging is one of the main causes of loss of elasticity. To learn all the ways to protect yourself, our skin experts have written this article especially for our consumers. style="font-weight: 400;">

GLOBAL-REPAIR ADVANCED: an exceptional repair duo

The GLOBAL-REPAIR ADVANCED repair duo acts on the skin's collagen and elastin by repairing cells. Composed ofa light, non-greasy elixir anda cream with a melting, enveloping texture, GLOBAL-REPAIR ADVANCED effectively combats the 10 signs of skin aging, including loss of elasticity and density :

• The elixir incorporatesan oil extracted fromPistacia lentiscus, a tree native to the island of Chios in Greece. It increases the synthesis of a protein nicknamed the protein of new youth. This protein counteracts the effects of skin aging by stimulating cellular activity, particularly the synthesis of type I collagen.

• The cream contains peptides that fight the fragmentation of skin fibers and stimulate the production of collagen, fibronectin (a glycoprotein), and hyaluronic acid. It also contains peony extract, which reshapes the jawline. For an anti-wrinkle effect, improved elasticity, and greater firmness.
  
  

GLOBAL-REPAIR ADVANCED is applied morning and evening, starting with the serum.

Discover our GLOBAL-REPAIR range