Sagging skin can be one of the most challenging signs of skin aging to address. As you age, the skin produces collagen, leading to a decrease in firmness and elasticity. While even the best skin-firming products won’t reverse the visible signs of aging entirely, maintaining a targeted skincare routine can help support a youthful appearance.
Ahead, we’ll explain what causes skin to sag in the first place and share what to look for when seeking out firming skincare products. Then, we’ll introduce you to a few of our top picks to add to your anti-aging skincare routine.
Sagging doesn’t have one singular cause. There are several factors that can lead to a decline in skin’s elasticity, only some of which are in your control. Here, we’re taking a look at some of the most common causes of skin sagging.
Collagen and elastin are two key proteins in the skin that work together to maintain its firmness, smoothness, and resilience. Collagen provides structure and strength, while elastin allows the skin to stretch (and bounce back). As we age, however, the body’s natural production of both proteins gradually slows down. According to the Mayo Clinic, this natural decline eventually leads to visible skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
Collagen and elastin naturally decline with age, but certain external factors can accelerate this process, making the signs of aging more noticeable. Sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits, as ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin and generate free radicals that damage these essential proteins. Over time, this process—known as photoaging—results in premature wrinkles, sagging, and uneven texture, particularly in areas that see the most sun, such as the face, neck, and hands.
In a similar vein, exposure to environmental stressors, such as air pollution, can affect your skin’s ability to produce collagen and elastin, which in turn makes you more likely to develop wrinkled or sagging skin. While it’s virtually impossible to avoid air pollution entirely, adding antioxidants to your routine can help protect your skin from damage to support a healthier and more youthful-looking complexion (more on that shortly).
The skin relies on proper hydration to maintain its elasticity, but when the body is dehydrated, that flexibility diminishes. Without enough water, the skin becomes less able to stretch and bounce back, which can make it appear looser, less resilient, and more prone to visible sagging.
Certain skincare ingredients can play a key role in improving firmness and elasticity. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most effective options to help target sagging skin.
If you’re on the hunt for skincare for sagging skin, we have a few recommendations. Below, discover seven of our best skin firming products, plus tips on how to use them in your routine.
Featuring a potent blend of vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, this anti-aging formula works quickly to target the visible signs of skin aging. After one use, your skin will feel smooth and hydrated. With continued usage, you can expect to see a visible improvement in skin tone, texture, and firmness.
We love a multitasking skincare product, and this luxe serum definitely fits the bill. The unique, 2-in-1 formula contains collagen peptide, vitamin C, and vitamin B3 and works to target 10 signs of skin aging, including dullness, fine lines, and laxity. Smooth a pea-sized amount onto clean skin morning and night to reveal a firmer, more radiant-looking complexion in as little as two weeks.
If you prefer to use different serums in your morning and nighttime routines, try one of the above during the day, then switch to this luxe option at night. It’s formulated with a patented antioxidant recovery complex and helps repair your skin while you sleep, leaving you looking more refreshed by morning. Continue applying it nightly for visibly firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin over time.
The skin around your eyes is extremely thin, which is why it tends to be the first place you’ll notice the visible signs of aging begin to creep in. To help keep your eye area looking youthful, we recommend adding this eye cream to your routine. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and helps to target eight visible signs of skin aging, including crow’s feet, sagging lids, and under-eye bags. Pat it on at night for a more refreshed appearance come sunrise.
No matter your skin type, it’s important to moisturize daily to keep your skin adequately hydrated. If aging is your primary skin concern, consider swapping your basic face cream for this anti-aging option. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and pro-retinol to help combat sagging, wrinkles, and dullness. Plus, the lightweight formula is infused with broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to help shield your skin from damaging UV rays that can accelerate the skin aging process.
If you’re interested in adding retinol to your routine, it’s best to do so at night—this powerful anti-aging ingredient can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. This moisturizer provides an excellent place to start, combining retinol with niacinamide in an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula. Smooth it onto your face, neck, and decolleté each evening before hitting the sheets, and enjoy smoother, firmer-looking skin over time. Note that if you’re brand new to retinol, you may need to start gradually—consider applying it two nights per week to begin with, then slowly working your way up to nightly usage.
Next Up: Everything You Need To Know About Adding a Face Serum To Your Routine
Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris
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