As we mature, the effects of sun exposure, smoking, stress, and a decrease in hormone and collagen production can cause skin to sag or wrinkles to become more prominent. There are a number of ways to improve the appearance of your skin without going under the knife or getting injections. I’m in my mid-50s, get mistaken for being in my late 30s/early 40s regularly, and have personally tried all the methods I have listed. As with anything, please consult with a physician or health professional before trying!
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Here are 7 of my favorite ways to improve skin’s appearance.
1. Exercise
Resistance and aerobic exercise can help skin look tauter. Studies have shown that doing 30 minutes of cardio or strength training exercise twice a week can help increase the production of collagen and build muscle mass. Both cardio and strength training can help skin appear firmer. Regular exercise is also a great stress reliever, so it’s a win-win! I personally alternate between low to mid-impact cardio and strength 3 to 5 days a week.
2. Castor Oil
Known for its use as a laxative when taken internally, castor oil has also been used around the world for hair growth and skin tightening. For optimum results, it’s best to use a cold-pressed, organic castor oil that is hexane-free, and then dilute it with a carrier oil to aid in faster absorption into the skin. I use two parts castor oil to one part carrier oil, such as grapeseed or jojoba oil. It can be left on the skin for 15 minutes or as an overnight treatment. Note that it can stain the sheets if you don’t allow the oil to absorb fully before going to bed.
3. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting can have health benefits, and it can also help to increase the production of collagen and elastin, which can aid in firming the skin. Dr. Frank O’Neill, D.C. (GrowGrayMatter), says that autophagy (the process of cells breaking down and repairing) plays a crucial role in healthier, tighter skin. Fasting helps to repair, in conjunction with getting enough sleep. “Fast Like a Girl” by Dr. Mindy Palz is a great resource on this approach.
4. Sauna and Cold Showers
A circuit of 15-20 minutes in the sauna, followed by a cold plunge or cold shower for 2-3 minutes, increases blood circulation and collagen production. Both also help to release toxins and inflammation from the body, which helps to alleviate puffiness and blemishes. Wellness expert Dr. Jacqueline Schaffer, MD, said that cold water tightens and constricts the blood flow, which gives your skin a healthier glow. Unlike hot water, cold water doesn’t dry out the sebum layer, a naturally lubricated barrier that protects your skin and hair. This can make your skin and hair healthier over time.
5. Facial Massage
Facial massage helps increase circulation and collagen production and can be done in a few different ways. I use a combination of these methods myself: facial lifting massage, stone roller, gua sha, and microcurrent.
Facial lifting massage is a series of exercises to help tighten the skin. Here’s a link to a great series of exercises by skin specialist Abigail James.
I also use a stone roller and gua sha to aid with lymphatic drainage, which helps to reduce puffiness and increase blood circulation. You can find these tools made from stainless steel, jade, or rose quartz.
Microcurrent is the delivery of small amounts of electrical pulses to stimulate the muscles and skin on the face and body. It decreases puffiness, increases circulation, and helps to tighten and firm the skin. I have a device that is no longer being made that I use on my face, but NuFace has devices for the face and body.
6. Skincare
There are some skincare items that can help, and I’m a big fan of several of them.
Peptides help to improve skin elasticity and decrease fine lines and wrinkles. For the best results, the product should contain at least 5% peptides.
Ceramides are naturally occurring fats in the skin that hold moisture in. This decreases with age, so products that help replenish the skin are helpful.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein. It helps with skin elasticity and blood flow to the skin.
Niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that improves skin texture, helps to fight environmental stress, and brightens/tightens skin.
Exfoliants are an important part of a skincare routine. It’s important to exfoliate the skin a few times a week to remove dead skin cells, which will aid in better absorption of your skincare products. It can also help increase blood circulation, collagen production, and improve skin texture. It’s also better to exfoliate at night because it can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Sun protection is recommended during the day. I prefer methods that don’t cause any microscopic tearing of the skin, so I tend to use enzymes more than chemical exfoliants. My favorite enzyme exfoliant is Sex-a-Peel by Sonia Roselli Beauty, which is safe to use from head to toe.
Here are some of my favorite overall skin lines to use:
https://www.elizabetharden.com
7. Last-Minute Fixes
Sometimes you have a special occasion or something going on, and you need something fast. Maybe you haven’t been sleeping well, have had too much salt or alcohol, or aren’t feeling your best. I keep these around just in case.
These are my secret weapons to use for a few hours of extra help!
Shapewear
I’m a big advocate of shapewear when I need to look smoother/firmer in form-fitting clothing. My favorite brand is Spanx since they have everything from hosiery to foundation pieces to clothing.
Temporary Firming Products
Genie Instant Line Smoother, Westmore Beauty 60 Second Effects, and Plexaderm are all great products for temporarily tightening the skin. I like to mix them with my foundation and concealer, so I don’t have to worry about the foundation or concealer disturbing the effects.
Temporary Lifting Tape
Skinnies is a body-shaping tape that is water-resistant and sweat proof.
Temporary Face Lift
The Facelift Band is a bungee that is hidden in the hair that can be used to pull and tighten the skin on the face and lift the eyes.
I would love to hear about the successes you’ve had with any of these suggestions!
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