From teens to young adults to mature professionals, it seems that everyone is keen on maintaining youthful, resilient skin. Therefore, the quest for optimal skin elasticity—our skin’s ability to bounce back to its original shape and maintain its firmness—continues to be a hot topic of conversation. Recently, Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich, widely recognized as a premiere expert in facelift surgery and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, spoke with IPSY blog to weigh in on this subject and discuss the various ways to maintain and enhance skin elasticity. Here are some key takeaways from his feature.
“Over time, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin, the building blocks of skin elasticity,” says Dr. Konstantin. In addition to aging, two main factors that can contribute to the loss of skin elasticity are sun damage and smoking. This underscores the importance of protecting your skin from the sun and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices, such as not smoking.
Sun damage is one of the biggest culprits behind premature aging. Dr. Konstantin explains that “UV rays break down collagen and elastin”, which are essential proteins for keeping our skin firm and smooth. This breakdown leads to common signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging, loose skin, and age spots. Protecting your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. By using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade during peak sun hours, and steering clear of tanning beds, you can keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. These simple steps can make a big difference in preserving your skin’s natural beauty.
In addition to practicing proper sun safely, quitting smoking can also do wonders for your skin’s elasticity. Smoking restricts blood flow to the skin, which “hinders the delivery of nutrients essential for healthy skin,” as Dr. Konstantin puts it. When blood flow is compromised, the skin is deprived of oxygen and vital nutrients, leading to premature aging and reduced skin elasticity. By kicking the habit, you’re giving your skin a chance to get those vital nutrients again, promoting a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Rapid weight fluctuations, poor diet, and dehydration are other contributing factors that can cause your skin to lose its elasticity. Rapid weight changes can stretch and damage the skin’s elastic fibers, leading to a loss of firmfness. A diet that lacks essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E can negatively impact skin health and elasticity. And with hydration being a key element of healthy skin, you should aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily to keep your skin well-hydrated.
In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a proper skin routine is crucial, as factors beyond lifestyle can influence skin health. Dr. Konstantin emphasizes that while a healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in preserving skin elasticity, genetics also play an essential part. “Some people are naturally predisposed to losing elasticity faster than others,” he explains. Unfortunately, genetics are challenging to control, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes both lifestyle and skincare practices. When it comes to a skincare regimen, he recommends adding retinol and hyaluronic acid. Retinol stimulates collagen production—thereby improving skin texture and elasticity. It is also important to moisture regularly and Dr. Konstantin adds that you should “look for products containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help retain moisture and plumpness.”
In the end, “consistency is key,” says Dr. Vasyukevich. “Taking care of your skin daily with these practices will help you maintain elasticity and keep your skin looking its best in the long term. If you have any specific concerns, schedule a consultation with an expert to find the right solution tailored to your specific needs.”
For personalized advice and tailored treatment options, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Konstantin. As a trusted authority in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Konstantin can help you achieve your aesthetic goals with expert precision and care. To schedule an appointment, please contact us via our consultation form or call us at 212-380-3634.
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