What does elastic skin mean?
Cutaneous elasticity is a property that allows the skin to change and recover its shape when it is stretched or deformed.
With the passage of time, there is a progressive loss of collagen and elastin which, together with hydration, are responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity.
The level of these components is essential to preserve the skin's structure and help maintain a youthful appearance.
Factors contributing to the loss of elasticity
As time goes by, elastic fibers undergo a process of "structural disorganization" that makes them less functional, causing a loss of skin elasticity. This physiological process of skin ageing can be slowed or accelerated by constitutional and environmental factors such as:
-Sun exposure and pollution: Prolonged and repeated sun exposure without adequate protection and environmental pollution degrade the collagen and elastin present in the skin that are responsible for its elasticity and firmness.
-Tobacco: Smoking, in addition to being considered harmful to our health, causes premature ageing of the skin. This habit generates the production of free radicals, which then contribute to the loss of collagen and elastin.
-Diet: The benefits of a healthy and balanced diet are numerous, and for the dermis to remain smooth, firm and healthy, it is necessary to incorporate antioxidants such as vitamin C in our diet, which helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.
-Rest: Restful sleep allows the skin to recover from the damage caused by daily exposure to stressors.
What does skin elasticity depend on and how can we contribute to its improvement?
Skin elasticity is mainly related to the health of the connective tissue which, in turn, is related to a protein called elastin, to collagen and to the skin's hydration level.
The fibrous component, consisting mainly of elastin and collagen, is responsible for the skin's elasticity and tensile strength.
The incorporation of collagen to maintain connective tissue health, in conjunction with coenzyme Q10 to act as an antioxidant and hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration, are the most recommended methods to prevent the formation of wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity.