In your 20s, skin elasticity begins to decline as the levels of the structural proteins1 that make it up—namely, collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans—drop. According to board-certified holistic dermatologist Gary Goldfaden, M.D., this is because “the amount of new collagen that your skin produces declines while the rate of its destruction increases.” He adds that this rate of decline intensifies upon menopause. The good news is that there are many ways to naturally mitigate this process holistically. Below, you will find 16 natural ways to support skin elasticity by either promoting the presence of structural proteins in the skin or preventing their breakdown: Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is one of the most researched and a popular pick amongst dermatologists. Because retinol is so strong, it can create sun sensitivity, so for a more gentle approach, try the oil bakuchiol. “These are the most proven anti-aging options, [which] work by increasing collagen production and the turnover of cells,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. “Topically, vitamin B3 is one of the most effective ingredients2 in reducing collagen breakdown while simultaneously increasing fibroblast production,” says Goldfaden. When you take a hydrolyzed collagen supplement, the collagen peptides travel through the gut lining and throughout the body, where they provide cells with amino acids. These amino acids support your body’s natural production of collagen3 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin.* “They essentially act as a massive protective barrier for the skin to allow our cells to regenerate at a healthy speed without being compromised by external factors, including UVA/UVB rays,” says Goldfaden. Regular exfoliation does more than simply remove the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which can contribute to a tired, dull appearance. The results of one study found that six months of using the chemical exfoliator glycolic acid increased epidermal thickness by 27%5. It is one of the most effective topicals for collagen production and why you see so many dermatologists recommending daily use. Naturopathic doctor Nadia Musavvir, M.D., explains that stress is relative, too. “Stress is unique to you and what your body perceives as stressful, even if you feel like everything is fine,” she says. Stressors may range from the emotional to the physiological; from a relationship to even blood sugar instability. Because of this, it’s important to have a proactive stress-management plan that you keep in place—like a regular workout routine and daily breathwork. Studies have shown that exercise keeps skin looking younger—so much so that it may even reverse skin aging in those who begin an exercise regimen later in life. This means eating your antioxidants, which can be found in berries and fresh, leafy greens, as well as the essential fatty acids found in salmon and almonds.* Goldfaden suggests taking two other elasticity promoters: probiotics and vitamin D (which is a key factor in skin cell growth, regeneration, protection, and repair) while Musavvir shares that the skin of red organic grapes is an excellent source of resveratrol.* Furthermore, glucosamine and curcumin8—found in the turmeric plant—are known for delivering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection.* Furthermore, if you are sensitive to any foods and ingredients, these are especially important to eliminate as they as they impact inflammatory pathways. “Red light stimulates the mitochondria, the energizers of our cells,” says Musavvir. “This, in turn, stimulates collagen and elastin production, as well as preventing its breakdown.” As Musavvir explains, a treatment creates tiny micro-injuries to the dermis in order to jump-start the skin’s reparative process—including collagen. “It is especially great when coupled with platelet-rich plasma, or PRP,” she shares, adding, “Over time this will decrease wrinkle appearance and tighten the skin, improving sagging.” There are at-home micro-roller tools, but they are up for debate in the derm community: Visit a licensed aesthetician or board-certified dermatologist. The celebrity-beloved facial can be performed by an esthetician and is often compared to a “gym session” for the facial muscles. This stimulates and contours the muscles of your face, thereby enhancing skin quality. It must be done regularly, however, to see results. By managing your cortisol levels, you help maintain a healthy inflammatory response, and therefore help combat the rate at which collagen and elastic are broken down. “A good general rule is drinking half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water,” says Musavvir. In order to help ensure that your water is making its way inside your skin cells, she also recommends replenishing minerals and electrolytes in your diet that may have been lost from sweating and exercise.
