Why is My Skin Saggy?

In this article, we will discuss saggy skin: what causes it and tips on preventing it. 

Saggy Skin: Definition and Causes 

The skin contains collagen and elastin. These are the supportive and connective tissues that give it a soft, youthful appearance. There are four primary reasons a person may have issues with saggy skin: 

1. Age-related: When the amount of collagen and elastin in the body decreases, the skin begins to “sag” or droop. This tends to occur as people age. On average, collagen production begins to slow around age 25, and decreases more rapidly in women after menopause. In addition to the loss of collagen, the pull of gravity can cause the skin to sag even more. A reduction in collagen types I and III have been shown to be a common occurrence as people age.^[1] 

2. Sun exposure. Over time, ultraviolet rays from the sun can take a toll on collagen and elastin. As a result, the aging process can be accelerated, increasing the number of wrinkles throughout the body and sagging skin. Sun-damaged skin can see a 20% reduction in collagen versus skin than in nonsolar-exposed skin.^[2] 

3. Smoking. Smoking dries out the skin, which can also accelerate aging. A study on smoking found that smoking decreases the synthesis rates of type I and type II collagen in the skin. It also affected the cellular turnover in the skin as well.^[3]

4. Weight loss. Extreme weight loss over a short period of time can increase the risk of skin sagging. This is a strong probability among individuals who undergo bariatric surgery, and can also occur among those who lose weight quickly through diet and exercise. This can occur because the skin has become too stretched too quickly to return to its original size.  

The Importance of Collagen 

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the body. It is made up of amino acids that are bound together and found primarily in the skin, ligaments, and tendons. Collagen has several important functions: 

Skin. Collagen can keep the skin hydrated, which is key in keeping it healthy as a person ages. Studies indicate collagen supplements may help decrease obvious signs of aging on the skin.^[4]

Hair. The amino acids found in collagen may help strengthen the skin that contains hair roots and hair follicles. This may help in preventing the thinning of hair. It also contains amino acids, which help to build keratin, which is also found in collagen. 

Nails. Bones consist of collagen, which plays an important role in keeping them healthy and strong. Research is ongoing, but this could also translate to stronger, healthier nails. 

Joints. A lack of collagen can increase the risk of having weaker cartilage, which could lead to joint issues such as osteoarthritis. Collagen supplements has shown to be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis and maintaining joint health.^[5]

Foods Rich in Collagen 

The body produces collagen naturally from foods high in protein, which is then secreted by various cells in the body. However, this production tends to decrease as a person ages, which can lead to saggy skin over time. In addition to protein-rich foods like meat, turkey, eggs, beans, and dairy, the following chart lists foods can help stimulate the production of collagen and foods that can damage it: 

Top Collagen Supplements 

The key to avoiding saggy skin is having sufficient collagen in the body. Here are the top collagen supplements: 

Vital Proteins Collagen Protein - Gelatin 32 oz. 

Vital Proteins Collagen Protein contains the same proteins that are found in the joints, bones, skin, nails, cartilage, and hair. This 100% pure product is gluten-free, rBGH free and contains no GMO’s. This pasture-raised gelatin powder can be added to custards, soups, and stews. 

Systemic Formulas: #613 - Collagen ECM - 543G 

Systemic Formulas: #616 - Collagen ECM

Rich in glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans and amino acids—all vital nutrients for joint health and strong connective tissues throughout the body. The availability of these supportive amino acid chains provides the body the specific molecules it requires to maintain the overall integrity of his structure and functionality.

Hyaluronic Acid: Supports the body’s innate collagen synthesis processes, i.e. the body’s inherent youthful cell maintenance processes.

Collagen ECM is the world’s most potent and complete formula containing:
Type I: Skin, tendons, vascular ligatures, bones, and organs
Type II: Cartilage
Type III: Reticulate fibers (forms crosslinks for connective tissue strength and durability)
Type IV: Basement membrane strength (the extracellular matrix and skin support)
Type V: Supports hair health, placenta integrity, and cell structure strength
Type X: Supports articular cartilage

Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate

Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate is a premier collagen supplement powder made from grass-fed cattle. This product offers the following benefits:

• Coldwater soluble
• Rapid adsorption
• Odorless and colorless 
• Composed of 90% bioavailable protein

Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate has many of the nutrients and amino acids bodies need as they age. 

Summary 

Age, poor diet, smoking, weight loss, and exposure to the sun are all possible causes of saggy skin. Not counting extreme rapid weight loss, saggy skin doesn’t happen overnight: the body produces less collagen and elastin over time, which can lead to saggy skin. While surgery and cosmetic procedures promise to increase collagen levels, natural options are available as well. By eating foods that stimulate the production of collagen and avoiding foods that inhibit its growth, a person can keep their skin, soft supple and hydrated as they age. The addition of all-natural supplements as described above is an excellent way to keep decrease the probability of saggy skin, keep collagen levels high and maintain good health.

References:

1. Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L, (et al). Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. Am J Pathol. 2006 Jun;168(6):1861-8. doi: 10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302. [PMID: 16723701]; PMCID: PMC1606623. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1606623/

2. Elaine Schwartz Frederick A. Cruickshank Carolyn C. Christensen, ( et al). Collagen Alterations In Chronically Sun‐Damaged Human Skin. First published: December 1993https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.1993.tb04981.xhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/8310007/ 

3. A. Knuutinen N. Kokkonen J. Risteli (et al). Smoking Affects Collagen Synthesis And Extracellular Matrix Turnover In Human Skin. First published: 28 April 2002https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04694.xhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/11966688/ 

4. Borumand M, Sibilla S. Daily consumption of the collagen supplement Pure Gold Collagen® reduces visible signs of aging. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Oct 13;9:1747-58. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S65939. [PMID: 25342893]; PMCID: PMC4206255.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206255/

5. Suresh Kumar Fumihito Sugihara Keiji Suzuki (et al). A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Randomised, Clinical Study On The Effectiveness Of Collagen Peptide On Osteoarthritis. Published: 22 May 2014 https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6752 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jsfa.6752