Wonderful Home Remedies for Skin Tightening

Introduction

As we grow older, all the organs of the body begin to age and start showing signs of aging. This includes our skin too, which is the largest organ of our body. Though all parts of our body age, it is the aging of the skin that gains maximum attention because it is clearly visible. We always seek out different ways to delay this visible skin again.¹ 

Aging skin, especially on the face, affects self-image and has many social and emotional implications.² The signs of aging skin are clearly visible, like wrinkling, sagging, and a blotchy, uneven skin tone.³ 

Causes of Sagging Skin

There are many reasons why skin becomes saggy as we age. These reasons may be internal (Intrinsic aging) or external (Extrinsic aging).² 

Intrinsic Aging

Intrinsic aging develops over the years as time passes. The speed at which intrinsic aging occurs can vary from one individual to another. Let’s see what exactly happens in intrinsic aging.² 

• Reduction in Elastin: Elastin is a protein that provides tightness and elasticity to the skin. As one ages the amount of elastin in the skin reduces resulting in the skin losing its suppleness and resilience, causing skin to hang loose.  
• Reduction in Collagen: Collagen’s main function is to keep the skin taut and firm. As one’s age increases, the amount of collagen in the skin becomes lesser.⁴  
• Loss of fat: Loss of fat under the skin contributes to the sagging of the skin, especially the face.³ 
• Structural changes: With age, the fat pads under the skin shrink and there is a reorganization of the soft tissues along with bony alternations, especially on the face.³ 
• Effect of Gravity: Gravity can also cause shifting of fats under the skin causing the overlying skin to displace, making it appear saggy and wrinkled.² 

Extrinsic Aging

Extrinsic aging happens due to the external factors as follows:³ 

• Exposure to sun and aging causes skin damage resulting in the production of an abnormal type of elastin, which doesn’t provide the same kind of elasticity as seen in young people.⁵ 
• Skin damage by sun exposure causes a significant decrease in the amount of collagen.⁶ 
• Smoking, pollution, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and exposure to UV radiation from the sun significantly contribute to aging.¹ 

Also Read: Home Remedies For Tanned Skin

Home Remedies for Skin Tightening

Tightening of skin need not be a costly affair! Read along for several natural home remedies that can help in firming up loose skin. 

Oils

1. Argan oil

Traditionally, Argan oil has been used in hair and skin care products. It improves skin hydration and elasticity, thus giving the skin a young and supple look.⁷ 

2. Almond oil

Almond oil softens the skin and improves skin tone and complexion. It also prevents skin damage caused by UV radiation, which is one of the very important causes of extrinsic aging. 

3. Avocado oil

Avocado oil is known to increase the production of collagen^7., the main component that helps maintain the tightness of skin, thus preventing sagging and loose skin.⁵  

How to Use Oils for Skin Firming?

• To use any of the above oils to tighten your skin, first, ensure that the skin is clean and dried properly. 
• Take the required quantity of oil on your hand and massage it thoroughly on the skin. You may leave the oil overnight and then wash it with lukewarm water on waking up. 

Other Natural Remedies for Loose Skin

Apart from oils, there are other natural substances that can help in firming up the skin. 

1. Banana  

Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and natural oils. They reduce the appearance of wrinkles, preventing a saggy look. 

How to use it? 

• Mash a quarter of a ripe banana into a smooth paste 
• Apply this paste on a clean face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes 
• Rinse with warm water first followed by cold water. Pat dry.⁸ 

2. Cucumber 

Cucumber helps retain elastin and hyaluronic acid which are necessary to maintain firm skin.⁹ 

How to use it? 

• Peel a cucumber and juice it in a blender 
• Take a clean cotton ball and apply this juice onto the affected skin 
• Wash off after 15-20 minutes 

3. Pineapple 

Pineapple contains a range of ingredients, including an enzyme that not only helps improve skin elasticity but also removes dead and damaged skin cells. It also enhances skin hydration contributing towards giving a clear look to the skin.¹⁰ 

How to use it? 

• Peel a pineapple properly and juice it in a blender 
• Take a clean cotton ball and apply this juice to the saggy skin 
• Wash off after 15-20 minutes 

4. Aloe Vera 

The gel found in an aloe vera leaf tightens the skin by improving its elasticity. It also stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid production, thus preventing wrinkles.¹¹ 

How to use it? 

• Take an aloe vera leaf and cut off the flat end of the leaf first 
• Then slit it open vertically to reveal the aloe gel inside 
• Scoop out this gel and apply it directly to the skin. Wash off after 15-20 minutes 

5. Coffee Grounds Scrub 

Coffee contains caffeine, which protects the skin from aging due to oxidative stress.¹² 

How to use it? 

• Mix some coffee grounds with water to make a paste 
• Rub this paste all over the saggy skin gently in a circular motion 
• Wash off with lukewarm water 

6. Honey 

Honey helps in detoxification of the skin. It also improves skin elasticity and smooths out wrinkles.¹³ 

How to use it? 

• Take the required quantity of honey in a glass bowl 
• Add a little water to it so that its consistency is comfortable enough for you to apply to the skin 
• Apply this to the wrinkled area and keep it on for 15-20 minutes 
• Wash off with lukewarm water 

Other Tips to Prevent Loose Skin

• To maintain the skin’s youthful appearance, apart from using the above home remedies, it is also essential to have a balanced diet, which can provide all nutrients including antioxidants, to maintain good skin health. 
• Drinking enough water (more than 2 liters) is necessary to maintain the moisture levels of the skin. 
• It is better to avoid smoking and heavy alcohol intake as they have a significant contribution to the ageing of the skin.¹ 
• The use of an appropriate moisturizer helps lock in moisture, providing hydration and helping keep the skin smooth.¹⁴ 
• Application of sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15, is an essential step in skincare so as to prevent sun damage to the skin.¹⁵ 

Conclusion

With all these tips and simple home remedies, you need not resort to artificial and expensive cosmetics, to tackle saggy skin! Just look into your kitchen and you will find fresh and natural ways to maintain supple smooth skin! 

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For Blackheads

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Cao C, Xiao Z, Wu Y, Ge C. Diet and Skin Aging-From the Perspective of Food Nutrition. Nutrients. 2020;12(3):870. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146365/ 

2. Swift A, Liew S, Weinkle S, Garcia J, Silberberg M. The Facial Aging Process From the ”Inside Out”. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2020;41(10):1107-1119. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8438644/ 

3. A. Vashi N, De Castro Maymone M, V. Kundu R. Aging Differences in Ethnic Skin. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol [Internet]. 2016 [cited 5 May 2022];9(1):31-38. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756870/ 

4. Baumann L, Bernstein E, Weiss A, Bates D, Humphrey S, Silberberg M et al. Clinical Relevance of Elastin in the Structure and Function of Skin. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2021;3(3). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8239663/ 
5. Varani J, Dame M, Rittie L, Fligiel S, Kang S, Fisher G et al. Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin. The American Journal of Pathology. 2006;168(6):1861-1868. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1606623/ 

6. Lin T, Zhong L, Santiago J. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017;19(1):70. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ 

8. Uthpala TG, Marapana RA, Lakmini K, Wettimuny DC. Nutritional bioactive compounds and health benefits of fresh and processed cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Sumerianz Journal of Biotechnology. 2020;3(9):75-82. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/T-G-G-Uthpala-2/publication/344270982_Nutritional_Bioactive_Compounds_and_Health_Benefits_of_Fresh_and_Processed_Cucumber_Cucumis_Sativus

10. Packianathan N, Kandasamy R. Skin Care with Herbal Exfoliants.Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ruckmani-Kandasamy/publication/224892687_Skin_Care_with_Herbal_Exfoliants/links/54eb59190cf2a0305193c805/Skin-Care-with-Herbal-Exfoliants.pdf 

11. Sánchez M, González-Burgos E, Iglesias I, Gómez-Serranillos M. Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents. Molecules. 2020;25(6):1324. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7144722/ 

12. Li Y, Ouyang S, Tu L, Wang X, Yuan W, Wang G et al. Caffeine Protects Skin from Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence through the Activation of Autophagy. Theranostics. 2018;8(20):5713-5730. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6276298/ 

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