As we grow older, all the organs of the body begin to age and start showing signs of ageing. This includes our skin too, which is the largest organ of our body. Though all parts of our body age, it is ageing of skin that gains maximum attention because it clearly visible. We always seeks out different ways to delay this visible skin agein.1
Ageing skin, especially on the face, affects self-image and has many social and emotional implications.2 The signs of ageing skin are clearly visible, like wrinkling, sagging, and a blotchy, uneven skin tone.3
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 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 reorganisation 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 ageing causes skin damage resulting in production of 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 ageing.1
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 ageing7.
3. Avocado oil:
Avocado oil is known to increase the production of collagen7., 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.
Apart from oils, there are other natural substances which 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 to 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 which 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 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
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 helps 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
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!
Can I go for surgical procedures for skin tightening?
While surgery for sagging skin (‘surgical lift ‘) can give the most radical results, one might not be the ideal candidate for it. For example, skin tightening procedures are not recommended for expecting mothers, people on certain medications and if someone has a skin infection. Consult a skin specialist to know if you can go for surgery for sagging skin.16
Do these home remedies give permanent skin tightening effect?
There are no scientific studies available which show that the effect of skin tightening by home remedies is permanent. However, since there are no side effects, if you see results, you can continue them in regularly.
Apart from home remedies, are there any other ways to improve tightness without going for surgery?
Yes, you may opt for commercially available skin tightening lotions and creams or for non-invasive skin firming procedures like laser treatment, ultrasound or radiofrequency after consulting a skin specialist.16
Can I be allergic to any of the home remedies mentioned here?
Yes, to be cautious about not breaking out into an allergy due to any of the remedies mentioned here, you may ask your doctor to conduct a skin patch test for you. The skin patch test is a simple, non-invasive test which can detect allergic reactions to any substance.17
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/
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/
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/
Waller J, Maibach H. Age and skin structure and function, a quantitative approach (II): protein, glycosaminoglycan, water, and lipid content and structure. Skin Research and Technology. 2006;12(3):145-154. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.0909-752X.2006.00146.x
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/
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/
Kumar KS, Bhowmik D, Duraivel S, Umadevi M. Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Banana. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Duraivel-S/publication/285484754
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_L/links/5f62383da6fdcc1164190cdd/Nutritional-Bioactive-Compounds-and-Health-Benefits-of-Fresh-and-Processed-Cucumber-Cucumis-Sativus-L.pdf
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
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/
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/
Kurek-Górecka A, Górecki M, Rzepecka-Stojko A, Balwierz R, Stojko J. Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care. Molecules. 2020;25(3):556. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7036894/
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Last updated: Dec 20, 2023
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