As we age, our skin gradually loses the firmness and elasticity that it once had when we were younger. This is due to a number of reasons, including reduced production of collagen and elastin proteins found in the skin. The natural ageing process cannot be reversed or slowed, but by taking certain preventative action, skin sagging can be reduced. So, how do vitamins affect skin health? What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin?
A deficiency in Vitamin C can accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature skin sagging and wrinkling. This is because Vitamin C enhances the production of the protein collagen, which is vital to providing the firmness and vibrancy that counteracts skin sagging.
Keep reading to find out more about how Vitamin C and other lifestyle choices can impact skin health and sagging.
What is Skin Sagging?
Skin sagging is a common experience whereby skin that was once firm and vibrant gradually becomes loose and wrinkled. This process is part of the natural ageing process, and does not have any negative impacts on physical health. It can however, cause people emotional distress, affecting their self esteem and body image. Skin sagging is caused by a number of factors, but is primarily the result of the breakdown of collagen and elastin proteins in the skin. Skin sagging and wrinkling is also caused by a loss of fat pads beneath the skin, a thinning epidermis, reduced cell turnover, skin cell damage and hormone changes.
What Vitamin Deficiency Contributes to Skin Sagging?
Vitamin C is fundamental for the production of collagen production, and so a deficiency in this Vitamin will result in increased skin sagging. With reduced collagen synthesis occurring in the skin, the firmness and elasticity of the skin will be reduced. Vitamin C also protects the skin from cell damage and free radicals, as it acts as an antioxidant. By maintaining a consistent intake of Vitamin C, the skin is encouraged to maintain its firm and youthful appearance.
Other Factors that Contribute to Skin Sagging
While Vitamin C is a pivotal factor in reducing the speed that skin is ageing at, most vitamin deficiencies will accelerate skin ageing and sagging. Sagging skin can also be caused by a number of lifestyle choices. For example, it is possible to slow the process of sagging skin with:
Nutrient-Rich Diet
Ensure that you are eating food that contains plenty of vitamins. Foods that are packed with antioxidants and nutrients such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, grains, fish, poultry and eggs will help to slow the skin ageing.
Vitamin Supplements
If you are deficient in certain vitamins, it may be worth taking vitamin supplements. This can help to protect healthy skin, such as with topical vitamins that cover the skin with antioxidants.
UV Protection
The skin is constantly exposed to harmful UV radiation from the sun. This UV radiation breaks down skin cells and fibres, causing skin to age faster. To counteract this, wear sunscreen and clothing to protect yourself from the sun’s radiation.
No Smoking
Tobacco has actually been found to deplete the Vitamin C in the body, as well as adding free radicals to your body. Stopping smoking will not only reduce your risk of serious disease, but will also help your skin to look younger and firmer.
Moderated Alcohol Intake
Over a period of many years, alcohol in the body will steadily break down collagen. By cutting alcohol out of your lifestyle completely, your skin is able to repair itself up to a point.
Skin Sagging Treatment Options
At our London aesthetic clinic, we offer a range of skin sagging treatments, such as the Morpheus8 radiofrequency procedure, Sculptra London, Jalupro and Profhilo London and hyper-dilute Radiesse. Find out more about long-lasting, effective and safe treatment for skin sagging by contacting us today.
Owen Thomas
Dr. Owen Thomas has been a medical doctor for more than 20 years since qualifying from Cardiff in 1999, now specialising in aesthetics in London and Swansea. After a 2 year level-7 Master’s Degree course in injectable aesthetic treatments training at Harley Academy, and additional study with Empire Medical Training in the US and other experts renowned in their field, he won a scholarship in the prestigious Aesthetic Intelligence Fellowship run over 7 months in Kensington, London and Paris.
