Your skin becomes less elastic as you age, but you can improve it by reducing sun exposure, eating a nutritious diet, and using topical products like retinol.
Loss of skin elasticity is a natural part of aging. You may have noticed it for the first time when you were putting on makeup or rubbing your eyes. You moved your eyelid slightly to the side, and your skin didn’t bounce back the way it used to.
Skin elasticity is your skin’s ability to stretch and snap back to its original shape. Loss of skin elasticity is known as elastosis. Elastosis causes skin to look saggy, crinkled, or leathery.
Areas of the skin exposed to the sun can develop solar elastosis. These parts of the body may look more weathered than those protected from sun exposure. Solar elastosis is also referred to as actinic elastosis.
You can improve your skin elasticity. In this article, we’ll cover the causes of elastosis and provide possible solutions.
Skin is the body’s largest organ. It’s also your shield against the elements. As people age, their skin naturally starts to show the effects of time.
In addition to losing collagen, skin also starts to lose elastin, a protein that allows skin to stretch and snap back. Elastin is found in the connective tissue of the skin’s dermis layer.
Environmental and lifestyle causes can worsen and accelerate elastosis. They include:
- sun exposure
- air pollution
- not eating a nutritious diet
- smoking
Rapid, extensive weight loss can also cause elastosis.
There are ways to improve your skin’s elasticity and overall appearance. They include:
1. Collagen supplements
Collagen is a protein found in the skin’s connective tissues. Some evidence suggests that oral hydrolyzed collagen can be absorbed through the gut and delivered to the skin via the bloodstream.
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A separate review from 2022 found that topical collagen supplements (applied to the skin) were also effective.
Though results are promising, more data is needed about collagen supplements to determine their true ability to replenish skin’s elasticity.
2. Retinol and retinoids
Retinol is a form of vitamin A. You can find it in over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products like eye serums and facial creams. It’s not as potent as prescription retinoids.
A 2022 research review notes that the evidence for retinol improving skin elasticity is mixed and inconclusive. Still, people sometimes use it in concentrations up to 0.3% as it has fewer side effects and causes less irritation than more potent retinoids.
Prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin (Retin-A), boost collagen production in the skin. Many studies have shown their effectiveness in reducing and reversing the effects of photoaging (sun damage).
3. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found primarily in the skin’s connective tissue. Its job is to maintain moisture and keep the skin lubricated.
Hyaluronic acid becomes depleted by ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure and by aging. Using serums or creams fortified with hyaluronic acid may help skin regain some of its natural elasticity. Taking supplements containing hyaluronic acid may also be beneficial.
4. Genistein
Genistein, a derivative of soy, is a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that act similarly to estrogen in the body.
5. Hormone therapy
Although the data is far from conclusive, research has found that varying types of hormone therapy (previously called “hormone replacement therapy” or “HRT”) benefit skin elasticity loss caused by aging and menopause. They include:
- transdermal estrogen
- transdermal estrogen combined with vaginal progesterone
- oral estrogen combined with vaginal progesterone
Hormone therapy can be a helpful treatment option, but it isn’t for everyone.
6. Witch hazel extract
Witch hazel is a common household skin care product and an ingredient in cosmetics and skin care preparations.
One in vivo
7. Cocoa flavanols
If eating dark chocolate is your guilty pleasure, this potential skin elasticity fix is for you.
A 2016 study found that daily intake of cocoa flavanols, a compound in chocolate, improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles. Cocoa flavanols are naturally occurring, dietary flavonoids found in the cacao bean.
Not all chocolate contains high levels of cocoa flavanols. Look for chocolate containing around 320 milligrams of cocoa flavanols, the amount used in the study.
8. Laser treatments
Healthcare professionals use laser therapy to treat many medical conditions.
One study examined the effectiveness of combining two laser therapy techniques — non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) — performed on the same day to study participants.
These procedures positively affect skin tone and the production of new collagen. The study found that the combination of these therapies significantly increased skin elasticity and tone. Other studies have found positive results from the use of fractional lasers on skin.
9. Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) cream
Dexpanthenol (pantothenic acid) is a medicated moisturizer some people use to treat rough, scaly, or dry skin. Studies have found it to be beneficial for preserving skin elasticity.
10. Chemical peels
Chemical peels are procedures done by a dermatologist to resurface and revitalize skin. They can be light, medium, or deep. Light chemical peels typically
However, medium and deep chemical peels may reduce elastosis and the effects of photoaging and increase collagen production. You and a dermatologist can determine which type of peel is best for you.
11. Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deep exfoliation technique a dermatologist can perform to remove the outer layers of skin, usually on the face. This can
12. Platelet-rich plasma injection
One small study found that injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into the lower eyelid reduced actinic elastosis in that area. Participants required several injections each month over a 3-month period. The study authors reported the injections to be minimally invasive and pain-free.
13. Body-contouring surgery
A significant increase in weight can cause skin to lose its elasticity. After weight loss, the skin may not be able to bounce back, resulting in excess, loose skin.
This is more likely to occur if the weight loss is around 100 pounds or more. In some instances, doctors can surgically remove skin, typically from the stomach, arms, or thighs, to restore skin elasticity.
Research also links some nonsurgical body contouring techniques to improved skin elasticity.
Lifestyle changes are your best bet for limiting elastosis.
Limit sun exposure
Overexposure to UV rays reduces skin elasticity and causes premature skin aging. Research suggests that daily sunscreen use can stop this process. Using sunscreen won’t improve elastosis, but it will prevent further damage.
Add antioxidants to your diet
A diet high in antioxidants may help maintain skin’s elasticity and overall health. Examples of antioxidants include:
It’s important to remember that even the healthiest diet won’t be enough to counteract sun-related photoaging. Taking antioxidant supplements or eating a diet high in antioxidants is a good start, but it won’t replace sun protection.
Quit smoking
People who smoke have less skin elasticity than those who don’t. Smoking narrows blood vessels, decreasing blood flow and limiting the ability of nutrients and oxygen to reach the skin.
The toxins in cigarettes can also damage elastin and collagen fibers. Smoking cessation helps reduce the ongoing damage of cigarette smoking to the skin, as well as to the rest of the body.
Choosing a dermatologist
A dermatologist can help you decide which treatments and lifestyle changes will be most beneficial for you. When choosing a dermatologist, consider these factors:
- Look for a board certified doctor who specializes in cosmetic dermatology.
- Verify their credentials with a reputable body like the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Determine whether the doctor has experience treating your skin type, especially if you’re a person of color.
- Find out what you can expect your insurance to pay and how your doctor will handle billing.
- As with any doctor, trust your gut instinct. If you don’t feel comfortable or supported in your healthcare goals, seek medical treatment elsewhere.
Skin naturally loses some of its ability to stretch and bounce back with aging. Sun exposure and habits, such as smoking, can accelerate this process.
There are many successful treatments for improving skin elasticity. Lifestyle changes, such as wearing sunscreen, can help slow it down and minimize its effects.