7 Ways to Boost Firmness, According to Dermatologists

mature woman applying a cream to her face — ohlamour studio / Stocksy

As we get older our skin will naturally become less defined. This loss in definition is due to the depletion of the skin’s collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels. Stopping the signs of aging can be challenging for most, but the good thing is that—if you want to—those signs can be slowed down with the adoption of a consistent skincare routine as well as some lifestyle changes. ‘’Firm skin is associated with healthy-looking skin. Most people associate maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance with firm skin," says board-certified dermatologist Carlos Charles, MD.

As we get older and our skin’s texture and overall look start to change, embracing the transition can be hard for some. It can have a negative impact on a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Something people may not be aware of is that skin doesn’t just lose firmness on the face. Other areas of the body where sagging (or a loss of firmness) may occur include the neck, abdomen, upper arms, and even the inner thighs.

The effects of sagging skin may not be easily reversible, but there are things that can be done in order to prevent it. We spoke to Charles, board-certified dermatologist Anthony Rossi, MD, and cosmetic chemist Shuting Hu about what can be done to boost skin firmness. Read on for what they had to say.

Meet the Expert

Carlos Charles, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He is the co-founder of 4.5.6 Skin.
Shuting Hu, Ph.D., is the founder of Acaderma and a cosmetic chemist.
Anthony Rossi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City.

01 of 07

Never Forget Your SPF

Fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation are just some of the skin issues that are caused by exposure to sunlight and UV light. Hu says that the key to keeping your skin healthy is sun protection. "Even if you are indoors, you are still being exposed to the sun. UV-rays are incredibly powerful and can speed up the aging process tremendously, so it’s important to find a sunscreen that you enjoy using as part of your daily routine." When the skin starts to lose its firmness due to UV light exposure, collagen production does start to decrease, so in order to keep the skin firm and taut, wearing sunscreen on a daily basis is a must.

02 of 07

Add Antioxidants to Your Routine

Acaderma Chrono Warp Restoring Essence $90.00

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Antioxidants are powerful ingredients that work to protect your skin from free radicals. Free radicals cause a great deal of trouble for skin cells, and even though they are naturally produced by the body, our skin can be exposed to them via external sources such as UV light and pollution. The biggest benefit of antioxidants is that they promote firm skin thanks to their anti-aging properties. Hu explains that antioxidants ‘’promote moisture retention, which can also promote a youthful glow in addition to firmer skin.’’ Hu adds that the best antioxidants for keeping skin firm are "vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol."

We recommend Acaderma’s Chrono Wrap Restoring Essence, which revives the skin’s elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

03 of 07

Get Good Sleep

It’s no secret that a lack of sleep can have a direct impact on the skin’s health. We’ve all had moments where we’ve tried hard to conceal a poor night’s sleep with eye gels, face masks, or a pretty large dose of caffeine. If you ever wondered whether the term "beauty sleep" is a real thing, we are here to tell you that it is indeed. "Sleep is always important, as this is when cellular repair takes place,’’ says Rossi. He adds that a good night’s sleep also gives our cells the downtime to repair themselves, which isn’t just something that our skin needs—our brains need it, too.

If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep, why not try and incorporate meditation into your nighttime routine? Mindfulness meditation is said to improve sleep quality, so if you struggle to switch off at the end of the day, taking a few minutes to relax the mind and body may be just what you need.

04 of 07

Use Vitamin C

Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% $133.00

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Vitamin C is one of the most popular antioxidants in the skincare space. It accelerates the production of collagen and elastin, which keep the skin firm. Although the demand for vitamin C-based products continues to grow, we do need to consume vitamin C as part of our diet. A lack of vitamin C in our diets can cause scurvy, which ‘’presents bruising skin that is dull and fragile," Rossi explains. Topical vitamin C can help boost the skin’s firmness, but Rossi adds that the absorption of the product into our skin is dependent on its concentration as well as our own blood concentration.

We recommend the Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 20%. It contains a potent concentration of vitamin C, plumps and hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid, and has been created to deeply penetrate the skin for maximum efficacy. If you need another reason to give this serum a try, it supports collagen and elastin growth, both of which will help keep your skin firm.

05 of 07

Manage Your Stress

Although stress is a reaction to the inevitable pressures of daily life, it can have a direct impact on the skin’s firmness. Stress causes inflammation and stops the body’s ability to repair itself. The hormone cortisol is primarily responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. According to Rossi, stress might not be the main cause of loose skin, but it can exacerbate skin issues. "I would recommend finding healthy coping mechanisms to limit stress as this is important for your overall health, not just your skin," he says.

06 of 07

Consider Skin Treatments

Skin treatments can also boost the skin’s firmness, so if you are looking for a permanent fix, there are a few options you could consider. "Injectable dermal fillers are one of the most popular options. Fillers restore the fullness in your face and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Hu.

Laser treatments are another option. Hu explains that laser treatments are a non-invasive way to firm your skin as they remove old skin cells to reveal newer, more youthful cells. If you want to opt for a skin treatment, it is important to work with a dermatologist or skilled skincare professional who can determine the right treatment and laser for your skin.

07 of 07

Stay Hydrated

Never underestimate the importance of drinking enough water. Water can have a positive effect not just on your skin, but your overall health. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and water will help to retain your skin’s elasticity. Hu adds that water will keep your body hydrated, and although it will not dramatically reverse a loss of skin firmness, it is the key to healthy skin as a long-term goal.

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