Changes to the skin and hair, including the appearance of wrinkles or grey strands, are often the first few visible signs of aging. But, there are other signs that begin to show at a later stage including sagging in the face and neck. This may happen when the skin starts losing elasticity and turns drier, eventually affecting a person’s appearance. Sometimes, people opt for procedures to manage this sagging to look younger.
Causes for skin changes in the face and neck
Elastin and collagen are two proteins produced by the body that play a key role in maintaining one’s skin in the best condition. While elastin, as the name indicates, is responsible for providing elasticity and strength to the skin, collagen helps provide structure and firmness to it. With age, one’s body produces fewer amounts of these proteins, rendering the skin unable to retain its firmness and elasticity and eventually causing saggy and loose skin. This is a natural process.
While it is not possible to reverse sagging in the face or neck naturally, one can slow down the process by making simple lifestyle changes early on and opting for various home remedies and natural products.
Easy ways to slow down the sagging of skin
Since collagen acts as the building block for skin, connective tissues, muscles, and bones, following steps to boost the production of this protein is one of the best ways to slow down the sagging process. Various home remedies and natural products can be beneficial in this regard.
1. Opting for a hot oil massage
Regularly massaging one’s face and neck using hot oil can improve the skin’s elasticity as it promotes blood flow and stimulates collagen production. One can also opt for natural oils like coconut, olive, or almond oil for this purpose.
2. Exercising
Besides regular physical activity, one can also try out exercises that focus on the face and neck. Constantly stretching and relaxing one’s face and neck can make them active, also facilitating collagen production. Some useful exercises one can try include:
- Raising and relaxing the eyebrows
- Lifting and lowering the cheek
- Stretching and rotating the neck
- Looking left and right
- Raising and lowering the head
- Chin-ups
- Neck flexionÂ
3. Making changes to eating habits
Eating foods that are high in collagen is one of the best ways to slow down the appearance of saggy skin. Besides eating these foods, modifying one’s daily food habits can also help.
- Collagen thrives in a moisture-rich environment, so staying hydrated is one of the best ways to maintain skin elasticity. To ensure this, it is advised to drink 2-3 liters of water daily and consume food items that are rich in water content.Â
- Increase the consumption of foods rich in vitamin C and sulfur, which trigger and boost collagen production.Â
- Eating sugar-rich foods is known to cause premature aging and interfere with collagen production. Furthermore, excessive intake of sugary foods causes dehydration, so these foods must be strictly avoided.
- Omega-3 fatty acid-rich food can reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration. These foods could also help prevent collagen from breaking down.
- Antioxidant-rich foods can lower the damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable components that are capable of breaking down collagen.Â
Homemade masks to help with face and neck skin tightening
Besides balancing skin tone and adding glow to it, face masks also serve many other purposes. When skin masks made using special ingredients come in contact with one’s skin, it improves the skin’s elasticity and hydrates it. Though the ingredients may not reach into the dermis or fatty tissues and stimulate collagen production, regular application of face masks can improve skin quality by preventing drooping and keeping it firm.
Additionally, homemade face or neck skin masks can serve as a cost-effective alternative to store-bought ones. One can prepare a face or neck skin mask from home using natural products and ingredients in the pantry, which makes for a fun activity. If someone is using a face mask for the first time, they can try out a test patch and wait for any reaction. People with specific skin conditions should consult a professional before using any homemade face mask.
1. Banana and cream mask
Mash a banana and whip it with cream to achieve a creamy mixture. Apply and leave this for 15 minutes and wash with a damp and soft cloth. The potassium content in bananas helps hydrate the skin and strengthens its barrier.
2. Egg white and yogurt mask
Whisk one egg white with two spoons of plain yogurt. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it on the face and neck for about 20 minutes. Then, gently wash it off using lukewarm water. Egg white contains useful proteins that help moisturize the skin and tighten it.
3. Oatmeal and aloe vera mask
Combine oatmeal and aloe vera and apply it to the face and neck. Massage using the mixture in a circular motion. After 20 minutes of application, wash the face with warm water.
4. Papaya and honey mask
Mash a chopped papaya and add some honey to it. Mix the ingredients well to form a paste. Apply this mixture to one’s skin and leave it for 30 minutes. Once it is completely dry, wash it off with warm water.
