We are all on the constant quest for youthful and supple skin, after all who doesn’t want to look that little bit younger for a long as possible right? Unfortunately as we age our skin does naturally loose it’s elasticity though (which is what makes it look younger and firmer!) and while there is no stopping this from happening, after all ageing is inevitable, there are several things we can do to improve our skin’s elasticity, and prevent premature ageing. Keep reading as we reveal 9 steps you should follow daily.

Firstly though, what exactly is elasticity?

Elasticity is our skin’s ability to stretch and then literally bounce to its original shape. It’s what gives our skin that smooth, supple texture.

When we’re young, our skin is naturally more elastic, but as we age our production of both elastin and collagen (the proteins responsible for skin elasticity) slows down. This can lead to skin sagging, wrinkles and loss of firmness!

What causes our skin to prematurely lose elasticity?

Collagen and Elastin begins to decline prematurely due to a number of factors. These include genetics, sun exposure, poor nutrition, pollution and smoking.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to improve your skin’s elasticity, keep reading…

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! And I’m talking the surface of your skin and the water you congest

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall skin health, including its elasticity. Drinking enough water helps to keep your skin cells plump and hydrated, which in turn promotes elasticity. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day and incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges into your diet.

As well as ingesting water to hydrate your skin you also want to hydrate skin topically! The best way to do this is to use skincare products such as moisturisers and serums rich in hydration hero hyaluronic acid! Hyaluronic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate skin to instantly deliver a supple, dewy complexion in a matter of seconds! In fact, it literally binds moisture to skin cells to keep skin smooth, firm, plump, and undeniably radiant! The extra moisture also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! For everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid and the best hyaluronic acid skincare products, click here.

2. Use skin firming products

If you’re worried about ageing and want to improve your skin’s elasticity you need to make sure that your skincare routine incorporates skincare ingredients such as elastin, collagen, peptides, and vitamin c.

And we mustn’t forget retinol! Touted the “holy grail of the skincare world” retinol has been shown to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. You can find retinol in many skincare products, from creams to serums to prescription-strength options. Just be sure to start slowly and follow the instructions carefully, as retinol can be irritating to some people’s skin.

We can’t recommend more highly the Pevonia Micro Retinol collection. The collection utilizes a specialized technology to create micro-particles of retinol that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation and immediate results.

Every product in the Micro Retinol Line contains all-natural micro-retinol^®, sourced from green leafy vegetables, combined with a powerhouse duo of vitamin C and vitamin E. The addition of vitamins c and e not only ensures micro-retinol^’s stability, but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved.

To find out more about the many benefits of retinol, how to use it and the best retinol products click here.

3. Exfoliate

Exfoliating has many benefits including removing dead skin cells, clearing up clogged pores, and rejuvenating flaky skin. After long-term exfoliating, it will help to increase collagen production, resulting in better skin elasticity and a minimized appearance of fine lines.

4. Massage skin regularly

Massaging your skin helps to stimulate blood flow and collagen production. Because it stimulates the facial muscles, a massage is like a mini-workout for your face. It engorges the muscles with blood to oxygenate the skin cells and gives “tone” to your muscles.

Massage your face with your favourite moisturiser or try massaging with a night oil before bed. You can massage with your fingers or better still use a gemstone facial roller. You won’t regret it!

5. Nourish your skin from within with a balanced diet

What you put into your body reflects on your skin. Fact. To improve skin elasticity, focus on a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Include foods high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, avocado and nuts, as they help protect your skin from free radicals that can damage collagen and elastin fibres, crucial for maintaining elasticity! And try to avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, as they can contribute to inflammation and accelerate the aging process. Eek!

6. Sun protection is key

We can’t stress this enough! Sun damage is one of THE biggest contributors to a loss in skin elasticity. Overexposure to the sun’s rays can accelerate collagen breakdown, which leads to loss of skin elasticity and subsequent saggy skin – aghh Make sunscreen (with a broad spectrum of SPF 30 or higher) your best friend, and wear it every. single. day, come rain, hail or shine! Additionally, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to further shield your skin from sun damage.

7. Get moving

Exercise does wonders for your overall well-being, and it turns out, it’s fantastic for your skin too! Engaging in regular physical activity boosts blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This increased circulation aids in collagen production and supports skin elasticity. So, find an activity you enjoy – whether it’s jogging, dancing, or yoga – and make it a part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

8. Get enough zzzz’s

We all know that getting enough sleep is important for our overall health, but did you know it can also improve your skin’s elasticity? During sleep, our body produces collagen and repairs any damage that’s been done to our skin throughout the day. However when we are sleep deprived, our bodies produce more cortisol, a stress hormone that can actually break down collagen!

It’s best to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night to give your skin the rest it needs, and consider sleeping on your back to prevent sleep lines and wrinkles caused by constant facial pressure on the pillow. However if you are a dedicated side or tummy sleeper you could invest in a good pillowcase made of silk or satin to reduce friction and prevent those creases while you sleep!

9. Avoid smoking and try to limit alcohol consumption

Smoking harms your skin and makes it more susceptible to wrinkles and age spots. Fact. This is because it damages collagen and elastin fibres, leading to accelerated skin ageing and reduced elasticity!

So, if you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your skin’s health. Excessive alcohol consumption can also dehydrate the skin and contribute to premature aging. We aren’t saying quit alcohol, like smoking, moderation is what’s key, so try to limit your alcohol intake and balance it with an increased water consumption.

Just remember improving your skin’s elasticity requires consistency! By following these steps and sticking to them daily you’ll notice a positive change to your skin’s texture and firmness in next to no time (it won’t happen overnight though!)