Reference Lab
MARCH 23, 2023
What your Grandma told you is, in part, true - skin aging and its associated signs are inevitable. But there’s good news that she probably didn’t know - Studies have found 70-80% of aging can be mediated with your daily habits. And the earlier you introduce those habits, the better. These include reduced sun exposure, more sleep, less stress, and of course, choosing the right ingredient/product for your skin health goals. If you’re experiencing one of the most common signs of skin aging - loss of elasticity and firmness - one of the primary features you look for in your skin health products is likely skin tightening. So what are the best skin tightening ingredients to boost skin health? Here's what you need to know.
01 What helps tighten skin naturally?
Scientists have found that some natural bioactive compounds, particularly vitamins A and E, contain properties that contribute to skin tightening.1 Vitamin A aids in the renewal of skin cells for a youthful look, while Vitamin E protects the skin from oxidative stress and maintains the proper amount of fat to help prevent sagging skin. Seeking out topical skin care products with these ingredients can help improve the overall condition and appearance of your skin.
Olive oil, shea butter, and aloe vera are all natural skin tightening ingredients containing both vitamins A and E. Other natural ingredients commonly used topically include antioxidant-rich coffee, protein-rich egg whites, and anti-inflammatory, antibacterial honey.
The skincare industry has caught on to these effects and developed a plethora of products containing concentrated doses of Vitamin E and A. Though these concentrated products could in theory be more effective than natural ingredients, they should also be adopted with an appropriate level of caution, as they are more prone to causing adverse reactions on skin. For instance, retinol, which is a concentrated form of Vitamin A, commonly causes increased skin sensitization and skin irritation.
02 What are the best skin-tightening ingredients that can be applied topically?
Andiroba oil
Andiroba oil has been shown to prevent premature aging on facial skin, particularly around sensitive areas like the eyes. That's because the nutrients in andiroba oil include antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E — all of which can result in a more youthful glow for the skin all while protecting the skin barrier.
Aside from Vitamin E, hydrating fatty acids improve skin texture. More importantly, antioxidants protect skin from the effects of UV rays by minimizing the oxidative stress caused by sun damage. Exposure to UV rays is arguably the most significant contributing factor to the visible signs of aging skin.
Hyaluronic acid
As we age, hyaluronic acid and collagen production slow down, reducing skin's tightness. Studies have shown hyaluronic acid to aid in the reduction of wrinkles by binding water molecules to collagen to increase water content in your skin for a plumper and more hydrated complexion.2
Peptides
Peptides are multifunctional and pleiotropic, meaning they can have multiple functions in different tissues and internal organs within the body. Within and between cells, peptides frequently act as signaling molecules, participating in numerous physiological functions. This is what enables some peptides to improve the production of key structural proteins, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid, and enhance epidermal thickness. This can lead to improved skin elasticity and tightness.
03 What changes can you make to your day-to-day routine to promote a healthy amount of skin tightening?
Incorporating these skin-firming ingredients into your daily face and body care routine through the use of a peptide moisturizer, peptide body lotion, or even peptide eye cream, is one of the best ways to promote healthy skin tightening from a topical perspective. However, it's important to supplement these efforts with daily practices that minimize wear and tear on your skin and prevent the onset of premature aging. These efforts can start with what you eat. Adopt a nutritionally-balanced diet rich in vitamins A, E, and C and fatty acids. Try to consume protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and nuts, which promote collagen production and elastin production.
It’s also best to protect your skin from further damage by reducing exposure to UV rays with daily use of sunscreen. To help defend against damaging free radicals, ensure you introduce antioxidants through your diet and topical skin care products. Finally, dermatologists recommend wearing sunglasses whenever possible.3 Doing so helps boost the effects of your skincare routine by physically protecting the collagen around your eyes.
If you want to learn more about how to care for your skin, check out our other posts on the OneSkin Reference Lab.
Piece specially produced for oneskin.co
Produced by: J Benge
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