There are many causes of sagging skin, but they are mainly linked to aging, oxidative stress and external aggravating factors such as smoking, pregnancy and sun exposure.
1. Internal causes
Collagen depletion: Collagen is a protein that contributes to skin health and vitality. As we age, the collagen fiber content that ensures good tissue tone diminishes. At the same time, our bodies have difficulty producing new collagen. As a result, skin gradually loses its firmness, sagging and slackening. Reduced elastic fibers: Located at tissue level, elastic fibers, made up of elastin, play a major role in skin quality. While collagen is responsible for skin tissue firmness, elastin fibers are responsible for skin elasticity. Elastin fibers can also be altered and diminish with age. Depletion of hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid, naturally present in the body, contributes to the tissue hydration needed to counter skin aging. From our thirties onwards, hyaluronic acid levels in our bodies gradually decline. The gradual loss of hyaluronic acid leads to a loss of tissue volume and, consequently, to sagging skin. Blood circulation: Ageing is generally accompanied by a slowdown in blood circulation: tissue oxygenation is therefore much less effective, leading to a loss of elasticity in skin tissue. Hormonal changes: the levels of various hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, etc.) required for proper tissue function decline with age. This accelerates in women during the menopause, when estrogen levels drop sharply: skin withers, wrinkles appear and deepen.
2. External causes
Sun exposure: Photoaging is the premature aging of the skin. UV rays alter the DNA of skin cells, particularly fibroblasts. The production of collagen and elastin is reduced, and the skin becomes drier and less firm. Smoking and alcohol: Skin aging is greatly accelerated by smoking and alcohol consumption Poor diet: A diet low in anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids can lead to the premature appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Significant weight loss: Rapid and significant weight loss, as well as “yo-yo” dieting, can have an impact on skin quality. Fat loss during dieting (disappearance of adipocytes), combined with a lack of skin elasticity, can lead to sagging skin. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, skin tissue becomes more distended, particularly around the abdomen. Although the skin is characterized by its great elasticity, it can nevertheless retain a withered appearance.
