Sagging Skin - Skin Conditions

Sagging skin is a common sign of aging and generally occurs when the skin loses its elasticity and firmness. Over time, the production of two proteins — collagen, which gives skin its thickness and suppleness, and elastin, which makes skin stretch and then return to its original position — decreases, causing the skin to sag.

In addition to aging, skin can also become loose and saggy after rapid weight loss. When a person gains weight, the skin expands to accommodate the extra fat. If the weight is lost too quickly, the skin doesn’t have time to shrink back, leading to sagging skin.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, which breaks down collagen and elastin, can also lead to sagging skin. Other factors like smoking, poor diet, dehydration, and environmental pollutants can also contribute to the loss of skin elasticity.

Treatments for sagging skin include lifestyle changes (like adopting a healthier diet, staying hydrated, protecting the skin from the sun, and not smoking), topical creams (containing retinoids, vitamin C, or other antioxidants), non-surgical procedures (such as laser resurfacing, ultrasound, or radiofrequency treatments), and surgical procedures (like facelifts or body contouring surgeries).