Skin Laxity

Skin laxity is a condition in which the skin becomes loose and less firm due to a reduction in collagen, elastin, and other essential proteins that keep the skin firm and resilient. It commonly occurs because of the natural aging process, but other factors, such as weight fluctuations, sun damage, pregnancy, and genetics, can also contribute to the development of skin laxity.

Some of the most common signs of skin laxity include:

• Sagging skin around the cheeks, jawline, and neck, often referred to as “jowls”
• Loose skin on the arms, abdomen, and thighs
• Crepey skin under the eyes or around the neck
• Wrinkling and fine lines caused by loss of skin firmness

Prevention: How to Maintain Skin Firmness

While skin laxity is often a natural consequence of aging, there are steps you can take to slow the process and maintain firm, youthful skin for longer.

Sun Protection

UV damage is one of the most significant contributors to skin laxity. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re outdoors. In addition, wearing hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing can further shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Hydration and Skincare

Keeping your skin hydrated is key to maintaining its elasticity. Moisturizing daily with products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides will help retain moisture, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of laxity. Anti-aging products containing retinoids (retinol, tretinoin) can help stimulate collagen production, keeping skin firmer over time. Click here for Kaiser Permanente dermatologist recommended skincare products.

Healthy Diet and Hydration

A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats will nourish your skin from within. Foods high in vitamin C (such as citrus fruits and leafy greens) support collagen production, while omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and nuts) help keep skin firm. Additionally, drinking plenty of water each day will keep your skin hydrated and elastic.

Quit Smoking

Smoking damages collagen and elastin fibers, leading to premature skin aging and laxity. Quitting smoking can help improve skin health and prevent further skin sagging.

Exercise and Muscle Tone

While skin laxity is primarily caused by the loss of collagen and elastin, maintaining muscle tone through regular exercise can help improve the appearance of sagging skin. Resistance training or facial exercises can help firm up.

Treatments for Skin Laxity

If you are already experiencing skin laxity or wish to take preventative measures, there are several non-invasive cosmetic and medical treatments available to tighten and firm the skin. These treatments work by stimulating collagen production, tightening the skin, or addressing fat and volume loss. Click to learn more about each service and find a Kaiser Permanente provider near you.

Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling treatments, use heat energy to stimulate collagen and tighten the skin. The procedure involves applying radiofrequency energy to the skin, which encourages collagen production and results in smoother, firmer skin. RF treatments are effective for areas such as the face, neck, and body and typically require little downtime.

Laser Skin Tightening

Laser treatments like fractional CO2 work by delivering controlled energy to the skin’s deeper layers, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin. These treatments help reduce skin laxity, improve texture, and reduce wrinkles, giving the skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Dermal Fillers

While dermal fillers are commonly used to restore volume, they can also help improve skin laxity. Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, or Sculptra can be injected into areas that have lost volume, such as the cheeks or jawline. By replenishing lost volume, dermal fillers help lift and tighten the skin, making it appear firmer and more youthful.

Thread Lifts

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure in which dissolvable threads are inserted under the skin to lift and tighten sagging areas. These threads stimulate collagen production and provide a subtle lift to the skin, especially in areas like the cheeks, jowls, and neck. The results are typically temporary, but they can last for up to a year.

Botox and Dysport

Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators that can temporarily relax the muscles that contribute to sagging skin, particularly around the jawline and neck. By reducing muscle activity, these treatments can help smooth out wrinkles and improve the appearance of skin laxity. While Botox is primarily used to treat dynamic wrinkles, it can complement other treatments for a more youthful, lifted look.

Surgical Procedures

For more severe cases of skin laxity, surgical procedures such as facelifts can remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles to create a smoother, firmer appearance. While surgical procedures require more downtime and recovery, they offer long-lasting, dramatic results for patients seeking significant skin tightening.

Click here to find Kaiser Permanente cosmetic providers near you.