Seeing as sagging, aging skin is caused by a breakdown of collagen in the body, it would make sense that reupping collagen production would be the first step towards keeping the issue at bay. “Sagging skin is caused by loss of collagen and elastin, as well as volume loss from bone, muscle, fat and skin, and gravity,” explains King. “Causes of sagging skin: Genetics, skin type, age, sun exposure, smoking, other factors that influence skin health and the production and degradation of collagen and elastin-- diet, exercise.”
That being said, keeping your complexion protected from the sun and regularly moisturizing will help to prevent your skin from drooping, as well as integrating antioxidants or a retinol serum into your routine as a backup layer to preserve the skin’s barrier. Of course, the anti-aging powerhouse retinol is going to be your next line of defense against sagging skin. Not only can retinol help to prevent this from developing, but it may also be able to tighten skin that has already begun to droop. “Beyond sun protection, topical retinoids are the most proven anti-aging topical option,” says King.
“Retinoids work by binding to retinoic acid receptors, which then can act as transcription factors and affect gene expression. This makes them very powerful and able to produce significant changes in the skin,” she notes. Retinoids can help to boost cell turnover, in turn increasing collagen production and reducing hyperpigmentation, sagging, and clogged pores, all of which is essential for anti-aging purposes.
After retinol, peptides can also have an anti-aging effect on the skin, tightening a sagging complexion for a more taut, youthful face. Peptides work by stimulating collagen production as well, with certain variations having a visible anti-aging impact on the skin.
“Studies on formulations such as Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) have shown that they can produce a mild, Botox-like effect, inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that keep facial muscles from forming wrinkles,” says King. “And other peptide formulations have been shown to act like growth factors, stimulating skin cells to turnover more quickly.” While no product will be able to fully eliminate the appearance of existing sagging skin, retinoids and peptides can help to minimize this side effect of aging while preventing it from worsening.
As for specific products, King suggests the Pond's Rejuveness Advanced Hydrating Night Cream to help boost the skin’s barrier. “[This] is a great option for moisturizing while also delivering anti-aging benefits. It's formulated with vitamin B3 and retinol complex as well as glycerin and pro-ceramides to hydrate and support the skin barrier,” she says. Additionally, the Pond's Rejuveness Skin Tightening Serum may also be useful for fighting skin sagging and the development of wrinkles due to its retinol formulation, as well as vitamin B3 and ceramides.
While it is unfortunately impossible to entirely banish sagging skin once it has developed, these products and a regular sun protection routine should help to tighten your skin for a more youthful appearance while preventing your complexion from sagging further. You may not be able to turn the clock back entirely, but the right combination of skincare products can certainly help to make a significant difference in your appearance even as you age.