Facial Sagging: Causes, Natural Solutions and Aesthetic Treatments

Facial sagging is one of the most visible and common signs of aging. Although it's a natural part of the aging process, many people seek ways to slow its appearance or reverse its effects. The good news is that there are multiple options, both natural and aesthetic, that can help us combat this problem effectively. In this article, we will explore what facial sagging is, why it occurs, what natural solutions we have at our disposal, and what nutricosmetic and aesthetic treatments we can consider to treat it.

What is facial sagging?

Facial sagging is the loss of firmness in the facial skin. This occurs mainly due to the decrease in two key proteins: collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining the skin's structure and elasticity. As the level of these proteins decreases over time, the skin begins to sag, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, more pronounced expression lines, and a less defined facial contour. This loss of firmness is more prominent in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

Causes of facial sagging

There are several reasons why the skin begins to lose its firmness, many of which are related to aging, but there are also other factors that accelerate this process. These are the main causes:

1. Decrease in collagen and elastin

Natural aging is the most common cause of sagging skin. From the age of 25, the production of collagen and elastin begins to gradually decrease. This affects the skin's ability to remain elastic and firm, causing it to lose its ability to return to its place after being stretched or deformed by facial movements. This collagen loss becomes more noticeable, reaching 2% annually, from perimenopause (the years before menopause), that is, from the moment when estrogen levels begin to drop (hormonal imbalances).

2. Severity

Gravity is a constant force acting on our bodies. As tissues lose their supporting structure (collagen and elastin), gravity pulls the skin downwards, causing the sagging that worries us so much.

3. Facial volume loss

Over the years, the subcutaneous fat that gives volume and roundness to our face decreases, especially in the cheek and cheekbone areas. This loss of volume also contributes to the skin having less support and, therefore, looking more saggy.

4. Sun damage

Prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which can lead to premature sagging. This is particularly relevant if you haven't used sunscreen regularly over the years.

5. Repetitive facial movements

Smiling, frowning, raising eyebrows... All these facial movements, performed repeatedly over many years, can cause the skin to wear down in certain areas, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin on the face.

6. Lifestyle and environmental factors

Factors such as smoking, lack of sleep, a poor diet, chronic stress, and air pollution can damage the skin and reduce its ability to regenerate optimally. These habits and external factors accelerate skin aging and promote the appearance of sagging.

Natural solutions to combat facial sagging

Although sagging skin is inevitable to a certain extent, there are many things we can do to reduce its appearance and improve the look of our skin naturally. Here are some recommendations that, applied consistently, can make a difference.

1. Adopt a nutrient-rich diet.

A balanced diet is key to maintaining healthy skin. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, help fight free radicals that damage skin cells and accelerate aging. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwis, is essential for collagen production. Essential fatty acids, such as those found in fatty fish, nuts, and chia seeds, also help nourish the skin from within.

2. Hydrate your skin from the inside and out.

Hydration is fundamental to healthy skin. Drinking enough water throughout the day ensures your skin is well-hydrated and that cells function correctly. Additionally, you can use moisturizing creams with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or argan oil, which help improve skin elasticity.

3. Facial exercises and massages

Facial exercises, also known as facial yoga, consist of specific movements that help tone the facial muscles and improve blood circulation. Facial massages also stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve skin elasticity. You can massage your face with natural oils such as rosehip oil, which has regenerative properties.

4. Sleep well.

Sleep is essential for cell regeneration. During sleep, the body repairs cell damage and produces new skin cells. Sleeping at least 7-8 hours a night can help keep your skin firm and rejuvenated.

5. Sun protection

Daily use of sunscreen is one of the most important habits to prevent premature sagging. Even on cloudy days or when you're indoors, UV rays can penetrate windows and damage your skin. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and use it every day of the year.

Professional treatments for facial sagging

While natural methods are fundamental for preventing and slowing down sagging skin, in some cases it's necessary to resort to more advanced treatments if we want to see visible results in the short term. There are treatments available in both aesthetic centers and specialized clinics that can help you regain your skin's firmness. Below, we detail some of the most effective:

Treatments in beauty centers

1. Radiofrequency Radiofrequency is one of the most popular and effective treatments for tightening skin without surgery. It works by using radio waves that heat the deep layers of the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. It is a non-invasive treatment that improves skin firmness with gradual and lasting results.
2. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) This treatment uses ultrasound to penetrate deep into the skin and stimulate collagen production. It is ideal for treating areas such as the double chin and neck, where sagging is more pronounced. Results are usually visible after the first session, but improve over time.
3. Microneedling is a technique that uses micro-needles to create small lesions in the skin, activating the natural regeneration process. This promotes collagen production and improves skin firmness and texture.

Treatments in aesthetic clinics

1. Thread Lift A thread lift is a non-surgical alternative to a traditional facelift. It involves inserting biodegradable threads under the skin to lift and tighten sagging tissues. The threads also stimulate collagen production, which improves firmness over time.
2. Hyaluronic acid infiltration: Hyaluronic acid injections not only hydrate the skin from within, but also help to fill areas of the face that have lost volume, such as the cheeks and lips, thus restoring facial contour.
3. Fractional laser This treatment improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and stimulates collagen production. Fractional laser is ideal for treating sagging skin and other signs of aging, as it acts on both the surface and the deeper layers of the skin.

Nutricosmetics: The power from within

Nutricosmetics is a growing trend that focuses on beauty from within. Supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants like vitamin C can be powerful allies in the fight against sagging skin. These supplements help regenerate collagen and improve skin elasticity, working from the deepest layers.

One of the best-known and most widely used ingredients is collagen, but it's important to know that not all collagen is created equal: Taking hydrolyzed collagen is not the same as consuming Verisol bioactive collagen peptides. Although both products come from collagen, Verisol bioactive peptides are specifically designed and clinically proven to improve the skin from within. Unlike generic hydrolyzed collagen, which breaks down in the body in a more general way, Verisol acts directly on the skin layers, helping to reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity. Its unique formula allows for greater absorption and effectiveness, guaranteeing visible results in a short time, something that sets it apart from traditional hydrolyzed collagen.

The bioactive collagen peptides Verisol can be found in nutricosmetics such as Unik Antiaging Beauty, which, in addition to this special collagen, contains hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to complete its formula.

Conclusion

Facial sagging is a natural part of the aging process, but with the proper use of supplements and nutricosmetics, along with a healthy lifestyle, it's possible to prevent or treat it effectively. Active ingredients such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants are some of the allies that can help you combat sagging from within. Complementing your external skincare routine with these products will allow you to achieve more complete and lasting results. Remember, good nutrition, adequate rest, and daily sun protection are key components of good skin care.