Skin Elasticity – why is it important to maintain

Why Skin Elasticity is so important to your overall skin health

In the summer, we tend to skip of our well-set routine. In favor of long nights out in the summer night air and playing during the day in the warm sunshine.  I understand as I did the same.  Now, is the time to reset your routine and improve you skin elasticity.

For me, this is going to start with Skin Elasticity. This is not just for the upcoming holiday events, but into 2026. Get ready for this continued series as we will continue the skin journey together. As well, don’t miss my post on reclaiming the skin on your neck. Below are the pictures of the changes I made in my own neck skin. It can be done.

Yes, I know that the 1st picture is farther away. It would have been worse close up. I don’t think my self esteem could have handled it. Yes, I also realize that there is a change color in the skin. It doesn’t happen overnight. It took 2 months to start seeing the changes and then another 10 weeks to get to the 2nd pictures. I know it looks like my chin is up more in the 2nd picture. It might be slightly different but I tried to get it as close as possible.

Surprising Facts About Skin Elasticity

Elastin’s Unique Role

Elastin is as unique and helpful to aging skin as collagen, in my opinion, it is the real “bounce-back” protein. It can stretch up to 1.5 times its original length and return without damage. Unlike collagen (which provides strength), Elastin gives flexibility.  I am finding as I age, I need some strength and bounce to my skin.  This is not going to be an easy task. As most of your lifetime Elastin is made before you are an adult. That being said, it should last a life time if protected. If you want to know more about how Elastin check out Webmd or facts.net, has some great information. It would too much for this post, could do that in the future.

What destroys your elastin?

You will hear in skincare quite a bit about fibroblast cells and reinforce those proteins to help with elastin.  It takes a long time to boost fibroblast cells so protecting them is a better way to go. We can protect them without not knowing how what destroys elastin.

Sun and It’s Role 

Simply put, chronic sun exposure creates abnormal elastin fibers in the dermis, making skin leathery and less responsive to treatments. This condition, called actinic elastosis, is why sun-protected areas often look decades younger than exposed ones.

Hormonal Influence is huge

Women can lose up to 30% of collagen in the first five years of menopause, which accelerates sagging. Estrogen supports collagen and elastin production, so hormonal changes are a major factor in elasticity loss. Which is why you may have seen in social posts about collagen creams for your skin. Or Estrogen cream. I believe that Estrogen creams can do a lot for the skin. If you are in Estrogen deficiency and I would see your health care provider. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing and that is very true in this case. Collagen creams are great for moisturization. It doesn’t affect collagen underneath the skin barrier. The molecules are too big to pass through that barrier.

Aging

Of course, normal aging affects your skin elasticity. Body not producing or storing as many nutrients. Environmental influences have taken a toll. Skin care regimens or lack of them.

Pinch Test

Pinch Test Accuracy 

A simple pinch test is a popular way of estimating your elasticity level. Again, this is not a scientific test. Take it for what it is worth, it has been used for many, many years. Simply pinch skin on the back of your hand. See how long it takes to return to its resting state. Under 30 years old, skin rebounds in 1-2 seconds. Age 60, it can take 10 – 15 seconds or more. Most of the time, you can see the loss of elasticity it with your own eyes.

Tips to Maintain or Boost Elasticity – common and uncommon

Are there any tips to boost elasticity if that can even be done? There are some tips, manly these support collagen production which helps maintain or strengthen what elasticity you have now.

Vitamin A or Natural Retinoids

Vitamin A as in Tretinoin or Retin-A, are available with a Rx. There are over the counter options as in Adapalene. I thought I had a blog post about all of these but perhaps I just did a luminous skin post.

If you prefer more natural Vitamin A. Oils that contain trans-retinoic acid, a natural form of vitamin A that supports collagen without the irritation of synthetic retinoids.

Rosehip Oil or Grapeseed Oil

Rosehip oil contains trans-retinoid acid, a natural form of vitamin A that supports collagen without irritation of synthetic retinoids. Apply 2 to 3 drops on damp skin at night. If you use a Rx at night, using oil as well is not advisable.

If you don’t use a RX underneath your eyes at night. Grapeseed oil or Adapalene are some great alternatives to help with the skin in that area.

Witch Hazel Spritz

Witch Hazel isn’t just a toner – it can help correct elastosis (thickened, degenerated skin) and maintain subtle tightness. Mix equal parts distilled water and witch hazel for a refreshing skin-toning spray.

Humphreys Sooth & Clarify Witch Hazel with Rose Organic Facial Mist, 3.3 fl oz is $6.99 at Walmart.

Urban Skin Rx – Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner is $17.99 for 4.5 fl oz at Ulta

Thayers Natural Remedies Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner Facial Mist with Rose is $10.99 for 8oz at Target

There is no way, I would pay more than the above for a Witch Hazel toner. Witch Hazel as an ingredient is cheap. I make my own as above. Those of you with allergies to rose may want to do the same.

Supplements

I can’t recommend supplements as that is a very personal issue. Every person has different supplement needs and deficiencies. Future posts will go into a deep dive on supplements are studies on such. That information is not a substitute for actual medical care. There are also a number of blood tests that could help you decide on your needs. Of course, those aren’t absolute either. They are a great tool.

You body can react to medications and supplements differently. Also supplements could interfere with medications. Therefore, consulting a professional is a good way to go. As well, as keeping a journal of how you feel day to day. What is working for you and what is not.

Boost your Elasticity

Boost? I haven’t seen independent studies that shows a significant boost but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do it. The body is very good at the rejuvenation of skin if given the proper nutrients or products to do so. After all skin is an organ. I think we forget that at times and think skin care is just for vanity. Skin is a large organ of our body. Things that are happening on the inside can be reflected in your skin health. Keeping an eye on what you can see may help with what you can’t.

Lotions

Most people focus only on collagen creams or other creams/serums for hydration. But for elastin health, hormonal balance, and cellular repair are equally critical. Combining topical care, lifestyle habits, and targeted nutrients can slow down elastosis significantly. I would say this is the same with all of aging.

Facial Massage

Facial massage is an essential in my book. Facial or Body massage is so beneficial to your over all health. Although facial massage is not part of the FSA list. That doesn’t make it less beneficial to your overall skin health. We do move our faces around significantly more than our bodies. But we move it in the same repetitive patterns everyday. Massage the muscle in the face is not only relaxing, it helps in repair the skin. By increasing the blood flow.

Even if you don’t see the difference except a flush face with massage. You can feel the difference in your stress reduction. That isn’t a bad payoff either.

You may have heard much of this information. Hopefully, you picked up on a few things you didn’t. Or probably a refresher in things you already knew isn’t a bad thing in our kaleidoscope journey. There are so many things packed into our kaleidoscope that we let go of old things for the new. However, the basics may be old but not less important.

Soon I will be posting out my kaleidoscope journey with red light masks.