Skin laxity refers to the loosening or sagging of the skin, often associated with ageing, due to the loss of collagen and elastin fibres that provide structural support and elasticity. This condition results in the skin appearing less firm, supple, and resilient.

Everyone experiences skin laxity as they get older. It's a natural part of ageing. Over time, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, the proteins that help keep our skin firm and elastic. As these structural proteins degrade over time, the skin’s ability to snap back into place diminishes, leading to sagging and the formation of wrinkles and folds.

Skin laxity is primarily caused by the degradation of collagen and elastin fibres within the dermis, the skin’s supportive middle layer. Collagen provides structural strength, while elastin gives the skin its elasticity. Over time, the production of these essential proteins decreases, and existing fibres become fragmented and less effective. This degradation is driven by intrinsic ageing processes and the action of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down collagen and elastin.

Additionally, fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin, become less active and less efficient with age. As a result, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity, leading to sagging and the formation of wrinkles. This loss of structural integrity and elasticity is the core reason behind skin laxity.

Skin laxity can be frustrating and affect our confidence, as it often leads to a tired and aged appearance. Here are some common symptoms of skin laxity that you might notice:

• Volume loss: you will notice that round, youthful cheeks begin to fall downward, creating a hollow look under the eyes that makes you appear tired.
• Facial fold ageing: the development of deeper wrinkles, especially around the nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth. As facial expressions cause the skin to fold repeatedly over the years, the combination of skin thinning and selective fat deposits in this area makes these wrinkles more pronounced.
• Jowl appearance: the lower third of the face loses its elasticity, and the fat in the jowl region starts to descend. This not only leads to a loss of definition in the jawline but also causes drooping at the corners of the mouth and the formation of jowls, giving the face a sagging appearance.
• Crepey complexion: the skin becomes thin, wrinkled, and loose, much like crepe paper. This texture can appear on various parts of the body, including the elbows, inside of the arms, neck, chest, legs, back of the hands, and eyelids.

Being conscious about these symptoms can help you identify skin laxity early and take steps to manage it, keeping your skin looking as youthful as possible for as long as possible. You can start home remedies with the advice of a skincare specialist and even opt for medical facials to preserve the health of your skin for a longer time.

Some people are more likely to develop skin laxity because of a mix of internal and external factors:

• Older adults: as we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin, leading to looser skin.
• Genetically predisposed individuals: your genetic makeup plays a significant role in how your skin ages and loses elasticity.
• Individuals with certain medical conditions: conditions that prevent your body from absorbing essential vitamins and minerals can lead to the breakdown of collagen.

• People exposed to free radicals: regular exposure to free radicals from personal hygiene products, harsh chemicals, food additives, pesticides, and pollution can damage skin tissue.
• Those with high sun exposure: spending a lot of time in the sun can significantly contribute to skin laxity.
• Individuals with poor lifestyle choices: lack of exercise, high stress levels, smoking, and excessive alcohol or drug use can all accelerate the ageing process of your skin.
• People experiencing weight fluctuations: significant weight changes, especially rapid weight loss, can cause the skin to stretch and sag.
• People with poor diets: not consuming enough vitamins and antioxidants reduces your skin’s ability to fight off damage from free radicals, leading to more noticeable signs of ageing.

If you are concerned about skin laxity, it's a good idea to visit a skincare specialist. They can provide personalised advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs, helping you maintain healthier, firmer skin.

Diagnosing skin laxity involves a combination of observing physical signs and performing a simple skin elasticity test. Here’s how it’s done:

• Signs and symptoms: the skincare specialist will examine the following areas of your skin to make the diagnosis:
  • look for areas, especially around the eyes and cheeks, where the skin seems to have lost its fullness.
  • notice if the cheeks appear to be sagging or falling.
  • check for more pronounced lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
  • observe if the jawline has lost its definition and firmness.
  • look for skin that hangs in folds, particularly on the face, neck, and thighs.
  • see if the skin looks saggy or wrinkled, overall.
• Skin elasticity test:
  • Pinch test: the skincare specialist will gently pinch the skin on your cheeks, arm, or abdomen, then release it. If the skin is slow to bounce back to its original shape, it could indicate a loss of elasticity.

By observing these signs and using the pinch test, a doctor or skincare specialist can diagnose skin laxity and suggest the best course of action for treatment.

In Singapore, there are some effective treatments available for tackling skin laxity, and Harmony Therapeutics offers a variety of specialised facials that can help improve skin firmness and elasticity. Here’s a closer look at how each treatment works:

• Regenerativ Facial Treatment: if your skin feels aged and dehydrated, the Regenerative Facial is just what you need. This treatment uses ultrasound waves to help ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen-rich DMAE gel penetrate deep into the skin. After a thorough cleansing and extraction, a soothing sheet mask packed with collagen is applied, leaving your skin deeply hydrated and glowing. This facial rejuvenates the skin's deeper layers, enhancing firmness and reducing wrinkles and sagging.
• Restorative Facial: for those with dry, sensitive, or damaged skin, the Restorative Facial offers a long-term solution. After a gentle deep cleansing using the AQUAPURE system, a proprietary blend of active ingredients tailored to your concerns is infused into the skin using electroporation. The benefits are then locked in with a special double mask technique. This facial restores youthful suppleness and provides intensive repair for dry, damaged skin, enhancing firmness and elasticity.
• RevivaGlow Treatment: for a truly elevated facial experience, the RevivaGlow Treatment is hard to beat. This medi-facial uses microneedling to boost nutrient penetration into deeper skin layers. It features Hyalgen serum with patented Nano Gold Technology, Rejuran Skin Booster from Korean wild salmon, and Jyunka Cellular Vital Mask from Swiss Apple Stem Cells. This treatment stimulates collagen production and skin regeneration, resulting in firmer, more youthful skin.
• LuxeLift Facial: the Luxelift Facial is a bespoke solution for skin laxity issues, effectively boosting collagen retention and strengthening skin structure. This treatment lifts and firms sagging areas such as around the brows, cheeks and jawline.

If you’re worried about skin laxity and want to explore the best treatment options, Harmony Therapeutics is here to help. Our experts provide personalised advice and tailored treatment plans to suit your skin type and concerns. Book a consultation today and take the first step towards firmer, more youthful skin.