Sun damage is one of the biggest contributors to the loss of skin elasticity. The loss of skin elasticity due to sun exposure is also known as solar elastosis or actinic elastosis.

Some would say that prolonged exposure to the sun is the worst enemy of our skin. Long term exposure to the UV rays will degrade the skin’s elastin and it breaks down collagen.

Of course, you can’t stay inside a cave all day. You have to go to work, get a sun tan, and maybe go to the beach. So, the next best thing you can do is to put on some broad spectrum sunscreen. Choose one that has at least SPF 30 so you get the longest lasting protection available.

Topical estrogen serums, especially those from Pueraria Mirifica (a Thai Herb), have been found to restorative. Studies have shown that Pueraria Mirifica extracts aids in skin hydration. They can also significantly reduce the depth of wrinkles on the skin and delay skin aging.

A number of clinical studies also suggest that these phytoestrogen extracts can increase skin elasticity. If you are looking for a skin treatment that is based on science, then this might be the one you should try.

The body is made of 60% water. Water is pretty much in every cell of your body. Staying hydrated is essential to a lot of organs in the body. Our kidneys need it so that it can continue to filter toxins from our blood.

Water is essential to our brains and spinal cord—spinal fluid protects the bones of our spinal cord and the brain literally floats in liquid.

The biggest organ of the body is the skin—it is also our initial line of protection from the elements, pollution, germs, and what not. Unfortunately, when we are not well hydrated, the skin’s natural plumpness and firmness diminishes.

That is why we should wisely choose what we drink. We should make sure that we replenish our electrolyte and mineral stores which we lose when we sweat.

Poor nutrition contributes to elastosis. Glycation is a condition where sugars aren’t properly used by the body and it triggers the decay of collagen in the skin. To avoid glycation you should steer clear of alcohol, processed foods, processed meats, fried foods, fatty meats, carbs, and sugars.

We recommend eating a skin health promoting diet which includes plenty of antioxidants. Consider going on an anti-inflammatory diet as well, which is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin B3 among others.

Some people might think that exercise has no direct impact on their skin. However, exercise helps reduce inflammation, which in turn helps to keep the skin younger. Remember that is never too late to start an exercise regimen even later in our lives.

So you’re now exercising regularly. While you’re at it, quit smoking. Smoking reduces estrogen in the skin and elastin, which are necessary to keep the human skin firm.

Since we’re on the exercise train, here’s another habit that you should stop. Notice that when you exercise you tend to strain your neck especially when lifting weights or doing something intense.

When you do that you are pulling down your facial skin, which gives it a stretch. Do this next time you’re doing a workout routine—relax your next muscles.