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While the idea of growing wiser as you age might sound nice, it comes along with age-related issues that aren’t… quite so nice. This can include fine lines and saggy skin, and it can happen anywhere on your body.

What Causes Your Skin to Age?

There are many causes that contribute to aging skin, which include the loss of collagen and thinning of the epidermis. Here are some of the reasons why:

Loss of Collagen – this is the most abundant protein in your body and it is found in your tendons, bones, and joints. This is what keeps your skin looking youthful because it provides structure to the thickest layer, called the dermis.

Sun Exposure – according to a study conducted on 298 Caucasian women aged 30 to 78, ultraviolet exposure is responsible for 80 percent of facial aging signs.

The sun’s rays can break down your skin’s elastin over time which results in damage that can lead to premature sagging.

Spending too much time in the sun can also cause your outermost layer of skin to thin out.

Weight Loss – simply losing weight can cause your skin to become loose. This is because as your body gains weight, your skin will expand. Also, if you carry around more weight over time, this can damage the elastin fibers in your skin and also damage the collagen.

Can You Reverse Aging Skin?

If you’re curious about how you can reverse the aging process on your skin, you’re in luck. There are many things you can try at home.

Facial Exercises – this is about as close to a natural face lift as you can get. It doesn’t cost any money and it’s easy to do. Facial exercises can help stimulate circulation, relax facial muscles and encourage lymphatic drainage.

Supplements – you can try adding supplements to your routine, including vitamin C and collagen peptides. This can help replenish the collagen that’s been broken down in your body.

Firming Creams – this isn’t something you should solely rely on, but using facial creams can help minimize the appearance of cellulite and can help to tighten loose skin.

Cosmetic Procedures to Help Aging Skin

A faster solution to help with aging skin is to consider a cosmetic procedure. Some options include chemical peels, which are minimally invasive, ultrasound skin tightening or laser resurfacing.

Laser resurfacing can be especially helpful for face and neck areas and for the abdomen. If you’re worried about your arms and legs, there’s nothing better than good old fashioned exercise.