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You may be surprised that instead of doing their job and keeping your skin hydrated and plump, some moisturizers are actually capable of causing sagging skin. Before we unveil what ingredient in moisturizers is the culprit, we’re going to deep dive into the science behind saggy skin. Medical aesthetician and industry expert, Cassandra Bankson explains, “Our skin is held together by collagen and elastin found in our connective tissue. Collagen is the strong stuff and elastin, like a rubber band, is the stretchy stuff. Biggest contributors that cause sagging skin and the breakdown of these products are UV rays and sun damage, which directly damages DNA and collagen in the skin. But other factors such as stress, and especially smoking definitely play a role.”
Now, brace yourself for the ingredient in moisturizers you’ll want to toss in order to avoid saggy skin.
Bankson shared: “As an industry expert for over 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn along side with doctors and dermatologist as well as read medical papers on the skincare ingredients and lifestyle changes that actually work to help stop collagen degradation and stimulate the growth of more.”
The two key factors to prevent sagging skin in women over 30 include stopping existing collagen from breaking down as well as promoting new collagen growth.
But when it comes to moisturizers with secretly sagging ingredients, an ingredient that could be in some skincare products that are worth avoiding are mineral acids, which can also cause collagen degradation.
Bankson shared, “These mineral acids can cause an irreversible change in the chemical bonds that hold collagen protein in your skin together, and cause these to break down, therefore leading to sagging and wrinkling of the skin.”
Consultant Dermatologist, Rachael Burns adds that: “Methylparaben is an ingredient that when used in large amounts causes collagen levels to decrease which actually speeds up cell aging, death and ultimately skin sagging.”
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, accounting for about one third of its protein composition. As we age, often starting in our 20’s, the amount of collagen we produce starts to decrease – leaving our skin less elastic, full and firm. So if an ingredient breaks down collagen, sagging and wrinkles can occur.
