The loss of skin firmness and elasticity is called skin laxity, and yes, you can improve it!
Here, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and the Founder and Director of our Fort Worth medical spa, Dr. Emily Kirby, shares lifestyle habits that can help keep your skin supple and her top treatments for improving skin laxity.
Maintaining healthy skin starts at home
How you care for your skin directly influences how your skin looks and feels. You can preserve and enhance your skin’s elasticity and delay further laxity by incorporating these daily habits:
Sun protection
UV rays break down collagen and elastin, the fibers your skin needs to stay smooth and firm. Breakdown causes the skin to sag. Daily use of a mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days, can significantly slow this process. Remember to reapply as directed, especially when you sweat and when you are outside for hours at a time.
We choose Colorescience® sun protection at Kalos Medical Spa. Colorescience uses 100% pure, natural minerals, antioxidants, and botanicals in their products, which protects your delicate skin flawlessly. Find these products and more here »
Hydration
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water (about 64 ounces a day) helps keep your skin plump and elastic, subtly reducing the appearance of laxity. You can also consume water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges to naturally boost hydration levels. Keep in mind that alcohol and caffeinated drinks dehydrate your skin, so enjoy them in moderation, especially if your skin type tends to be more dry.
Nutritious diet
A balanced diet provides the nutrients your skin needs to repair and maintain itself. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, help protect your skin from free radical damage. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts help maintain the skin’s protective barrier to keep it moisturized and flexible. Protein from lean meats, beans, and legumes supports collagen production. Vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium play critical roles in skin repair and protection to support optimal skin health and elasticity.
Consistent skincare
A consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating, and using products with active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin C, and other targeted serums, can enhance your skin’s resilience and slow the natural aging process that contributes to skin laxity. Medical-grade skincare products are backed by science and, compared with drugstore products, typically deliver stronger results in a shorter time because they are formulated with more potent concentrations of key ingredients. Medical-grade skincare products are packaged professionally to preserve active ingredients, protecting your investment in your skin.
Treatments that target skin laxity
Even the most devoted skin health enthusiasts can benefit from professional skin treatments from time to time, as collagen loss is natural with age. At Kalos Medical Spa in Fort Worth, we offer several advanced treatments specifically designed to tighten and rejuvenate your skin:
CO₂ laser skin resurfacing
CO₂ laser skin resurfacing uses targeted laser energy to remove damaged skin layers, stimulating new collagen growth. This reduces skin laxity and corrects other skin concerns, including surface imperfections like hyperpigmentation, and deeper concerns like wrinkles and scarring. CO₂ laser resurfacing can treat mild-to-moderate skin laxity with minimal downtime and long-lasting results.
ResurFX laser skin resurfacing is a good option if you don’t have as much time to heal. We will evaluate your skin and review your history to determine which laser therapy is recommended at your personalized consultation.
“The team at Kalos Medical Spa is outstanding! I have received multiple aesthetic services there and have always found everyone to be professional, courteous and knowledgeable. Special shout out to Tiffany who is the consummate professional! Highly recommend this practice and medical spa.”
—5-star Google Review
Morpheus8 RF microneedling
Morpheus8 RF microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-openings in the skin that prompt your body’s natural healing process and collagen production. Radiofrequency energy stimulates deeper skin layers to tighten and enhance skin elasticity. Morpheus8 is versatile and can be used on many areas of the body, including the face, neck, and abdomen, making it a popular choice if you desire a non-surgical skin tightening treatment.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers focused ultrasound energy into multiple layers of skin and tissue to boost collagen production for a natural lifting and tightening effect in sagging areas. This treatment is particularly effective for lifting the brow line and tightening lax skin along the neck and jawline.
“Ozempic face” is a popular phrase used to describe the thin, sagging facial appearance after rapid, significant weight loss.
Addressing skin laxity after weight loss
Aside from the natural aging process, weight loss may also cause lax skin. GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide, and other prescription weight loss medications are popular choices for weight management. While these medications are effective in reducing body weight, rapid weight loss often results in excess skin. Non-surgical treatments like those mentioned above may be able to achieve the level of firmness you desire, but if you have severe skin laxity, Dr. Kirby may recommend a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and tighten underlying tissues to achieve the desired contour. View more options for addressing excess skin here »
Let us help you find the best skin-tightening treatment for you
Dr. Emily Kirby and her team of skincare professionals at Kalos Medical Spa in Fort Worth are here to guide you toward the treatment or procedure that will benefit your skin’s health and appearance the most. Call or text (817) 292-4200 to book your appointment and take the first step towards radiant, tighter skin.