How to Improve Skin Elasticity

If you have noticed that your skin elasticity is not as supple as it used to be or it just needs a little toning, there are a few things you can do - without having to invest in an expensive firming lotion or pricey laser rejuvenation sessions. Our skin will eventually age, no matter how much "face lift cream" we smooth on our faces and hands. But it is nice to hold off the inevitable for as long as possible, especially if we can do it with a few simple habits.

Instructions

1

Do some muscle building to tighten skin. Although this is not what you would expect from an article like this, this is an important factor in your facial tone. The skin is a living organ that contains a layer of fat that covers the muscles that cover the skeleton. If the muscle shrinks, the skin will show it. Many wrinkles are caused by one muscle group being used while another group relaxes. After years of this routine, the muscle atrophies and wrinkles set in. Build that atrophied muscle back up though exercise, and the skin will plump up, softening the wrinkle. (See References for specific exercises)

2

Stop smoking. According to the Mayo Clinic, (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-care/SN00003) the narrowing of the small blood vessels in your skin caused by smoking will result in reduced oxygen and vital nutrients, which leads to dull, lifeless and unhealthy-looking skin. For beautiful skin you need to increase blood flow to the area that will plump up the skin and increase color. In addition, the repeated action of sucking on the cigarette will cause wrinkles around your mouth, and the squinting to keep smoke out of your eyes will cause wrinkles around your eyes.

3

Avoid damaging your skin externally. This covers using harsh soaps, too much sun, hot water, excess makeup and artificial moisturizers. Our bodies work well when they are taken care of properly. Since the skin is an organ, problems show up when there is a problem. Too much sun results in red skin, too much hot water dries out the skin, too much makeup results in clogged pores. As you can see, there are indications that our skin gives us to show us that something is off. Millions of skin products can be found that promise amazing results, but start with the basics before you jump into the frenzy. You don't need to spring for the high priced firming lotion just yet.

4

Move your body. Movement is so important for our skin elasticity for many reasons. It will increase muscle mass. It will increase blood flow, which means more oxygen and nutrients are being supplied to the skin while toxins are being carried off. It will balance hormones that affect skin health. Movement outside in the sunshine will enable the metabolism of vitamin D, which contributes to skin health. Movement increases endorphins and serotonin levels in the brain.

5

Control your carbohydrate metabolism. You may be surprised at this suggestion, but studies have shown that the long-term affects of excess carbohydrate metabolism are cross linking. This is a process where the excess glucose binds with proteins in tissue and causes hardening of the artery and capillary walls. This is first visible in areas of thinner skin, such as the eyelids and back of the hands. Keeping your blood sugar (glucose) stable requires the proper intake ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates as found in a low glycemic diet.

6

Eat live foods. The metabolic processes in our body are very complex and depend on a healthy intake of vital micro-nutrients. This is separate from the whole caloric intake necessary for energy. Look at the food you ingest for a day and determine if a healthy body can be supported by the ingredients you ate. Maybe you think a vitamin will make up the difference in your lack of proper eating, but there is no way a little pill or even a handful of pills could contain everything found in fresh, colorful, non-processed fruits,vegetables, herbs and spices.