Maintaining Your Skin's Elasticity: A Holistic Approach

Our skin is a remarkable organ, serving as the first line of defence against the outside world while also reflecting our inner health. As we age, maintaining skin elasticity becomes crucial for preserving a youthful appearance and overall skin health. Elasticity is the skin's ability to stretch and then return to its original shape, and it can diminish due to factors like ageing, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices. Here’s how to keep your skin supple and elastic with a blend of holistic approaches and natural skincare ingredients.

Holistic Approaches to Maintain Skin Elasticity

1. Healthy Diet

   • Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts. Antioxidants combat free radicals that can damage collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin elasticity.
   • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3s help maintain the skin's lipid barrier, keeping it hydrated and elastic.
   • Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day! Proper hydration keeps skin cells plump and improves their ability to function and repair.

2. Regular Exercise

   • Exercise improves blood circulation, which helps deliver essential nutrients to the skin and promotes the production of collagen. Activities like yoga and facial exercises can also tone the muscles under the skin, supporting its structure.

3. Adequate Sleep

   • During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates skin cells. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to give your skin time to rejuvenate (plus a plethora of other benefits that come with proper sleep!). 

4. Stress Management

   • Chronic stress can accelerate skin ageing. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can reduce stress levels and its negative impact on your skin. Additionally, getting in some movement and proper sleep (as above) can help to keep stress levels in check!

5. Sun Protection

   • UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing can prevent sun-induced skin damage.

Natural Ingredients for Elasticity in Skincare

When it comes to skincare products, choosing those with natural ingredients can enhance skin elasticity without exposing your skin to harsh chemicals. Here are some key ingredients to look for:

1. Aloe Vera

   • Aloe vera is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It contains vitamins C and E, which are antioxidants that can help improve skin firmness.

2. Rosehip Oil

   • Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, rosehip oil aids in skin regeneration and improves moisture levels. It also contains vitamin A, which helps with cell turnover and collagen production.

3. Hyaluronic Acid

   • Naturally found in the skin, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing deep hydration and plumping the skin, thereby improving elasticity.

4. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

   • Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates collagen production. Look for natural sources like citrus extracts or Kakadu plum in your skincare products.

5. Green Tea Extract

   • Green tea is packed with polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These can protect the skin from environmental damage and improve its elasticity - PSA: Drinking green tea is also a great way to give your whole body a little boost.

6. Shea Butter

   • Shea butter is a rich moisturiser that contains vitamins A and E. It promotes collagen production and provides essential fatty acids that keep the skin supple.

7. Jojoba Oil

   • Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturiser. It also contains vitamins E and B-complex, which help repair skin and improve elasticity.

How Can H&Z Help You on Your Skincare Journey?

Here at Hark & Zander, we recognise that maintaining your skin's elasticity is something that many of us strive to do. It keeps your face looking youthful for longer and gives you that bouncy skin look we all love. To keep things simple, our range encompasses these gorgeous ingredients into a simple regime that you can implement day and night for firmer, smoother skin. For example, our HempHydrate Refreshing Gel Toner which is packed with Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea Extract and a few other goodies. Our HempTonic Face Oil which contains Jojoba Oil, and HempBright Face the Day Crème which contains Kakadu Plum (an insane source of Vitamin C!).

If you'd like to learn more about some of these incredible ingredients, check out the more comprehensive list of benefits for Jojoba Oil, Kakadu Plum, and Hyaluronic Acid!