Surprising Things That Could Be Stretching Out Your Skin

There are some things that we can’t control, like the natural aging process and hormonal shifts during pregnancy or menopause, which can reduce collagen and elastin production, says Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. Everyone’s skin is different. “Skin has a natural elasticity when younger that generally decreases over time. Some people are gifted with better skin than others and can do anything, including gaining weight and then losing it, without any serious repercussions. Others collect stretch marks at a young age and saggy skin over time,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. “The effect of who you had as parents and their skin ‘snappiness’ can’t be overestimated.”

However, “There are a handful of things that can accelerate this process,” says Dr. Schlessinger, some of which, like daily habits and bigger picture lifestyle shifts, are in our control. “Skin resilience is something we can actively support, and it’s never too late to start. Small, consistent changes make the biggest difference long term,” says Dr. Longwill. She recommends seeing a dermatologist “to create a personalized treatment plan, as each patient may need different products and treatments tailored to their skin.” Before heading to your doctor, see if any of the following could be contributing to your skin laxity.

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Weight fluctuations

“The most noticeable causes of increased skin laxity are rapid or significant changes in volume within a particular area,” says Chapel Hill, NC dermatologist Sue Ellen Cox, MD This is often seen after pregnancy or following substantial weight loss, where the skin has been stretched and then left with less underlying support.” Dr. Longwill notes those that experience rapid or significant weight changes are more prone to stretching skin, weakening the structural support, but “Gradual changes are less likely to cause damage, so it’s always best to aim for slow, sustainable shifts.”

Sun damage

Dr. Cox warns that long-term sun exposure can contribute to more lax skin. “UV damage is one of the biggest culprits in breaking down collagen and elastin. Daily SPF, even when it’s cloudy or you’re mostly indoors, is non-negotiable for preserving firm, resilient skin,” says Dr. Longwill.

Poor skin barrier health

Skin barrier health has gone mainstream over the past couple of years, and with good reason. Not only is having a weak skin barrier bad for your skin’s health, but it can also contribute to lax skin. “When your barrier is weak, your skin is more prone to inflammation and breakdown of its support system. You want to nourish and protect it with barrier repair creams and gentle, effective hydration,” says Dr. Longwill. Things like over-exfoliating, skipping moisturizer and using harsh products are just some of the ways you could be compromising your skin barrier.

Lifestyle choices

Over time, certain lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking and hydration can weaken the skin’s structure and elasticity, leading to poor skin quality that lacks resilience, says Dr. Cox. Dr. Longwill. She notes that a diet low in protein and antioxidants can be harmful. Staying hydrated, taking supplements and eating nutrient-dense and collagen-boosting foods can help. Additionally, “lack of sleep and high stress levels all accelerate collagen loss and inflammation, both of which impact skin firmness,” says Dr. Longwill