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What is skin turgor and what does it depend on
In cosmetology and dermatology, the term “turgor” is used to describe the condition of the skin, namely the level of its fullness, density, firmness and elasticity. With age, skin turgor decreases. This can manifest itself in the form of a decrease in its tone, elasticity, the formation of wrinkles and creases, gravitational ptosis (sagging skin).
Such changes occur due to the fact that as we age, the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the skin, a component that supports its turgor, is reduced.
How to determine skin turgor
First, let’s figure out what the firmness and elasticity of the skin is:
- The elasticity of the skin characterizes its ability to smooth out on its own when stretched or squeezed, returning to its original shape without visible defects.
- The elasticity of the skin is determined by the ability of the skin to stretch and resist deformation, while maintaining its integrity.
Accordingly, in order to assess skin turgor, it is necessary to create conditions for its deformation. For example, pinch and slightly pull the skin anywhere with the pads of the thumb and forefinger. Pay attention to how quickly the skin fold will completely straighten out and whether there will be creases on it.
Evaluation criteria and types of skin turgor:
- Normal turgor – a fold of skin is formed with difficulty and quickly, without difficulty straightens.
- Turgor is slightly reduced – the skin is easily folded, but quickly returns to its original position, completely smoothed out.
- Turgor is greatly reduced – the skin fold is easily formed and smoothes out gradually, temporarily leaving creases.
What determines skin turgor
First of all, skin turgor depends on its biological age. While we are young, natural hyaluronic acid and building proteins (collagen, elastin) are produced in the skin in sufficient quantities to provide it with firmness and elasticity. Over the years, the activity of fibroblast cells responsible for the synthesis of these components of youth gradually decreases, and by the age of 40 their production is halved.
Because of this, the activity of collagenase and metalloproteinase enzymes, which destroy collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix, begins to exceed the rate of their synthesis. This is reflected on the skin by the manifestation of the first age-related changes: the formation of wrinkles, the appearance of flabbiness and sagging of the skin, a change in the oval of the face.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely stop the natural processes of skin aging. However, it is possible to slow down the external manifestation of premature age signs with the right care.
What other reasons are there for a decrease in skin turgor? In addition to age, the condition of the skin is influenced by many external and internal factors that can accelerate the aging process:
- prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light slows down the production of collagen and elastin and dehydrates the skin, accelerating its photoaging;
- insufficient or improperly selected care – irregular or too aggressive cleansing, insufficient hydration can be reflected in a decrease in skin firmness and elasticity;
- oxidative stress – free radicals trigger oxidation processes in skin cells, which accelerate the manifestation of signs of early aging;
- bad habits (smoking and excessive alcohol consumption) – disrupt microcirculation, slow down the natural renewal processes, can cause dehydration of the skin;
- unbalanced nutrition – an excess of sugar and a lack of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega 3), vitamins and minerals in the diet also affect the skin condition in a bad way;
- hormonal changes in the body, namely the deficiency of estrogen, which is responsible for the condition of the skin. Usually, its amount in the body in women decreases by the age of 45, but this can happen earlier due to hormonal disorders;
- frequent stress and lack of sleep – the stress hormone cortisol inhibits the natural process of collagen synthesis, which is responsible for elasticity, tone and youthfulness of the skin.
How to increase skin turgor with cosmetic procedures
- Mesotherapy is an injection technique for skin rejuvenation. A special meso-cocktail based on active ingredients that stimulate collagen production is injected into the skin using a thin needle. The procedure helps restore firmness and elasticity to the skin, smooth out wrinkles, and correct the oval of the face.
- Biorevitalization is another injection technique, during which a preparation based on hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin. Due to which the skin is deeply and permanently moisturized, its elasticity increases, mimic wrinkles and dehydration creases are smoothed out, cell regeneration processes are launched.
- Plasmolifting is also an intradermal injection of a drug based on plasma obtained from one’s own blood. As a result, the natural processes of skin renewal are accelerated, the color and relief of the face are evened out, the skin is visibly tightened, its firmness, elasticity and hydration increase.
Tips for improving skin firmness and elasticity at home
- The key to beauty and youthful skin is the right cosmetics for skin care according to its type and needs. Provide the skin with gentle cleansing 2 times a day: in the morning and in the evening. Do not forget about toning and intensive moisturizing on a daily basis. Remember that even oily skin needs to be moisturized.
- To prevent photoaging caused by the damaging effects of UVA and UVB radiation on the skin (UV A and B), use a sunscreen with an SPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of at least 25.
- In the care of mature skin, we recommend including anti-aging cosmetics, the formulas of which contain intensive moisturizing and anti-dehydration complexes. aging and resist the emergence of new ones. AHAs, BHAs (alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids) and retinol will help speed up skin cell renewal.
- Antioxidants in cosmetics help the skin resist the negative effects of free radicals. Look for vitamins E, C, A (retinol), resveratrol, green tea extract, selenium in cosmetic formulas.
- You can do a face lifting massage on your own. This will not only help to make the contours of the face clearer, but also improve blood circulation, lymph flow, improve metabolic processes in the skin and make the complexion fresher and healthier.
- Reduce your intake of sugar in your diet. Its excess in the blood can stimulate the process of glycation (glycation), which leads to skin aging, slows down the synthesis of elastin and collagen. Enrich your daily menu with fresh vegetables and fruits, rich in vitamins and minerals, necessary to maintain youthful skin.
- Complement your home beauty routine with cosmetic procedures that increase skin firmness and elasticity. A dermatologist will help you choose the right complex of such procedures for your skin.
Vichy products to improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin of the face
LiftActiv Supreme long-acting hyaluronic serum-filler will help replenish 100% of the daily loss of hyaluronic acid in the epidermis.
The active formula of the filler is clinically tested under dermatological and ophthalmological control and is suitable for face and eyelid skin care.
The formula with a record* concentration of pure hyaluronic acid [1,5% of the composition] and a vitamin C derivative effectively and permanently moisturizes, smoothes lines of dehydration and deeper wrinkles, makes the skin more full and elastic.
*among Vichy products
Clinically proven effectiveness:
- already in 6 weeks of application, wrinkles are reduced by 47%; — clinical assessment, 53 participants;
- 96% of consumer test participants noted a visible anti-aging effect. – consumer test, 53 participants, 6 weeks.
Concentrated anti-aging serum in ampoules Liftactiv Specialist Peptide-C (Liftactiv Specialist Peptide C). The complex of active ingredients helps to slow down the skin aging process, stimulate collagen synthesis, improve complexion, reduce even deep wrinkles, for firmer and smoother skin.
The ampoule formula contains 10% pure vitamin C, anti-aging peptides and hyaluronic acid. Together, these 3 active ingredients enhance each other’s effectiveness. The ampoules have a sealed air-free environment that protects the active ingredients from oxidation.
Proven Effectiveness:
- After the first application: the skin is visibly hydrated;
- After 10 days: the skin is visibly firmer and smoother;
- After 1 month of use: even deep wrinkles are visibly reduced.
To compensate for the lack of density during sleep, the Liftactiv Collagen Specialist night face cream (Liftactiv Collagen Specialist) will help. While you sleep, the active night care formula leaves skin more elastic, firmer, smoother and more radiant.
An effective anti-aging result is achieved thanks to the composition with vitamin C and biopeptides. Bio-peptides type 1 stimulates the activation of collagen production. Vitamin C derivative prevents oxidative stress of the skin, helping the skin fight the negative effects of free radicals, providing it with moisture.
Proven Effectiveness:
- Already after 1 application: the skin is more elastic and visibly firmer, the complexion is fresher and more even;
- After 1 month: wrinkles are reduced, the skin looks younger and more radiant.
Day cream Liftactiv Collagen Specialist (Liftaktiv Collagen Specialist) with peptides that stimulate collagen production. Helps fight age-related signs of the skin: restores dull skin radiance, improves firmness and elasticity, smoothes wrinkles, provides a noticeable lifting effect.
- bio-peptides 1 and 2 types stimulate the production of collagen;
Clinically proven effectiveness:
- Already after the first application, skin tone is increased by 52%¹;
- Forehead wrinkles reduced by 16%²;
- Wrinkles in the corners of the eyes – by 11%²;
- Nasolabial fold – by 8%².
1. Instrumental test, 40 people;
2. Clinical assessment, 58 people, 4 weeks