Skin turgor: what it is, what it depends on and how to increase the elasticity of the skin

Skin turgor – what is it?

Turgor is determined by the ability of the skin to resist deformation. This medical scientific term is used to characterize the general condition of the epidermis – its firmness and elasticity, as well as the ability to smooth out on its own, preventing the occurrence of creases.

Skin turgor uXNUMXd firmness + elasticity, where:

• Elasticity is the ability of the skin to return to its original state without visible deformation.
• Elasticity – the ability of the skin to stretch, while maintaining integrity and shape.

Simply put, skin turgor is its tone and density, for which collagen and elastin are responsible.

How to determine the level of skin turgor

There are several ways to check the condition of the skin and determine the degree of its tone. How to do it yourself at home, says Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenereologist, expert of the La Roche-Posay brand:

Try to pinch and slightly pull the skin under the cheekbones with your thumbs and forefingers:

• If the skin is difficult to fold, then its turgor is in order.
• If the fold nevertheless forms and instantly smoothes out as soon as you let go of the skin, the turgor is satisfactory.
• If the skin remembers the position of the fold and it took time for it to smooth out, you have reduced skin turgor.

In the event of a decrease in turgor, individual corrective care is required, aimed at restoring elasticity and nourishment to the epidermis. To maintain youthful skin tone, use moisturizers regularly.

What determines the elasticity and firmness of the skin

High skin turgor directly depends on the production of the main indicators of youth – collagen and elastin, as well as on the ability of the epidermis to retain moisture.

The ratio between the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers and their destruction in youth is approximately 1:1. With age, the proportions change, the amount of proteins consumed by the skin exceeds the amount produced.

Against the background of a reduction in the synthesis of natural collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, skin tone decreases, the first wrinkles, flabbiness and signs of gravitational ptosis appear. It is impossible to completely prevent this natural process, but it is possible to correct the signs of skin aging.

Why is there a decrease in skin turgor 

The main reason for the decrease in skin tone is age-related changes in the epidermis. With age, starting from the age of 20, the synthesis of natural collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which are responsible for the restoration, density, hydration, elasticity and firmness of the epidermis, is reduced, i.e. skin turgor.

Important (!): After the turn of 45 years, due to hormonal changes in the body, the synthesis of estrogen, the hormone of beauty and femininity, is reduced, which is also responsible for the condition of the skin.

In addition to biological aging, there are many factors that contribute to the loss of skin firmness and other signs of premature aging. What determines the condition of the skin:

• Type A ultraviolet radiation, 95% of which passes through clouds and glass unhindered, has a devastating effect on the epidermis: the production of collagen and elastin slows down, the skin becomes dehydrated, loses its tone.
• Free radicals trigger oxidation processes in skin cells and accelerate the manifestation of signs of premature aging, and also contribute to the development of certain skin diseases.
• Insufficient or incorrect care: choose cosmetics according to the type, needs and age of your skin. If you cannot determine the condition of the epidermis on your own, consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist.
• Vitamin deficiency, fatigue, stress, bad habits, unhealthy diet and lack of activity also negatively affect the condition and appearance of the skin of the face and body.

How to increase the turgor of the skin of the face and body at home

Alexander Prokofiev, a dermatovenereologist, an expert of the La Roche-Posay brand, tells about effective ways to maintain a sufficient level of skin turgor at home:

• Protect collagen and elastin fibers from the glycation process that deforms and destroys them – reduce sugar intake in the diet. Add fresh vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in essential fatty acids to your menu. As part of cosmetic formulas, you can pay attention to vitamin C, peptides, glycans.
• Daily UV protection by incorporating a day care product with high SPF into your home beauty routine will protect your skin from photoaging.
• Provide sufficient antioxidant protection to the skin – use products with antioxidants (for example, vitamin C, E, resveratrol, selenium) that help skin cells resist the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.
• Insufficient hydration also affects skin turgor: to prevent dehydration, regularly use products containing moisturizing agents and hydrofixators – for example, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, thermal water.
• Do a massage with a lifting effect that forms a clear oval of the face and improves skin tone.
• In addition to age-correcting cosmetics, you can include salon procedures in your regular care that strengthen the protein framework of the skin, stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin and cell renewal. For example, treatments with retinoids can help stimulate collagen synthesis.

Effective cosmetics to improve skin turgor

The selection of care should be based on the needs of your skin type and age. Choose highly effective products with proven effectiveness and active formulas.

Dryness and dehydration are the enemy of skin turgor. Provides intense hydration to the epidermis Fluid Hydraphase UV Intense Legere for normal and combination skin with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

Concentrate in ampoules Hyalu B5 visibly improves elasticity and firmness, restores, tightens and smoothes the skin with a formula with pure hyaluronic acid in three molecular sizes and an innovative* skin-renewing complex: vitamin B5 + copper gluconate.

For the care of sensitive and thin skin in the eye area, pay attention to products that have passed dermatological and ophthalmological control.

Eye Care Hyalu B5 with vitamin B5 and two types of hyaluronic acid, suitable for sensitive skin, intensively moisturizes, reduces the first visible signs of age and improves skin elasticity.

Antioxidants are important helpers in the fight against oxidative stress for youthful skin. Cream-filler Vitamin C for normal and / or combination skin has a rich composition (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, mannose, madecassoside, neurosensin and thermal water) significantly increases skin turgor, smoothes the skin and evens out complexion, gives radiance.

*Among La Roche-Posay products