Aging is a natural process that some people find scary or daunting. But you can consider it a privilege. Those years added to your life could only mean more meaningful experiences and wisdom, we hope. As you age, your body will produce less elastin and collagen, two crucial proteins that help keep the skin firm and elastic. These proteins help your skin keep its structure when you make various facial expressions. But as you get older, your skin won’t have enough proteins to help it “bounce back” like before. It’s not uncommon to notice dry skin, wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin as you take more trips around the sun (i.e., get older). But there are natural remedies to help slow down the sagging of your skin. All you need to do is check out what’s in your house or visit the local farmer’s market.

5 Best Natural Remedies to Tighten Sagging Skin

What Causes Sagging Skin?

Before we get to the remedies, it’s important to understand the different factors that contribute to sagging skin. There are many external and natural factors that contribute to loose skin, but here are some of the most common ones:

• Aging
• Sun Exposure
• Smoking
• Lack of Sleep
• Alcohol Consumption

Naturally Tighten Skin with These Five Tips

1. Get Your Beauty Sleep

Sometimes the most effective solutions are the most basic. The term “beauty sleep” may sound like it’s made up, but sleep really does have helpful benefits for both your mind and body. Sleeping allows the cells in your body to repair and regrow. This also includes the production of collagen, which is essential in making your skin look healthy and plump. Not getting enough sleep, on the other hand, will make your skin look dry and dull, making wrinkles more prominent. So if you want to help slow down time or at least its effect on your skin, then you should make sure you’re covering the basics like getting at least seven hours of quality sleep.

2. Use Aloe Vera Gel

Typically grown in hot, dry climates, aloe is a plant that has been used for centuries because of its beauty as well as its medicinal properties. The gel from an aloe vera plant has been known to help treat itchy skin, strengthen hair, and yes, improve the skin’s texture. While there are many aloe vera supplements that you can take orally, you can also use it topically. All you need to do is cut open an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel. Then, apply the gel to your face and neck. Leave it on for 10–20 minutes for your skin to absorb the nutrients, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Make sure not to leave it on for too long, as it might dry out your skin.

3. Give Yourself an Oil Massage

A once-or-twice-a-month face and neck massage can help improve sagging skin. But before starting your massage, make sure your skin is clean and dry. Pour a small amount of oil (try almond oil or pomegranate seed oil) onto clean hands before gently massaging your face. Make sure not to rub too hard, as this could harm your skin rather than help it. Here are some easy-to-follow directions for your DIY facial massage:

Gently move your fingers from the collarbone to the jaw in an upward motion.

Place your thumbs or knuckles under your chin. Then, press them upward and outward, traveling across the jawline towards the ears.

Move your index fingers back and forth from the center of your forehead towards your temples.

With your pointer and middle fingers, massage your cheeks in a circular motion from the side of the lips up to the cheekbone.

Use your pointer fingers to massage the sides of your nose or nose bridge using upward and downward movements.

Rub your skin from the forehead to your skin in a continuous circular motion.

4. Wake Up Your Skin with a Coffee Scrub

A DIY face scrub is a great way to treat yourself at the end of a busy week. This relaxing weekly treat can also help “wake up” your skin. Coffee has caffeine that not only gives you a boost in the morning but also helps firm up and moisturize the skin. Adding coconut oil to the mix will make your scrub that much more effective. Coconut oil contains vitamin E, which promotes the production of new skin cells. It also hydrates the skin, which can help minimize wrinkles and sagging skin. To make your own coffee scrub at home, mix the following ingredients:

• Quarter cup ground coffee
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• Half teaspoon cinnamon

Gently scrub the mixture on your face and neck for a few minutes. Then, rinse off with lukewarm water.

5. Nourish Your Body with the Right Food

Healthy skin starts with the food we eat. When you regularly prepare your meals with the right skin-friendly ingredients, it will show. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins (namely vitamins A, C, K, and E) can help improve your skin’s elasticity and help minimize the appearance of sagging skin and fine lines. Certain types of nuts contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that will help preserve your skin’s natural oil barrier and protect skin from sun damage.

Aside from the above tips, make sure you’re also doing your best to avoid harmful elements from affecting your skin, like checking if you’re using skincare products with natural ingredients, avoiding heavy drinking, and staying hydrated. Take note, though, that these tips will not magically erase 100% of your fine lines and tighten your skin to make you look decades younger. But they will help you give your skin the treatment it deserves. After all, it’s done so much for you, from regulating your body temperature, protecting you from harmful elements, giving you the sense of touch, and much more.