As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and may become saggy. Dehydration, smoking, pregnancy, weight loss, prolonged exposure to sunlight and an unhealthy life style can all lead to skin sagging. Yet, the most prominent reason is internal aging, which leads to significant changes in the skin’s structure. 

Sagging skin means the progressive loss of skin elasticity due to the degeneration of elements such as collagen and elastin. The bond between the dermis and epidermis also weakens. All these factors lead to wrinkles, fine lines and finally saggy skin. The major facial areas affected are the eyelids, jowls, chin and throat.  

Though one cannot reverse sagging, it can be delayed or reduced.  

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Here are some natural remedies to tighten sagging skin at home:

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Rosemary oil and cucumber:

Rich in antioxidants, rosemary oil delays skin aging and improves elasticity. It also helps in toning the skin and improving blood circulation. Grind half a peeled cucumber to a smooth paste. Add one tablespoon of rosemary oil and apply the paste to your face and neck. Leave for about 20 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat once a week.

Egg and honey mask:

Rich in albumin protein, egg is a great method for face lifting and smoothening. Honey can trap moisture in place. Both will lift your skin and provide a younger-looking effect. Mix one egg white with two tablespoons of honey. Apply this mixture to your face and neck, and then wait for about 20 minutes and wash off with cold water. Do this three times a month to tighten your skin.

Turmeric mask:

When combined with sandalwood, turmeric lifts your skin by improving collagen production and repairing other structural damage. Mix one tablespoon of sandalwood and half a tablespoon of turmeric powder in one tablespoon of rose water. Mix well and then put the mixture on your face for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Banana and lime juice mask:

Bananas contain essential vitamins and minerals needed for skin tightening such as Vitamins A, B, C and D, together with zinc, potassium, magnesium and iron. Known to detox the skin, bananas can also reduce the signs of ageing and give your skin an adequate lift. Mash a peeled ripe banana. Add a few drops of lime juice and mix well. Apply the mixture to your face and then let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse. Repeat twice a week for the best results.

Ground coffee and coconut oil:

The caffeine in coffee makes your skin soft and firm by eliminating fat and moisturising the skin. Coconut oil slows down the ageing process by delivering a host of nutrients and beneficial antioxidants. It also hydrates the skin and reduces clogged pores, fine lines and wrinkles in the process. This mask will gently exfoliate your skin and delay the ageing process. Mix a quarter of a cup of ground coffee, two tablespoons of coconut oil, half a teaspoon of cinnamon and a quarter of a cup of brown sugar. Apply the mixture to your face and neck. Gently scrub for about five minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat once a week.

Avocado oil:

Avocado oil contains Vitamins A, B and E and can boost collagen production in your body. This improves skin elasticity and reduces the signs of ageing skin. Take some avocado oil in your palm and apply it to your face and neck. Let it sit for one hour then rinse.

Tomato juice:

Tomato juice contains the antioxidant lycopene that benefits the skin. The juice also gives an even skin tone and tightens it up. Soak cotton balls in organic raw tomato juice and then rub them on the affected areas of your skin. Let it stay for 15 minutes and then rinse using mineral water.

Fish oil supplements:

These contain Vitamin E, which is known to improve skin elasticity and is among the best home remedies for tightening the skin around the eyes. Puncture two or three fish-oil capsules. Extract the oil and massage your face with it. Let it sit overnight and then wash your face early in the morning.

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*A version of this article appears in print in the 9 December, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.