Skin Health
The following are options to improve skin elasticity.
Option 1, Supplements: These are orally taken supplements that may improve skin elasticity and provide other benefits. However, it's important to note that they aren't guaranteed to work. Incorporating these along with a sensible diet and exercise may prove more effective. In this case, exercise means low-intensity cardio (walking at a pace where you can have a full conversation, HR under 105) and core/ab exercises like sit-ups, etc.
Collagen - https://www.bulksupplements.com/products/hydrolyzed-bovine-collagen-powder?variant=32133413765231
Skin Health: Collagen peptides can help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness. They may reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, promoting a more youthful complexion.
Joint Support: Collagen is a key component of cartilage and connective tissues. Collagen peptides may help support joint health by promoting cartilage regeneration, reducing joint pain, and improving mobility.
Bone Health: Collagen is essential for maintaining bone strength and density. Collagen peptides can help support bone health by enhancing bone mineral density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Hair and Nail Growth: Collagen is a vital building block for hair and nails. Consuming collagen peptides may promote hair growth, strengthen hair follicles, and improve nail health and growth.
Gut Health: Collagen contains amino acids that support gut lining integrity and may help improve digestion and gut health. Collagen peptides can help alleviate symptoms of leaky gut syndrome and improve overall digestive function.
Wound Healing: Collagen is crucial for wound healing and tissue repair. Collagen peptides may help accelerate wound healing, reduce scarring, and promote tissue regeneration.
Muscle Recovery: Collagen peptides can support muscle recovery after exercise by providing essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth.
Cocoa Extract - https://www.bulksupplements.com/products/theobroma-cacao-extract
After 24 weeks of supplementation, the cocoa flavanol group had significantly smoother skin (as assessed in the study by ‘roughness value’) and improved skin elasticity, suggesting that long-term cocoa flavanol supplementation may help reduce photoaging.184(https://examine.com/supplements/cocoa-extract/research/#ref-184)
Dosage: The standard dose for cocoa flavanols is 500 to 1,000 mg a day, taken with meals. Supplementing cocoa extract can be replaced by dark chocolate consumption. The recommended amount is 25 to 40 grams of dark chocolate containing at least 85% cocoa, which is about 200 calories. Milk and white chocolate do not contain enough cocoa to replace supplementation.
After 24 weeks of cocoa flavanol supplementation (320mg/day), the cocoa flavanol group had significantly smoother skin (as assessed in the study by ‘roughness value’) and improved skin elasticity, suggesting that long-term cocoa flavanol supplementation may help to reduce photoaging.
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol form) - I take the CoQ10 for cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. - https://www.qunol.com/products/qunol-ubiquinol-extra-strength-200-mg?selling_plan=2647490712
Aged skin strongly correlates with abnormal mitochondrial function, elevated oxidant levels, and decreased CoQ10 levels. This decline is evident with aging, irrespective of UV radiation exposure, but is exacerbated by excessive UV radiation, leading to oxidative stress. This reduction in CoQ10 is also associated with diminished mitochondrial membrane potential and a shift from lipolysis to glycolysis for sustaining energy metabolism. For these reasons, CoQ10 is believed to offer skin protection due to its role as a mitochondrial factor and antioxidant.
In vitro studies have demonstrated that CoQ10 may improve skin elasticity by increasing elastin expression and preserving collagen. CoQ10 may also have anti-wrinkle effects by protecting against UV damage and depigmentation potential, with more pronounced effects in cells purposely depleted of CoQ10. https://examine.com/supplements/coenzyme-q10/faq/what-is-the-impact-of-coenzyme-q10-on-skin-health/
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 33 participants with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II and III were allocated to take 50 mg of coq10, 150 mg, or placebo daily for 12 weeks.
Minimal erythema dose was nonsignificantly slightly increased in the intervention groups. There was a significant reduction in wrinkles in the intervention groups with no notable difference between them. During the 12 weeks, the placebo group saw a considerable reduction in viscoelasticity while the intervention groups saw increases. The intervention groups also saw less reduction in hydration. Smoothness and microrelief were significantly increased by coq10.
Image: CoQ10 Details from Examine.com (1) CoQ10 Details from Examine.com (2)
Option 2: Supplementation, plus peptides—including the above supplements and the following peptides. I suspect you do not want to use these, but I'm including them for completeness. A coach I regularly consult with recommended them.
BPC-157 is a naturally occurring substance produced in human gastric juice. It is a 15-amino-acid sequence peptide that is synthetically recreated. Weight-loss clinics typically add this to Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)/Semaglutide (Ozempic) to help reduce side effects like nausea or injection site reactions that are common with both drugs.
Benefits:
Protective effects for the GI
Regenerative properties
Produces new capillary tissue
Increases collagen production
Should supplement with collagen for maximum effect
Promoting new blood vessels (VEGF)
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic properties (pain relief)
Helps with joint pain
How is it administered? (Order of effectiveness)
Injection, subcutaneously (in fat, belly, butt cheek, etc.)
Nasal spray
Orally - only for GI benefits
Option 3, Cosmetic procedures: These are ultimately the most effective yet costly options. Combining this with all the above may aid recovery, especially BPC-157.
This site has some info on various procedures. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/firm-sagging-skin#:~:text=As%20for%20the%20claim%20that,your%20body%20make%20more%20collagen.
Micro-needling
Tummy tuck
These two are new to me but were suggested by a different coach I contacted about options. They are not surgical procedures and may be cheaper than the surgical options. I haven't done research into them yet.
LightRx - Laser resurfacing
Ideal Image - Ultherapy