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Gravity and nature are going to have their way with your skin, but you can fight back. To have skin so tight you can bounce a nickel on your face, you'll have to visit your local nip and tuck doc. For younger looking skin you don't have to go under the knife to get, opt for a regular cleansing routine and healthy lifestyle choices.
Sunscreen
Sun is the skin's biggest enemy. Ultraviolet rays cause radiation that produces and feeds free radicals that damage the skin, so look for cosmetics that contain sunscreen. Generously apply sunscreen with sun protection factors, commonly called SPF, of 30 or higher. Slather on the sunscreen on every surface that is exposed to the damaging rays to keep skin tight and youthful and prevent sagging wrinkles and cancer. Dark skin needs protection from those rays just as much as light skin, so lather it on because it's not just about preventing sunburn.
Exfoliants
If those free radicals settle on the top of your skin and make it look as if it's sagging, eradicate them with exfoliants. Products that contain a host of synthetic fruit sugars can strip away that old, dead skin, leaving you with the tighter, taut features you're craving. MayoClinic.com doctors advise using products made with alpha hydroxy acids, poly hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids. Don't let the word "acid" scare you. These are safe ingredients that not only strip away loose skin, but promote new tighter skin cells.
Green Tea
Green tea can work on your skin from both the inside and outside. Drink it to boost your metabolism and rinse out free radicals that roam throughout your body, and smear it on your skin for added benefits. Of course, rather than rubbing your face with tea bags, you'll want to look for creams and lotions made with tea extracts; you'll mostly find them in anti-wrinkle products. You also might try products with black and oolong tea extracts to reduce puffy inflammation for smoother skin.
Vitamins and Water
Drink your eight glasses of water each day to keep your skin moisturized from the inside. It's not only good for your skin, it also can help you keep your weight under control. Fat accumulation causes puffy, jiggly skin as much as wrinkles. Eat a balanced diet, too. Add some foods that are high in vitamins A, C, B3 and E for tight, healthy skin. Fruits and vegetables, especially the ones that are brightly colored, such as red and green peppers, berries, broccoli and sweet potatoes are always good choices. Get your daily doses of vitamin B3, also called niacin, from red meat, fish, peanuts and fortified cereal.
