Why Skin Starts to Sag - And What You Can Do About It

 

Written by an independent, certified dermatologist

 

As we age, one of the most common skin changes we see is sagging. It often starts subtly: a softer jawline, a little droop at the corners of the mouth, or less firmness around the eyes and neck. For many women over 40, this loss of definition feels like one of the most visible signs of ageing — and one of the hardest to address.

But sagging skin isn’t just inevitable. Once you understand why it happens, you can start making smart, science-backed choices to help maintain a firmer, lifted look for longer.

Let’s take a closer look at what causes skin to sag — and what really works to support tighter, more youthful skin over time.

 

The Role of Collagen and Elastin in Firmness

Two of the most important proteins in your skin are collagen and elastin.

  • Collagen gives your skin structure and strength.

  • Elastin gives your skin the ability to stretch and snap back into place.

Together, they form the framework that keeps your skin plump, firm, and resilient.

After around age 25, your body starts to produce less collagen and elastin each year. By your 40s and 50s, production has slowed significantly, and existing fibres begin to degrade. This breakdown is the main cause of sagging skin — particularly around the jawline, cheeks, and neck.

 

Why Skin Sags Faster After 40

In addition to natural collagen and elastin loss, other factors speed up sagging:

  • UV exposure damages existing collagen and elastin fibres

  • Hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause and menopause, affect skin density

  • Loss of fat and muscle tone in the face leads to hollowing and drooping

  • Poor circulation reduces skin cell regeneration and oxygenation

  • Gravity takes its toll over time

The result? Skin that appears thinner, less bouncy, and more vulnerable to folds and droops.

Can Skincare Help with Sagging?

While no topical cream can replace lost collagen or elastin, certain ingredients and technologies can support your skin’s natural repair mechanisms and help improve firmness.

Look for these skincare allies:

  • Peptides – help signal the skin to produce more collagen

  • Retinoids (like retinol) – proven to support collagen synthesis

  • Vitamin C – protects collagen and brightens skin tone

  • Hyaluronic acid – plumps and hydrates, reducing the look of sagging

  • Niacinamide – improves elasticity and barrier strength

Be consistent. These ingredients work best when used regularly over time.

Facial Massage & Tools: Boosting Circulation and Tone

One of the easiest ways to support firmer skin is through regular facial massage. It increases blood flow, stimulates lymphatic drainage, and helps tone the facial muscles underneath.

Consider tools like:

  • Gua Sha

  • Facial rollers

  • Microcurrent devices

These can be great additions to your evening routine — especially when paired with a nourishing serum.

The Power of LED Light for Sagging Skin

One of the most exciting, science-backed tools for improving skin firmness is LED light therapy — specifically red and deep infrared light, which penetrate deep into the skin and support collagen and elastin production at a cellular level.

The Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask uses:

  • Red Light (640 nm) – clinically shown to boost collagen production and reduce wrinkle depth

  • Deep Infrared Light (up to 780 nm) – penetrates further to support cell regeneration and firmer skin over time

  • EMS technology – lightly stimulates facial muscles to lift and tone

This combination means you're not just treating the surface — you're helping retrain the underlying structure of the face for visible lifting effects over time.

Many LED masks on the market only offer near-infrared light (often around 850 nm), which doesn’t have the same clinically supported skin benefits as true deep infrared. The Dermaglow stands out for targeting the most effective wavelengths for both collagen and elastin regeneration.

What About Sagging Around the Eyes?

The delicate eye area is usually the first place sagging appears. That’s where the Dermaglow Glasses come in — designed to target fine lines, puffiness, and loss of tone around the eyes using red and EMS stimulation. They're perfect for women who want to firm the eye area but prefer something quick and targeted.

Final Thoughts

Sagging skin is a completely normal part of the ageing process — but you’re not powerless. With consistent care, smart skincare choices, and the right tools, it’s possible to support stronger collagen and elastin networks, lift tired contours, and reveal a firmer, more youthful-looking complexion.

Your skin might be changing — but your confidence doesn’t have to.