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As you age, your skin tends to thin out. Therefore, it’s crucial to take care of your skin to maintain its thickness and elasticity. Thinning skin can result from a decrease in collagen levels and a loss of skin elasticity. Collagen is a protein found in the skin that helps nourish and keep it healthy. Additionally, prolonged use of steroid creams can cause the skin to thin, making it more prone to bruising and becoming fragile and translucent. Fortunately, there are several methods to help thicken the skin, making it healthier and firmer.
Steps
Use Skincare Products
Apply moisturizer daily. For best results, use a moisturizer containing ingredients like vitamin C, A, E, and beta-carotene. You can also apply a moisturizer with retin-A (a form of vitamin A) to stimulate cell production. Retin-A products are available in serums, ointments, and creams.
Apply vitamin E oil. You can puncture a vitamin E capsule, squeeze the oil onto your palm, and then apply it to your skin. Vitamin E helps thicken the skin, especially when used topically.
Always apply sunscreen when going outside. Use sunscreen daily, especially if you live in areas with intense summer heat. Opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 (or higher if you have fair or sensitive skin), even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds.
Avoid using steroid creams on your skin. If possible, steer clear of steroid creams as they can thin the skin. Consult your doctor if prescribed steroid creams for skin conditions like eczema. A dermatologist may recommend non-steroidal alternatives.
Apply products containing vitamin C. Use serums, creams, and lotions with vitamin C. Vitamin C helps firm the skin and stimulates collagen production. Regular application can also contribute to thicker skin.
Use camellia oil ointment. Camellia seeds can be pressed to extract oil, which is known to thicken the skin.
- To make the ointment, mix a few drops of camellia seed oil with 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, 3 drops of lavender essential oil, and 1 teaspoon of evening primrose oil. Shake well before use. Massage a few drops of the ointment onto your skin daily to promote thicker skin.
- Store the ointment in the refrigerator when not in use.
Apply antioxidants to prevent skin damage. Topical antioxidants can help prevent skin damage and repair injured skin. Look for products containing ingredients like green tea extract, vitamin A, vitamin E, tocotrienol, boron nitrite, alpha-lipoic acid, DMAE, pentapeptide, and plant oils such as lotus, ginseng, and marigold.
Adjust Your Diet
Consume foods rich in vitamins C and E. These vitamins help repair damaged tissues in the body, slowing down the aging process. Foods high in vitamin E boost collagen production, contributing to thicker skin over time.
- Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes, and cauliflower. The recommended daily intake is 75-90 mg of vitamin C.
- Foods rich in vitamin E include olive oil, avocados, broccoli, pumpkin, papaya, mango, and tomatoes. The recommended daily intake is 15 mg of vitamin E.
- Foods rich in vitamin A include oranges, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots. The recommended daily intake is 700-900 mcg of vitamin A.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Water helps flush out waste and toxins from the body, rejuvenating the skin. Staying hydrated also improves elasticity and promotes natural skin healing.
- In addition to drinking water, you can boost skin hydration by consuming herbal teas and water-rich vegetables and fruits like watermelon, tomatoes, beets, and celery.
Supplement with borage seed oil or fish oil. Adding borage seed oil or fish oil to your diet can enhance collagen production and keep your skin moisturized.
- These oils are also rich in vitamin B3, essential for healthy skin. A form of vitamin B3 (niacinamide) can even help reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
- The recommended daily dose is 50 mg, taken orally, such as in capsule form.
Drink bone broth. Bone broth is a traditional food known for boosting the immune system. It is rich in minerals and gelatin, which support joint, hair, and skin health due to its high collagen content. Bone broth also helps smooth connective tissues, reducing skin roughness.
- To prepare bone broth, use high-quality bones from pasture-raised animals, wild game, free-range poultry, or wild-caught fish. Simmer 1 kg of bones in 4 liters of water for about 24 hours for animal bones or 8 hours for fish bones.
- The goal is to soften the bones and extract a gelatin-like liquid. You can drink the broth or use it in cooking.
Lifestyle Changes
Exercise daily. Aim for a 40-minute walk or a 30-minute slow jog each day to improve blood circulation, ensuring nutrients are delivered throughout the body. Regular exercise also provides the skin with essential nutrients for rejuvenation and overall health.
Quit smoking. Smoking increases nicotine levels in the body and reduces blood circulation. As a result, the skin absorbs fewer nutrients and eliminates fewer toxins, hindering its rejuvenation and development.
- Smoking also dehydrates the skin and depletes essential vitamins like A, B, C, E, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and zinc.
Reduce alcohol consumption. Limit or avoid alcohol if possible. Alcohol increases toxin levels in the body, negatively impacting skin health and contributing to thinning and aging skin.
Massage your skin to improve circulation. Massaging enhances blood flow, delivering essential nutrients throughout the body, which nourishes and thickens the skin.
- Apply massage oil to your skin and gently rub for at least 90 seconds. Repeat twice daily for optimal results.
Wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin. Sun exposure can thin the skin, so it’s advisable to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and wide-brimmed hats to shield your skin from UV rays.
- Ultraviolet rays from the sun can break down collagen, reducing skin elasticity, making it thinner and more prone to bruising.
