Over time, the skin tends to thin; therefore, it is important to take care of it to keep it supple and thick. Skin thinning occurs when the collagen level of the epidermis decreases, with the consequent loss of elasticity. Collagen is a protein found in the skin that helps nourish it and make it healthy. Skin thinning can also be caused by the prolonged use of steroid-based ointments that make the skin more prone to bruising, fragility and transparency. Fortunately, however, there are several tricks to follow to make your skin thicker, stronger and more compact.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Skin Care Products
Step 1. Apply a moisturizer daily
For best results, choose a cream that contains vitamins C, A, E, and beta-carotene. Lotions that contain retin-A (the acid form of vitamin A) promote cell multiplication. Retin-A products are available in the form of serums, ointments and creams.
Step 2. Use vitamin E oil for local use
Open the vial of vitamin E, and squeeze its contents into your hands before applying it to the skin. Vitamin E helps thicken the skin, especially when applied directly to the epidermis.
Step 3. Always use sunscreen outside the home
Wear sunscreen every day, especially if you live in very hot and sunny areas. Try to use at least SPF 15 protection (or even higher if you have a particularly fair complexion or in case of skin sensitivity) even on cloudy days; UV rays, in fact, can also penetrate through the clouds.
Step 4. Avoid using steroid creams on the skin
If possible, avoid creams that contain steroids as they can have a thinning effect. Talk to your doctor if you are using a steroid-based cream to treat other skin conditions, such as eczema. Dermatologists usually prescribe topical treatments that do not contain any.
Step 5. Apply products that contain vitamin C
Use serums, creams and lotions based on vitamin C, which helps plump the skin and promote collagen production; if used regularly, the skin will become thicker.
Step 6. Apply a camellia oil based balm to the skin
The seeds of the camellia flower are pressed to obtain the oil, which favors the thickening of the skin.
- To make the conditioner, mix drops of camellia seed oil with 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, 3 drops of lavender oil and one teaspoon of primrose oil. Mix the mixture before use and massage a few drops of conditioner daily to help thicken the skin.
- Store the conditioner in the refrigerator between uses.
Step 7. Use topical anti-oxidants to prevent skin damage
Topical anti-oxidants help repair damaged skin. Look for products that contain any of the following ingredients:
Green tea extract, vitamin A, vitamin E, tocotrienols, boron nitride, alpha lipoic acid, DMAE, pentapeptides and plant oils such as, lotus, calendula and ginseng
Method 2 of 3: Modify Your Diet
Step 1. Eat foods rich in vitamins C and E
These vitamins repair damaged tissues in the body, and thus, slow down the aging process. They also promote the production of collagen, which helps thicken the skin.
- Foods rich in vitamin C include: citrus fruits, kiwifruit, broccoli, tomato and cauliflower. The recommended daily dose of vitamin C is 75-90 mg.
- Foods rich in vitamins E include: olive oil, avocado, broccoli, pumpkin, papaya, mango and tomatoes. The recommended daily dose is 15 mg.
- Foods rich in vitamin A include: oranges, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. The recommended daily dose is 700-900 mg.
Step 2. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day
Water helps remove waste and toxins from the body, therefore, revitalizes the skin and helps improve its elasticity, promoting the natural healing process.
In addition to drinking water, you can increase your hydration levels by drinking herbal teas, eating fruits and vegetables that contain plenty of fluids, such as watermelon, tomato, beetroot, and celery
Step 3. Take borage seed oil and fish oil supplements
These supplements help strengthen the collagen located under the skin and keep it hydrated.
- These oils are also rich in vitamin B3, which is essential for healthy skin. A form of vitamin B3 (also known as nicotinamide) can also help reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
- The recommended daily dose for oil is 50 mg. to be taken orally in capsule form.
Step 4. Drink the bone broth
This traditional food is famous for its ability to strengthen the immune system. In fact, it is an excellent source of minerals and jellies. Thanks to the collagen content, the bone broth gives support to ligaments, hair and skin; in addition, it helps eliminate cellulite because it keeps the connective tissue healthy.
- To make broth, look for good quality bones from cattle, bison, ground poultry, or wild fish. Add about 1 kg of bones to about 4 liters of water and let it boil. Lower the heat and let it boil for 24 hours for meat bones, and 8 hours for fish bones.
- The purpose of boiling for a long time is to soften the bones in order to extract a gelatinous liquid with the aid of a sieve. Drink the broth on its own, or mix it with other dishes.
Method 3 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Try to exercise daily
Take a 40-minute walk every day, or jog for about half an hour. Physical activity helps improve blood circulation and consequently promotes the distribution of nutrients in the body. As a result, the skin will also receive the nutrients it needs to regenerate and stay healthy.
Step 2. Stop smoking
Smoking increases the nicotine level in the body and slows blood circulation. As a result, the skin absorbs less nutrients and toxins remain trapped, slowing the regenerative process.
Smoking dehydrates the skin and deprives it of its essential vitamins. These include vitamins A, B, C, E, and minerals such as potassium, calcium and zinc
Step 3. Reduce your alcohol consumption
Try to decrease the amount of alcohol if possible. Alcohol increases the level of toxins in the body with a consequent negative effect on the skin as it contributes to its aging and thinning.
Step 4. Massage the skin to promote blood circulation
Massage helps improve blood circulation by promoting the distribution of important nutrients in the body, thickening the skin.
Apply a massage oil to the skin and massage the area for at least 90 seconds. For best results, massage twice a day
Step 5. Wear long sleeved clothing to protect your skin
Exposure to the sun, in fact, thins the skin. It is therefore advisable to wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and hats with wide edges to protect the skin from UV rays.
