4 Ingredients Dermatologists Swear By To Plump Sagging Skin

This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight. 

While skin will naturally and inevitably wrinkle and sag with age, there are several trusted, go-to skincare ingredients dermatologists recommend for a more supple, radiant and youthful-esque look. We checked in with dermatologists and skincare experts to learn more about four tried-and-true ingredients often found in serums, moisturizers and other products that can help plump sagging, wrinkled skin this fall season. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Elaine F. Kung, M.D., FAAD, founder of Future Bright Dermatology and Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D. of My Psoriasis Team.

1. Vitamin C

Chacon points out that apart from natural aging, the "biggest contributing factor for sagging skin" is sun exposure. Overtime, "UV rays damage fibers in the skin called collagen and elastin, which causes the skin to sag," she stresses, "stretching it, and losing its ability to quickly snap back after stretching."

To help combat these effects and to protect your skin along with sunscreen, Kung recommends opting for a vitamin C serum in the morning. By using this ingredient right after cleansing your face and before applying sunscreen, you can target the following skincare concerns, including "discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin barrier repair," she says.

This, Kung notes, is because "vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps protect us from UV and air pollutant skin damage." In addition, it functions as a "building block for collagen synthesis," which can help make your skin look less droopy and more plump when used daily.

2. Niacinamede

When frequently using a niacinamede serum, you'll probably notice a more glowy appearance overall, Kung says. "Niacinamide serums are helpful for your skin tone because they help regulate pigment and also help reduce redness," she says.

Apart from helping combat skin discoloration, Kung also says that she finds this common serum ingredient to be "beneficial for other visible signs of aging," such as sagging and drooping, and wrinkling.

Niacinamede, she explains, is also known as vitamin B3, and helps to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent a loss of moisture which often leads to dry, dull-looking skin.

3. Hyaluronic Acid

Chacon recommends applying a hyaluronic acid serum to freshly cleansed skin at night to give your skin an instantly more hydrated look. This ingredient, she says, helps "replenish and lock in moisture to the skin."

Hyaluronic acid is "also generally safe for all skin types, and rarely has adverse skin reactions as it is a natural substance in the skin," Chacon continues. This skincare classic also "functions as a humectant," Chacon points out, which means it "attracts moisture and draws it  into your skin via its large molecules."

This ultimately "prevents water loss by sealing the moisture in," and forms a "protective film on the skin to prevent vaporization."

4. Gycolic Acid

Skin firmness, plumpness, and elasticity are all characteristics of collagen, the vital protein. Stimulating its production is necessary for anti-aging skincare, and this can be done with the help of gycolic acid, Chacon says.

Glycolic acid, a collagen-boosting skincare ingredient, brings about a range of beneficial effects on your complexion, she notes, from smoothing away wrinkles and lines to enhancing tone and texture. "Glycolic acid is my favorite ingredient that is rejuvenating with anti-aging properties other than retinol," says Chacon, who notes that it is also a "skin brightener."

She goes on: "I have many skincare products that contain it including cleansers, lotions, and serums. It has never stung my skin or caused irritation in any way."

The more you know!