What causes skin laxity?
Mar 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, skin laxity may be related to factors such as ultraviolet radiation, excessive weight loss, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep—can help slow down the skin aging process.
In general, skin laxity may be related to factors such as ultraviolet radiation exposure, excessive weight loss, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and other causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Ultraviolet Radiation
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays accelerates the breakdown of collagen in the skin, damages skin structure, and leads to skin laxity. It is recommended to apply sunscreen, wear a sun hat and sunglasses during outdoor activities, and reduce UV damage to the skin.
2. Excessive Weight Loss
Excessive weight loss causes a rapid decrease in subcutaneous fat, while the skin's ability to contract cannot keep pace with the rate of fat reduction, resulting in loose skin. It is recommended to adopt a healthy weight loss method, avoid drastic weight loss, and incorporate strength training to enhance skin elasticity.
3. Malnutrition
Malnutrition is often associated with an unbalanced diet and deficiencies in essential nutrients such as proteins and vitamins. Nutrient deficiencies can impair the skin's ability to synthesize and repair itself, leading to skin laxity. This condition is usually accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, pallor, and fatigue. Patients may take medications such as multivitamin B tablets, vitamin C effervescent tablets, and zinc sulfate oral solution as directed by a physician.
4. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is usually caused by insufficient synthesis or secretion of thyroid hormones. A deficiency in thyroid hormones can impair skin metabolism and collagen synthesis, leading to skin laxity. Symptoms often include cold intolerance, fatigue, and bradycardia. Patients may take medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid extract tablets, and methylprednisolone tablets as directed by a physician.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes typically results from insufficient insulin secretion or insulin resistance. High blood sugar levels damage collagen and elastic fibers in the skin, leading to skin laxity. Symptoms may also include polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, glipizide tablets, and recombinant human insulin injection may be used to help alleviate symptoms.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep, can help slow down the rate of skin aging.
