Skin loses its once-youthful elasticity as the skin and the underlying connective tissue begin to stretch over time.  This happens when the production of collagen and elastin,  the skin's structural supports, slows down as we age.  This reduction in support is then further exacerbated by excessive sun exposure – particularly UVA which speeds up the natural breakdown of your skin's important connective tissue.  Hormones also play a part thanks to the reduction of oestrogen during menopause, with poor diet, stress, alcohol, smoking, some medications and a lack of exercise all being other contributing factors.

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