Consuming collagen and performing resistance training can help treat loose skin after weight loss.
Managing a healthy weight is very important for your overall well-being. It can significantly reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. However, major weight loss can result in loose skin in some people.
Though there is no significant health risk of having loose skin, it can lead to self-consciousness and poor body image which can have a negative effect on your mental health.
When you gain weight, your skin expands. This stretching damages the collagen and elastin fibers that make up your skin. So, when you lose weight your skin may not retract to its original form. The excess skin may hang from the body. Typically, the greater the weight loss, the more prominent will be your loose skin.
Factors that influence loose skin
Loose skin after weight loss can be contributed to several factors. The first is the length of time. The longer you have had obesity, the looser the skin will be. In addition to that, the amount of weight loss can also impact loose skin. Typically, the greater the weight loss, the more would be sagginess.
Age plays a role in loose skin. Older skin has less collagen than younger skin, which makes it more prone to getting saggy after weight loss. In addition to this, genetics, smoking, and sun exposure too can play a role. Chronic sun exposure can reduce the skin’s collagen and elastin production.
One of my patients came to me seeking a natural remedy for loose skin and stretch marks after pregnancy. Many women go through this transformation after childbirth. Proper skin care during pregnancy can help prevent this. Make sure you drink enough water, eat healthily and avoid sugary, fatty, and processed foods during pregnancy. Since she already missed that period, I recommended her exfoliation with sugar and coffee, cocoa buttercream, high water intake, and exercise.
Natural remedies to treat loose skin after weight loss
Resistance training
Engaging in regular strength training is one of the most effective ways of building muscle mass. Pilates can also help tighten and strengthen the body’s core, glutes, legs, and arms. Yoga poses can also help improve your skin texture and tightness.
Including Collagen
Some studies suggest taking a collagen supplement can improve skin elasticity, texture, and hydration. Collagen is a huge factor that’s responsible for your skin’s elasticity. Rather than applying collagen topically, try including it in your diet. Boosting your collagen production can help reduce loose skin.
Take care of your nutrition
A diet rich in healthy nutrients is very important for your skin. Your diet must include adequate protein and vitamin C, which play a direct role in collagen production. Vitamin C also protects your skin from sun damage.
Include omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can help increase skin elasticity. It also has anti-aging effects that can help delay the signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin. Omega-3 further helps moisturize your skin and seals the moisture in your skin.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated can improve your skin’s appearance. Studies found that increased water intake resulted in significant improvements in the skin. By drinking sufficient water during the day, you can slowly support your skin in tightening and maintaining a healthy glow.
Apply Cocoa butter
Rubbing cocoa butter on your skin may help in tightening your skin. Cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants that can prevent wrinkles, fine lines, aging spots, and saggy skin. Cocoa butter also improves your skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Tips to prevent loose skin after weight loss
Slow your weight loss
Rapid weight loss is not healthy for your body. Fad diets and excess workouts can result in rapid weight loss, but it has many side effects including saggy skin. Slow and healthy weight loss is not only sustainable but also prevents saggy skin.
Avoid skin damage
Prolonged exposure to sun rays can damage your skin and make it more prone to aging and sagginess. It can also make your skin appear dry and wrinkly.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle choices can have a direct impact on your skin. Staying dehydrated, smoking, alcohol, high intake of caffeine can also increase your chances of saggy skin after weight loss.
Your takeaway!
There are a number of factors that can result in loose skin after weight loss. Rapid weight loss, poor hydration, diet, and unhealthy lifestyle are the biggest contributors to saggy skin. It is important to take care of your skin both internally and externally. Hydrate, eat nutritious foods, and limit alcohol, smoking, and unhealthy processed foods. In addition to this, make sure to get 8 hours of uninterrupted beauty sleep for healthy skin.
