A drastic weight loss can sometimes cause sagging skin, which tends to cause a strong feeling of discomfort despite having shed many kilos. The flaccidity that occurs following a large weight loss can depend on a variety of factors, such as age, type of physical activity performed, amount of pounds lost and weight loss rate. In most cases, loose skin can be firmed up through weight training, proper nutrition, and other good habits.
Steps
Step 1. Integrate a workout aimed at building muscle mass
Strength and endurance exercises help firm and tone the subcutaneous muscles, allowing you to tone the body in general. Do this type of training at least 2-3 times a week to exercise major muscle groups, including areas affected by particularly stubborn flabbiness. For example, if the softness is concentrated in the abdominal area, focus on doing exercises that strengthen the core and firm the abdominals.
Step 2. Drink more water throughout the day
Water promotes proper hydration and naturally makes the skin more elastic. Try to drink at least two liters of water a day or more depending on various factors, such as the weather and the type of physical activity you do. For example, if you spend time outdoors on a hot day, you need to consume more water, exceeding the recommended daily amount.
Try to prefer water to sodas, sugary fruit juices, energy drinks, coffee, and alcohol. These drinks contain high amounts of sugars, caffeine, additives, and other compounds that can exacerbate dehydration and impair skin elasticity
Step 3. Consume larger amounts of healthy, unprocessed foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Unprocessed health foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources, nuts, seeds and legumes contain vitamins and antioxidants. These substances favor and contribute to the production of elastin and collagen, essential for having a firm and healthy skin. Cut down on your consumption of processed foods full of sugar and fat. To help firm your skin, eat more healthy, natural foods.
Step 4. Exfoliate your skin daily to promote circulation and promote cell regeneration
Exfoliation helps eliminate dead cells and promotes the generation of new cells, containing large amounts of elastin and collagen. Massage mineral and sea salt scrubs daily all over your body or flabby areas to gradually firm them.
Step 5. Moisturize your skin every day also to promote the production of collagen and elastin
Skin care products containing ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A help to naturally moisturize the skin, while also promoting the production of collagen and elastin.
Step 6. Do not expose the skin to water treated with chlorine, soaps and harsh detergents
The ingredients and compounds used to formulate many beauty products and cleansers can dehydrate the skin, damaging the elastin and collagen. Start using mild soaps and all-natural cleansers that are free of harmful chemicals. Buy a water filter to install in the shower head to prevent your skin from coming into contact with aggressive elements.
Step 7. Get massages once a week or every 15 days
Massages help to naturally improve circulation, which in turn promotes the production of collagen and elastin. Make an appointment at a massage parlor, explaining that your goal is to firm up loose skin. The massage therapist may also use oils and other natural products that help accelerate skin firming.
Step 8. Limit exposure to the sun and tanning beds
Exposing the skin to UV rays emanating from the sun or tanning beds can further damage cells, negatively affecting the production of collagen and elastin. Stop getting light bulbs and, when planning to spend time outdoors, cover up with long-sleeved pants and shirts to prevent burns and other problems associated with excessive sun exposure.
Step 9. Consult a plastic surgeon to consider undergoing a surgical or non-surgical skin tightening treatment, or a silhouette reshaping procedure
Cosmetic surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty (plastic surgery in the abdomen area), body lifting, and brachioplasty (arm lifting), can help remove or firm up areas characterized by acute flaccidity. See a surgeon to determine if these surgeries can help you firm your skin if diet and exercise don't work.
Advice
- If you have lost most of your excess weight by doing cardiovascular activities, try to integrate specific training to build muscle mass. Although cardiovascular exercise is good for your heart and health in general, it can sometimes cause flaccidity if not combined with muscle-building training, especially if you have lost a lot of weight. For example, if you enjoy running on the treadmill, intensify your workout by increasing the incline to firm and tone your calves.
- Share your concerns and flaccidity issues with a nutritionist, dietician, or primary care physician. If you are following a weight loss program or diet, these professionals can give you tips to help you firm your skin. For example, if you have quickly lost a lot of weight following a fast or a liquid diet, they can help you develop a safer eating plan that promotes the regeneration of collagen and elastin.
- Weight loss operations such as gastric bypass, gastric banding or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SGL) can often cause sagging skin, as weight loss occurs quickly and drastically. If you have recently undergone such an operation, consult your surgeon about how to prevent the problem following the surgery. In most cases, you will be offered a specific exercise program and diet to prevent flaccidity.
