How to tighten skin after losing weight

It’s done! Weight dropped, and most likely rapidly and very tangibly. But the reflection in the mirror does not please. And the dress, which I wanted to fit into, somehow doesn’t sit right … It’s all about the skin – it didn’t have time to “build up” and sagged. We tell you how to tighten the skin after losing weight.

Why does skin sag after losing weight?

Excess weight accumulates over the years, and we dream of losing it quickly. We do not listen to specialists who advise to lose weight slowly, 1–3 kg per month, and set records. Minus 5 kg is good, minus 10-12 is even better! But the skin (both in men and women) cannot “lose weight” at such a pace, it does not have time to adapt, adapt to a new body – and as a result, it sags.

The bust, stomach, inner surfaces of the arms and buttocks look deplorable: after the fat layer has left, the surface tissues simply have nothing to rely on. In a good way, muscles should become a new support for them. But they are strengthened only by those who play sports. And many of those seeking to lose weight, outdoor activities and exercise in the gym are neglected.

At the age of 20-30, miracles happen, the skin can quickly return to its shape after strict starvation diets and even without fitness. At 40 and 50, this almost never happens, at this age, sagging skin after losing weight is (almost) inevitable. Due to the natural processes of wilting, the integuments can no longer retain elasticity and firmness. Therefore, the questions “how to lose weight so that the skin does not sag” and “how to restore the skin after losing weight” are most relevant for those over 40.

The skin does not like weight loss records – it does not have time to pull itself up.

How to tighten the skin after weight loss?

Dermatologist Maria Nevskaya recommends approaching the problem of skin tightening after losing weight in a complex way – changing the diet, connecting physical activity, salon procedures and using cosmetics that moisturize, nourish and increase skin elasticity.

Balanced diet

What to do so that the skin does not sag when losing weight? Stop losing weight! “Due to poor nutrition, against the background of nutritional deficiencies, muscle mass is lost and the production of collagen and elastin decreases,” says our expert. – Therefore, in principle, I would recommend not to sit on any diets. For those who are sitting, I advise you to quickly normalize your diet. Include in the menu:

  • enough protein (2-3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, eggs or dairy products per day);

  • 30-40 g of “good” fats (they are found in unrefined oils, nuts, olives, avocados);

  • 3-4 servings of complex carbohydrates (vegetables and grains).

Without these “bricks” one can only dream of beautiful, healthy skin.

In addition, Maria advises to consult a doctor, and a specialist can recommend:

  • collagen preparations (for example, with spirulina);

  • B vitamins – for better protein synthesis;

  • zinc, magnesium, selenium, manganese – they are also involved in protein metabolism.

Power training

To remove excess skin after losing weight, it is best to combine cardio loads:

  • walks;

  • swimming;

  • aqua aerobics;

  • a bike;

  • skiing;

  • skates;

  • dancing;

  • games with children

with strength training

  • exercises on simulators;

  • climbing stairs;

  • exercises with dumbbells.

Some will help improve blood flow, and hence the nutrition of the skin. Others – to pump muscles and tighten the skin of the body. To work out certain areas (remove a sagging belly after losing weight or tighten the skin on the hips), special sets of exercises are used: they can be performed both in the gym and at home.

Cosmetic procedures

If the skin literally hangs after losing weight, it is better not to waste time and immediately contact a competent cosmetologist. He will select a set of procedures that will help solve the problem. Most likely, among them will be:

  • massages;

  • wraps;

  • lymphatic drainage procedures;

  • manipulations that stimulate collagen synthesis, for example, biorevitalization;

  • ozone therapy;

  • mesotherapy with amino acids;

  • collagen injections;

  • hardware procedures with a lifting effect.

The course usually lasts from 1,5 to 3 months, since the procedures prescribed to remove sagging skin after weight loss are likely to change and alternate. But even such an intense impact will not help everyone. For example, with a large weight loss, a so-called “apron” is formed. And no procedures, no sports will help to tighten the skin after losing weight on the stomach. Only abdominoplasty will get rid of the “apron” – during this operation, the plastic surgeon removes excess skin.

One procedure to remove sagging skin is not enough – they must change and alternate.

You may also need:

  • lipectomy – it is shown to those who, after losing weight, small fat islands linger in the skin folds – a saline solution is injected into these zones, which destroys fat cells, they are exposed to ultrasound, then a “cocktail” is injected that completes the breakdown of fat, and the breakdown products are removed with the help of vacuum massage;

  • brachioplasty – an operation in which excess skin on the hands is removed;

  • mastopexy – breast lift, sometimes mammoplasty is also required, which helps to improve the shape of the breast, reduce its size.

Cosmetical tools

Cosmetics can also help correct the appearance of the skin. Of course, creams and gels will not remove a sagging stomach, they will not get rid of the “riding breeches” on the legs and the “wings” on the arms. But they can improve the tone, improve the turgor of the skin, make it less flabby and softer, more elastic and beautiful.

Body milk “Ultraelasticity”, Garnier

Milk is designed just for insufficiently elastic skin. Promotes its tightening thanks to a special composition, which includes tonic phyto-caffeine and seaweed.

Moisturizing cream for face and body, CeraVe

Hyaluronic acid in its composition saturates the skin with moisture, and ceramides effectively keep it inside the cells. The skin becomes smoother and gradually evens out.

Moisturizing body milk Lait Corporel, Biotherm

Nourishing oils combined with glycerin restore the skin’s natural level of hydration and elasticity. Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection, while thermal plankton extract promotes skin regeneration.

Emollient body milk with bifido complex and mango butter, Garnier

The product contains natural mango butter, which perfectly softens the skin. And a bifido complex that restores its water balance. If you use milk regularly, the skin gradually becomes more elastic, beautiful – and strong.

However, often with a general sharp weight loss, the skin sags and loses elasticity not only on the body – the contour of the face can also “float”. Therefore, we made a selection of funds with a lifting effect.

Face cream “Active lifting 45+. Day care, Garnier

The cream contains plant cells of youth and shea butter, the product has a complex effect. The contours of the face become clearer, the skin more radiant. The Active Lifting 45+ series also includes night care and eye care with a similar lifting effect.

Hyaluronic concentrate for the skin of the face and neck in ampoules “Revitalift Filler” with hyaluronic acid, L’Oréal Paris

The packaging is designed for 7 days of use. It is assumed that during this period the hyaluronic concentrate from the ampoules will have a truly “magic effect”: the skin will noticeably smooth and tighten, become more elastic.

Hyaluronic serum-filler of prolonged action Liftactiv Supreme HA Filler, Vichy

Thanks to hyaluronic acid, it provides a complex rejuvenating effect – reduces wrinkles, moisturizes the skin, improves its elasticity. Due to its light texture, the serum is perfectly absorbed and is suitable as a make-up base.

Antiglycation cream for mature skin AGE Interrupter, SkinCeuticals

The complex of active ingredients (proxylan, phytosphingosine and blueberry extract) fights against wrinkles. The skin becomes firmer, more elastic and looks younger.

How to lose weight so that the skin does not sag?

Getting rid of all these problems is not fun and costly. It is easier (and more correct) to prevent them – to immediately lose weight so that the skin does not sag.

  • No rush. The optimal, physiological rate of weight loss is 1-3 kg per month.

  • Balanced diet. Don’t cut back on proteins, “good” fats, or complex carbohydrates. It is better to save on simple carbohydrates and trans fats, gradually wean yourself from them.

  • More movement. Our task is to keep the muscles and skin in good shape.

  • Quality care. Contrast shower, body massage with a washcloth or brush, anti-cellulite care, once every 3-4 days – scrub / peeling, every day – moisturizing and nourishing. You need to take care of the skin of the body as regularly as the skin of the face!

  • Salon procedures. From time to time indulge yourself with seaweed wraps, massages, hardware procedures – everything that will help the skin get rid of edema, remain beautiful in the process of losing weight and after it.

Summary results

Briefly about the main thing.

What causes skin to sag? 

There are several reasons:

  • fast, “hungry” weight loss;

  • age (the risk that the skin sags is greater at 40 than at 20);

  • sedentary lifestyle.

How to help the skin after weight loss?

  • Adjust the diet: the menu should be enough protein, “good” fats and complex carbohydrates.

  • Connect sports.

  • Use the services of cosmetologists.

  • Take care of your skin at home.

What to do if the skin sagged on the stomach after losing weight? 

If neither sports nor procedures help, you will have to do an abdominoplasty – a plastic surgery during which excess loose, flabby skin on the abdomen is cut off.

Is it possible to make the skin not sag? 

Of course! For this:

  • do not rush, lose weight slowly but surely – no more than 1-3 kg per month;

  • immediately connect sports and cosmetic procedures;

  • make sure that the menu has enough essential nutrients (primarily protein) and fewer “harmful things” (sugars, “bad” fats, etc.).

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