Loose skin is a common problem with extensive weight loss. It usually happens because the skin is stretched over a large area for too long.
It is important to distinguish loose skin from excess fat. To do so, you can pinch the area and see if it retracts or remains soft and jiggly (3).
Vitamin Supplements
Vitamins for skin health are essential to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Look for a supplement that has minimal added ingredients and is tailored to age and gender.
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps the body metabolize amino acids to produce keratin. This is a protein that makes the skin thick and firm. A deficiency of this nutrient can cause dryness, alopecia, and skin disorders like dermatitis.
EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is an antioxidant found in green tea that tightens skin and reduces wrinkles. It also inhibits cell aging and helps the skin retain moisture. Vitamin C promotes collagen production and also brightens and lightens the skin. It is found in oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe melon, and other citrus fruits. In addition to helping skin retain its elasticity, vitamin C is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and cellular damage.
Sun Protection
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are responsible for skin cancer, wrinkles, and other damage. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals generated by the sun. You can take a Vitamin E supplement or increase your intake of foods rich in this antioxidant, such as sunflower and avocado oils, nuts, whole grains, and legumes.
The best protection against UV rays is to wear protective clothing, such as tightly woven long-sleeved shirts and pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and a UV-blocking moisturizer with sun-protective ingredients. In addition, choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage that includes UVB and UVA rays.
Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles and other irregularities. You should also watch for rough scaly spots on the neck, arms, and legs (called telangiectasia) and red, raised areas around the mouth, nose, and eyes (called actinic keratosis). Talk to your doctor about which sunscreens are appropriate for you given any health conditions or medicines you may be taking.
Body Massage
Aside from releasing endorphins, which are naturally produced in the body to make you feel relaxed and elevated, body massage can also help tighten loose skin. It does this by promoting good circulation, which enables more blood to flow to the areas that have been targeted in the massage.
This influx of blood carries essential nutrients that help the skin and tissues tighten and heal from rapid weight loss or pregnancy-related laxity. These nutrients that were previously stored in fat cells are now able to reach the skin and re-energize it, revealing its firmer and brighter look.
There are a few different types of body contouring massages that can target cellulite and skin tightening. One of the most effective is called Lypossage, which can be performed by a trained massage therapist. It also helps rid the body of excess toxins and water retention, which can aid in weight loss.
Exercise
Loose skin after weight loss usually stems from a lack of muscle. it’s possible to tighten the skin by losing weight slowly and by building muscle, says Holly Wyatt, M.D.
A basic cardio and strength training exercise regimen can decrease fat and help the skin retract by building muscle, she adds. Eating a diet rich in Vitamin C, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids can also improve elasticity. Drinking plenty of water is important to keep the skin hydrated.
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