How to Tighten Loose Skin – The Myth Explained
HEALTH /
by HELEN GARCIA
/

From mottled skin color to those nightmare-inducing wrinkles, there are many signs of aging, but for most people, the more exasperating one is sagging skin. Aside from aging, the saggy skin may occur after drastic/quick weight loss and unhealthy habits. Although this is a very common issue for many people, trying to solve it may prove to be a bit more difficult. However, most people ignore all the options available and how rapid cosmetic medicine is growing which makes them unable to choose the method that best meets their need. Below are research-based treatment options for how to tighten skin that has already begun to sag:

DIY Treatments for Sagging Skin

Mainstream companies are well aware of how your sagging skin is making you unhappy and will continuously try to sell you new, miraculous products that claim to be the solution to all of your problems. Fortunately, you don't have to resort to buying expensive products. Dietary changes, supplements, and exercise can go a long way toward helping you reach your dream appearance.

1. A simple diet

Skin elasticity can be improved by adding nutrient-rich foods that you can easily find in any grocery store. The vitamin C found in strawberries, citrus fruits, and vegetables will enhance the essential collagen formation of your skin. In addition, including healthy fats found in olive oil, seeds, nuts, salmon, and avocados along with a moderate amount of protein will increase your skin moisture and also aid in collagen formation.

Hydration is equally essential to keeping your skin elastic and firm. Most studies recommend drinking between eight to ten glasses of water every day to maintain a smoother, softer skin appearance.

For more information regarding food, oils, and dietary supplements that will help you get rid of loose skin you can watch this video:

2. Exercise, exercise, exercise

Exercise is another vital ingredient when you embark on your skin-tightening journey. Amongst the many benefits of exercising, the main one beneficial to your skin is the detoxification caused by sweating. The average person is exposed to hundreds of different toxins that tend to accumulate underneath the skin on a day-to-day basis. When the sweat comes out of the pores of the skin, so do the toxins, preventing premature aging of the skin.

Exercise also enhances the body's muscle mass which tightens the skin further. However, obtaining tighter skin does not mean you have to hit the gym daily. Actually, excessive cardiovascular work will make you lose weight which will end up causing more sagging. You can start by introducing light exercises early in the morning. This will get you to sweat and tighten your skin at the same time. Here are some basic exercises you can try:

  • Deadlifts and bench presses

This is the classic, tried-and-true workout that powerlifters and bodybuilders have been using forever. You can introduce basic deadlifts and bench presses to tone your arms, back, and pectoral muscles. If you're also wondering how to get rid of loose belly skin, this is the ideal exercise for you.

These incredibly simple moves use so many muscle groups that you will end up getting a big bang for very little time spent at the gym. Most training specialists also agree that besides targeting your arms, back, and midsection, these moves produce high metabolic changes in your body like increasing your growth hormone production. Basically, your body will undergo a complete transformation, and your skin will tighten quickly.

  • Air bikes

Air bikes are incredibly effective in reducing abdominal sagging. For this exercise, you need to lie on your back. Start by placing your hands behind your head with your knees pulled slightly toward you and your elbows bent. With your abs, move your shoulders up while pushing your left elbow to your right knee until they touch, then alternate using your right elbow to your left knee. Continue to alternate left to right until you reach your ideal number of repetitions.

  • Side bridges

Side bridges are aimed specifically to tone and strengthen your oblique muscles. For this exercise, you have to lie on your side. Start by resting all your weight on your forearm and elbow, and then raise your midsection until both your legs and torso form a straight line. Hold this position as long as you can to help tone your abs and get the firmer abdominal skin.

Professional Treatments for Sagging Skin

1. Non-surgical options

If you choose to get professional help, your physician will likely explain all the options available, but remember the decision is ultimately only yours to make. These are a few of the minimally invasive or non-invasive options to choose from:

  • V-shape

This is a popular option that requires zero downtime after the procedure. During the treatment, several radio frequencies are applied to different layers of your skin. Most patients will only require four to five sessions, and the cosmetic result usually lasts two to three years.

  • ThermiTight

ThermiTight is a minimally invasive procedure that also uses several radio frequencies, but the outcome on the skin is permanent. The procedure starts by applying local anesthesia to the affected area, after which a very small probe is inserted underneath the skin. The probe delivers radiofrequency waves while also stimulating collagen production. It can be used for the treatment of loose skin on your upper arms, jowls, neck, thighs, and abdomen.

2. Surgical procedures

In some cases, surgery might be the only option that will really improve your loose skin. For bariatric patients, surgeons recommend a waiting period of at least two years before evaluating additional procedures.

There are generally two surgical options available for excessive skin on the abdomen:

  • Abdominoplasty

The skin and muscles of your abdomen are tightened during this procedure.

  • Panniculectomy

This procedure only removes excess skin on your abdomen, but the underlying muscles are not tightened.

Take Home Message

Whether your loose skin is a result of aging or bariatric surgery, your best resource will always be a consultation with your healthcare provider. Sagging skin can be both manageable and treatable, so your best bet is to be informed about all of the options available on the market. Only then will you be able to make the best choice for yourself. How to tighten loose skin is completely in your hands!