Most people who lose weight end up with saggy skin in some parts of their bodies. Saggy skin is one of the results of weight loss. According to research, up to 70% of people who undergo weight loss end up with saggy skin, which is not anything abnormal. Have you been looking for ways to tighten loose skin?
The downside to saggy skin is the distortion of appearance and low self-esteem it subjects people to, especially after making giant strides with weight loss. People with saggy skin conditions are forced to watch what they wear so they can become overly conscious of themselves which defeats the aim of weight loss.
While surgery has been used to fix loose or saggy skin, there are non-invasive methods that can be used to remedy the said condition. But before we go through that, let’s take a look at the causes of loose and saggy skin.
Causes Of Loose Skin
Knowing the cause of loose skin can help you prevent it. Asides from weight loss, there are other factors that affect the body and cause the skin to sag, like;
- Smoking: It is not healthy to smoke tobacco because of the many side effects. Smoking tobacco reduces the elasticity of the skin, consequently causing it to sag.
- Sun Exposure: Too much exposure to UV rays of the sun reduces the collagen and elastin content of the skin. Cutaneous carotenoids which protect the skin can be reduced as a result of sun exposure and in turn, cause skin sagging.
- Pregnancy: Most become add weight as a result of pregnancy and then when they give birth, the excess fat remains with the body.
- Weight Loss: People who lose weight end up with thinner collagen and reduced elastic fibre, which results in weaker skin.
- Ageing: As you grow older, parts of your body change in response to your age. Consequently, ageing makes the skin thinner and less elastic, which both cause sagging.
How To Prevent Saggy Skin
It is quite possible to prevent your skin from becoming loose or saggy. For those who smoke, quit smoking to avoid saggy skin.
And for people who are often exposed to the sun, SPF 15 broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended to protect your skin. You can apply sunscreen for 30 minutes before getting exposed to the sun.
How to Manage Loose Skin After Weight Loss
Thankfully, a loose skin condition is not ultimately irredeemable, there are several methods you can use to manage the condition, thus: Medical and Natural remedies:
Exercise
Although research is still ongoing in this area, it’s been found that exercise can minimize loose skin. Exercise increases muscle mass, thereby improving the appearance of excess skin.
And when you embark on any form of physical activity, it improves your self-esteem and reduces your self-consciousness.
Compression Garments
Compression garments are worn to fit tightly around the skin. They are form-fitting garments and cover the wearer’s waist to mid or lower thigh, similar to cycling shorts. Athletes like to wear compression garments because they fix the skin after weight loss. In addition, compression garments can prevent rashes and infections.
Supplements
The skin is made of proteins including collagen, which keeps the skin elastic and firm. Collagen supplement is used to boost the production of proteins, thereby improving hydration and minimizing sagging.
If you are looking to firm your skin with supplements, collagen peptides are effective. It can be in powder or pill form.
Vitamin C is also essential for the health of the skin. It boosts the production of collagen. It is best taken with Vitamin E.
Radiofrequency Treatment
A non-invasive method of tightening loose skin is via Radiofrequency treatment. During RF treatment, collagen production is boosted via heat from a high-frequency alternating current.
RF treatment is a cheaper alternative to surgery and it is preferred because of its numerous advantages. The advantages include no downtime and scarring. The result is almost instant as the skin tone and firmness improves.
Although this non-surgical treatment is viable, ensure you consult a doctor before you carry out the procedure.
Final Thought
If you have a saggy skin condition, you should explore the treatment and management options listed above. However, ensure you see a medical professional before embarking on any medical journey to make your skin firm.
