Congratulations on losing weight! Any weight loss is a huge accomplishment and something you should be extremely proud of. Now that the weight's gone, you're probably noticing your skin is starting to sag in your stomach, face, neck, bottom, arms or legs. This can definitely be frustrating. You're finally at the weight you've been wanting, but then another issue pops up.

Excess skin typically happens after rapid weight loss of 40+ pounds. By losing pounds quickly your skin won’t have the time to gradually contract, so it will appear loose and hanging. As the extra weight was originally put on, the skin was stretched beyond the limit of its elasticity, which has now made it difficult for the skin to fully contract back.

If you lose enough weight, in the hundreds of pounds, skin tightening surgery maybe your best option. But if you are just wanting to tighten up that extra sag without surgery, these tips may be helpful.

Exercise

You’ve lost the weight, but now it’s time to build up your muscle. Weight training will help you build muscle mass which can help decrease the look of loose skin. Extra fat will expand skin over time, and after years of excess fat pushing on the skin, your skin may have lost its ability to shrink. Because of this, adding muscle in place to the lost fat may help lessen the appearance of your loose skin.

Lose more weight

You may still have really stubborn fat (subcutaneous fat) living under your skin, which would appear loose. Pinch the loose skin area, if you can get hold of more than a few millimeters, you most likely have subcutaneous fat living under your skin. Remember – your skin is shaped by what’s underneath it, so if there’s still fat stored, it will continue to create shape.

For the most part, until you become very lean, your “excess fat” is most likely going to actually just be stubborn fat. Once men get to about 10% body fat, and women get to about 20% body fat, you’ll most.

Vitamins and supplements

Collagen – Collagen is an abundant protein in your body that plays many key roles, including giving your skin its structure. The intake of extra collagen supplements can strengthen your skin, add hydration and increase elasticity. Collagen may also promote weight loss and a faster metabolism.

Protein – This will help keep your skin moist, elastic and wrinkle-free. A high protein diet is also recommended during periods of extra workouts as well, as it helps you build muscle and feel fuller.

Gelatin – Gelatin can increase the production of collagen which improves skin elasticity. You’ll commonly see gelatin in many sweets, so it’s best to take this as a supplement on its own.

Fish Oil – A great overall supplement that also helps improve skin elasticity.

Take care of yourself

No matter what your health concern, taking care of yourself is going to help. This includes taking care of your skin and body – inside and out.

  • Use sunscreen. Don’t just break out the SPF when you’re going to the pool. You should be wearing sun protection every day, any time you go outside.
  • Stop smoking. Smoking causes so many health issues, but also cosmetic. This includes skin damage that actually causes sag as it lowers your skin’s elasticity.
  • Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol dehydrates your body and skin, which deprives it of essential vitamins and nutrients.
  • Eat healthy – less sugar and fat, more fruits and vegetables.
  • Stay hydrated – Water helps create a more radiant skin tone and also improves elasticity. Aim for 6-8 glasses minimum a day.
  • Stop tanning – a little sun is ok, but excess UV exposure can decrease your skin’s elasticity.

You should be proud of your weight loss accomplishment! With a little additional effort, your skin could start becoming firmer so you can feel even more comfortable with yourself! If you need help getting rid of those stubborn remaining pounds, New Health Kansas’ HCG Jumpstart Program might be just what you need.