Loose skin is common after rapid weight loss, as your skin stretches when you gain weight. Another common way to get loose skin is after a pregnancy. Loose skin can also happen when your skin loses tone and elasticity due to lower levels of collagen and moisture, according to an article on Discovery Health. In extreme cases, you may consider plastic surgery to remove loose, skin but there are things you can consider first to try to tighten and firm your loose skin as much as possible.
Step 1
Find out your body mass index to know if you are at an optimal weight for your specific body by checking a body mass index table, such as the one available on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's website (see Resources). You will need to know your current weight and height. If your body mass index falls under 18.5, you are underweight, while anything above 25 is considered overweight.
Step 2
Bring your body mass index to a range between 18.5 and 24.9 to avoid weight fluctuations while you are trying to tighten your loose skin. If you are underweight, by gaining weight you will automatically fill in some of your loose skin.
Step 3
Do weight training under the guidance of a personal trainer. A personal trainer can set up a routine that will help you reduce loose skin safely and efficiently.
Step 4
Eat food rich in fiber to help keep your body free of toxins and your digestion functioning optimally. Some fiber-rich foods include vegetables, leafy greens, whole wheat bread and brown rice.
Step 5
Exfoliate your skin once a week to remove dead skin cells and invigorate the blood circulation in your skin. This helps your skin take full advantage of the workout and nutrients you are providing it.
Step 6
Keep your skin moisturized with natural oils such as almond, olive or jojoba oil to increase its elasticity.
Tips and Warnings
- To avoid further loose skin, try to lose weight as slowly as possible so that your skin has a chance to adjust to your weight loss.
- Avoid products that claim to tighten your skin, as they may be harmful to your overall health. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects from your weight loss program, such as discomfort or dizziness.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- Body mass index table
- Skin exfoliator
- Natural oils
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