Many people have the desire to lose weight by cutting fat from their body, but one of the unexpected side effects is the potential for loose, sagging skin as a result of this weight loss. In fact, if you are losing multiple pounds each week and aren't protecting your skin against looseness, there's a good chance your skin will need tightening. Whether you're still in the process of losing weight or have already shed the pounds you wanted to drop, there are steps you can take to improve your skin's tightness.
Step 1
Apply a moisturizing lotion twice daily, preferably one with cocoa butter or coconut oil. Loose skin occurs when your body mass changes faster than your skin's elasticity can make adjustments. Applying a lotion frequently will improve your skin's ability to adapt, helping it tighten as you lose weight. This is essential when you are in the process of losing weight, and it also helps after the weight is lost.
Step 2
Exercise three to five times a week both during and after weight loss. If you're shedding weight quickly, chances are exercise is part of your winning formula. And while it can be part of the problem, since weight lost through exercise can cause your skin to sag, it also benefits your skin by stimulating the growth of new muscle fibers. These muscle fibers create new opportunities for your skin to attach itself to the muscles, thus pulling your skin closer to your muscle and tightening it.
Step 3
Curb your weight loss. If you are becoming concerned about how your weight loss is affecting your skin, stop losing weight. This won't immediately solve your problems, but it will keep your skin from sagging even more and possibly pushing it past the point of natural repair.
Step 4
Drink at least eight glasses (64 oz. total) of water daily, and eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. These foods have high water content and essential vitamins and minerals that benefit your skin, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. This will enable your skin to respond to change better, both before and after weight loss.
Step 5
Visit a plastic surgeon to discuss the possibility of undergoing a "tummy tuck" or other surgery to remove excess skin. This is a last-resort option, since plastic surgery opens yourself up to the risk of incurring scars from the procedure.
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