Loose skin is a problem for many people who have lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time.
Losing too much weight over a short period of time, especially if you have lost more than 50 pounds, can cause saggy skin.
Losing weight can be one of the hardest things to do, especially if you are overweight. If you are trying to lose weight, you want to be sure that your skin stays firm in the process.
If you are losing 2-3 pounds per week you are doing great. If you are losing 4-6 pounds you are pushing the limit. Any more than 6 pounds per week and you are sure to end up with loose skin and stretch marks after losing the weight.
Watch: My Loose Skin After Losing Over 100lbs | 3 Year UPDATE
How long does it take for skin to tighten after weight loss?
“In general, it can take anywhere from weeks to months—even years,” says Constance Chen, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. If after one to two years skin is still loose, it may not get any tighter, she says. “Nonsurgical methods that help tighten the skin will generally not be effective enough to tighten the amount of loose skin that occurs with massive weight loss”.
The best advice is to avoid losing too much weight over a short period of time. One way to reduce the chances of this is to lose weight slowly, with small amounts of weight loss each week.
However, as long as you do it right, you can lose weight without ending up with extra loose skin or stretch marks. Here are some useful tips to keep your skin firm while losing weight:
Have a balanced diet
The healthiest way to lose weight is to combine a low-fat diet with exercise. By eating fewer calories and exercising regularly, you can lose up to two pounds per week.
Eliminate all junk foods, sugars and processed fats from your diet and replace these unhealthy options with a balanced diet rich in lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For best results, eat protein at every meal and snack.
Exercise
Exercising is the key to losing weight and keeping your skin firm. The key is to get rid of the fat without losing muscle mass or getting loose skin.
Exercise builds muscle mass, which will help prevent loose skin or stretch marks. In addition, exercising will increase your overall metabolism, helping to prevent weight gain.
Exercise is one of the best ways to lose fat while keeping your skin firm. Keep your muscle mass by doing resistance training and adding some cardio into your routine. Try to do a session at least three times a week and gradually increase it until you reach a daily schedule. If you’re new to the gym, start with an exercise such as jogging that gives you a good cardio workout without putting too much stress on your joints.
Replace the fat that once filled out your skin with lean mass by focusing your fitness routine on strength training, says Lori Shemek, PhD, author of How to Fight FATflammation! You can use dumbbells, machines, or body weight – but aim to do 4 days of strenght and resistance training per week.
For best results, pair this routine with enough lean, quality protein such as chicken, turkey, lean beef and fish. Eat protein at every meal and snack, and even supplement with a quality protein powder.
Drink enough water
Water helps the body lose weight by improving circulation and helps you feel more full, so you will eat less. Drinking enough water every day also keeps your skin hydrated, which in turn increases elasticity and helps keep it firm as you age or try to lose weight. Drinking water will keep your skin plump and soft, and combat wrinkles.
You should aim for 2 liters (roughly 8 cups) each day.
Increase body circulation
Skin brushing is a technique that people find very helpful in preventing and reducing cellulite, and improving the elasticity of your skin. Deep massages will also help by promoting circulation, which is essential for maintaining firm and young-looking skin.
Pro tip:
Massage Bio-Oil Skincare Oil into your skin to improve its moisture and elasticity.
Bio-Oil helps is clinically proven to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks formed during pregnancy, teenage growth spurts or periods of rapid weight gain.
The non-greasy formula with a blend of natural oils and plant extracts promote healthy skin renewal and elasticity – dermatologist recommended. This best seller body oil helps increase the moisture content of the skin, while supporting the formation of new collagen.
Massage into the skin for 30 or more seconds until the oil has absorbed. Apply two times daily for three or more months for best results. You can also use Bio-Oil when skin brushing.
Shop for Bio-Oil easily online !
Lose weight gradually
If you are more than 75 pounds overweight do not try to lose weight too fast. Your skin will sag if you drop more than 3 pounds per week. If you lose weight too fast you will end up with loose skin and stretch marks 90% of the time.
“Losing weight quickly, by means of fad diets and cleanses, will compromise the contours of your face, affect the health of your skin, and impact your overall success in keeping the weight off,” says Slone Mathieu, a medical aesthetician at Boston’s Dream Spa Medical.
Your genetics and age will also play an important role in determining how much weight loss causes loose skin.
Use natural fat burners
If you want to lose weight, there are a number of dietary supplements that can help. With the increased demand for health supplements, many people have easy access to a wide range of natural fat burners that are both safe and effective.
Among these, caffeine, green tea extract and protein supplements are likely to be the most effective at helping you burn fat.
Protein powder is an easy and efficient way to boost protein intake for people who aren’t getting enough protein from their diet.
NOW® Sports Plant Protein Complex
NOW® Sports Plant Protein Complex is specifically designed to address your needs with a non-GMO vegan protein blend from pea, hemp and quinoa. Each scoop offers 22 grams of protein, about 3,900 mg of branched-chain amino acids and 1,800 mg of arginine.
Visit the NOW Store
KOS Organic Plant Protein
KOS Organic Plant Protein is an USDA organic protein powder infused with organic Peruvian cacao, Himalayan salt, organic coconut milk, stevia and monk fruit. This award-winning protein blend is delicious and good for weight loss. With 5 protein blend of pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed and chia seed, essential vitamins and minerals, this drink will fuel your performance.
Visit the KOS Store
MyProtein US – Impact Whey Protein
MyProtein US Impact Whey is a perfect source of everyday protein with over 80% protein content and naturally occurring BCAAs to help build and repair new muscle. With essential amino acids including 4.5g of BCAAs and delicious flavors to help build and maintain muscle mass.
Take 45% OFF with code TAKE45
Read also: Best Plant-Based Protein Powders that Experts Recommend in 2022
As long as you do it right, you can lose weight without ending up with extra loose skin or stretch marks. Try the above tips to keep your skin firm while losing weight!