Saggy skin can be a really upsetting issue to face as we age. Our body naturally starts to lose the proteins responsible for skin elasticity, however, some factors, like too much sun exposure, can speed up this process. Moreover, even though losing weight seems like something rather healthy, doing it wrong can harm our skin too.
Since this issue is quite common, we thought it would be really useful to share some proven hacks on how to get firm skin back with our readers.
1. Massage the area
Massage improves blood flow and stimulates fibroblasts, which are cells that help produce connective tissue, like collagen and elastin, which keep skin firm. Moreover, a study showed that using an anti-aging cream, along with massage, makes the effect is much more visible. Just massage the problem area slowly and in circular motions few times a week, and you will see the results soon.
2. Use nutritional supplements
Collagen hydrolysate. It improves your skin’s hydration level, which reduces skin aging.
Antioxidants. They help reduce skin sagging and wrinkles by neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Vitamins A, C, D, and E, coenzyme Q10, selenium, and zinc are the antioxidants that you can easily consume with foods and drinks.
3. Do muscle exercises
When exercising to lose weight, there is a possibility that you will lose your muscle too, and that will result in you having loose skin. However, adding weights and strength exercises to your routine will help you to build lean muscle and lose fat at the same time. This will make your skin look tighter and more toned.
4. Practice yoga and Pilates
This can work well for people who are not into sports but who need some muscle exercises. Both yoga and Pilates are very sparing but effective options to keep muscles strong and toned and will result in the tightening of your skin too. To work specifically on your problem zone, you can ask your instructor to show you movements that will tone that particular muscle. And, as a bonus, you will have a more fit and strong body overall.
5. Avoid drastic diets
Instead of being on harsh diets, you should always lose weight gradually. Because when you lose muscle along with fat, you get a lot more loose skin hanging with nothing to grab onto for support. Aim to lose no more than 1 to 2 pounds per week to prevent your skin from becoming saggy.
6. Stay hydrated
With age, our skin loses its elasticity which leads to wrinkles, and this is, as studies show, especially relevant in the case of dry skin. That is why it is very important to consume water to maintain skin elasticity. Always make sure you replenish your body with plenty of water through drinks and food.
7. Try natural remedies
- Cucumbers. This vegetable has high levels of water, which help tone the skin.
How to use: Extract as much juice from it as possible, rub onto areas of your skin that seem loose to you, and let it dry.
- Lemons. Their external use increases collagen production, which makes the skin smoother and more toned.
How to use: Apply lemon juice to your body and rub it on the affected areas.
- Aloe vera. Studies show that it works wonders on the skin, heals wounds and burns, and also serves as a moisturizer. So using aloe vera gel can greatly affect your loose skin and tighten it.
How to use: Break the leaf and extract the gel. Then apply it directly to the skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with water.
8. Consider radiofrequency procedures
Among the non-invasive procedures for treating skin wrinkles, radiofrequency is one of the most widely used. As studies show, it is a valuable procedure that can be used to tighten and rejuvenate photoaged skin and contour facial skin laxity. You may need several repeated treatments, but this procedure is quite safe.
9. Swim regularly
When we swim and move our arms, we perform resistance exercises, which, as a study suggests, are very effective for improving muscular strength. Strong muscles mean toned skin, and in this case, the underneath of the arm will be affected the most.
10. Pamper your skin
Be mindful of what kind of shampoo, soap, and dishwashing liquids you use. Many of them contain sulfates that can dry out and irritate your skin, making it less elastic. Too much sun exposure and chlorinated water can also affect the elasticity of your skin, so be careful with those too.
To protect your skin from becoming saggy, use scrubs to get rid of dead skin cells and increase circulation. Also, you should apply a lotion or cream to your skin daily. Make sure it contains ingredients like aloe vera and vitamins C, E, and A to hydrate your skin and increase collagen and elastin formation.
