Five Easy And Effective Ways To Prevent Saggy Skin Post-Weight Loss

LOSING weight is on everybody’s chart. To achieve a healthy weight and fit body, people try several mantras such as diet plans, exercise, workouts, etc. When we lose some weight, our skin loosens and becomes saggy. This saggy skin can make people less confident and self-conscious which can interfere with their quality of life.

According to Healthline, skin stretched during significant weight gain often loses its ability to retract after weight loss due to damage to collagen, elastin, and other components responsible for elasticity. Factors such as length of time, amount of weight lost, age, genetics, sun exposure and smoking can contribute to skin sagging post-weight loss. If you're experiencing such a condition, read below some easy and effective ways to prevent saggy or loosened skin after weight loss.

1. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is the key to a healthy life and a fit body. Health experts suggest that a normal individual should consume at least 7-8 glasses of water regularly but this amount can change for the ones facing saggy skin. Drinking enough water can enhance skin’s elasticity and furthermore can help your skin shrink according to your new mass.

2. Lose Weight Gradually

Losing weight slowly and gradually can be the best solution to prevent saggy skin. According to Princeton University Health Services, dieting affects the skin because weight loss and weight gain both cause the skin to stretch and lose elasticity. Engaging in regular strength training is one of the most effective ways to build muscle mass in both young and older adults, it’s possible that an increase in muscle mass may help improve the appearance of loose skin, states Healthline.

3. Avoid Over-Sun Exposure

According to the Cleveland Clinic, ultraviolet radiation causes changes to the DNA in the cells of your skin. This can lead to premature skin ageing and skin cancer. The UV rays can travel deep into your skin and cause various skin problems. It affects the skin at deeper layers, where it affects collagen and other skin structures, thus making the skin less resilient against the effects of gravity.

4. Avoid Smoking

According to Healthline, smoking leads to a reduction in collagen production and damage to existing collagen, resulting in loose, sagging skin. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, and many of them trigger the destruction of collagen and elastin. These are the fibres that give your skin strength and elasticity. Smoking can affect the building blocks of skin and cause skin sagging and deeper wrinkles.

5. Healthy Diet

Another effective way to prevent saggy skin is by consuming a healthy diet. Filling your plate with foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fibres, calcium, and healthy fats can help in building healthy and firm skin. Milk, fish, cottage cheese, beans and nuts are examples of foods that contain elastin, and collagen and help with skin firmness, strength and elasticity.

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)