Although weight loss and a newly-adopted healthy lifestyle can bring on a sense of pride and accomplishment, some people are affected with an unexpected side effect of weight loss – loose, sagging skin.
Loose skin commonly appears on the belly, in the underarm area, on the triceps area, and on the neck.
If you’ve recently lost weight and saggy skin is something that really bothers you, the following tips will help you to smooth your skin step by step, getting you the look you’ve been working hard to achieve.
Stay Hydrated
Getting enough hydration from water and water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can be extremely beneficial for keeping your skin elastic and firm.
Nutrition
Collagen and elastin stimulate skin elasticity, thus consuming foods rich in both will greatly improve your skin quality. Dairy, tofu, legumes, seeds, nuts, beans, and fish contain both collagen and elastin. Plus, these are abundant in nutrients and low in fat and calories.
Slow Down
When set to lose weight, you have to bear in mind that gradual weight loss is less likely to cause loose, sagging skin. Quite the reverse, if you have been losing weight at a rapid rate, slow down with your workout regimen just a little for a few weeks. You could also consider taking up a lighter training schedule in the future.
Post Workout Recovery
It’s important to pay attention to muscle recovery after workout and foods rich in protein along with collagen and elastin are extremely beneficial for this. The collagen and elastin in these foods will greatly contribute to your skin elasticity.
Massage Your Skin
Massaging your skin also improves its elasticity. Have in mind that the deeper the massage, the better your skin will respond to your ongoing weight loss. You could try dry brushing as it rejuvenates skin cells, making skin look healthy and radiant.
Train
Since muscle resistance leads to muscle growth, choosing harder exercises like weights will increase your muscle mass, and reduce the look of loose, sagging skin at the same time. Don’t be afraid of becoming bulky as lean muscle will make you look more toned, and that’s what you’re striving for.
Patience
As with any weight loss goal, it takes time for your body, including your skin, to adjust to it. It’s important to keep up good spirits and not let the first sign of loose skin bring you down as this only shows your accomplishments.
Sources: NewHealthGuide
