6 Ways To Tighten Loose Saggy Skin
Loose or sagging skin occurs when internal or external factors affect the key molecules that help keep the skin elastic, firm, and hydrated.While anyone can get saggy skin, it’s more likely to occur in people as they age. People who have lost significant amounts of weight are also more susceptible. Certain medical conditions may also be the cause.
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How can I firm up my saggy skin?
Most people start to experience skin laxity, or loosening, between the ages of 35 and 40 years. Skin laxity that occurs with age is mostly due to a loss of collagen networks, elastin fibers, and hyaluronic acid — a molecule that helps the skin retain moisture.
Weight loss, especially significant or rapid weight loss, and pregnancy can also loosen the skin by stretching skin molecules or changing the structure of the skin.
Why do people want to tighten their skin?
- Tight and smooth skin has always been a symbol of youthfulness and health. Which is why it is understandable that people would like to preserve it that way.
- To be able to do so, or to tighten it after it becomes saggy, first you need to figure out what causes that sagginess.
Health and lifestyle factors that contribute to loose saggy skin:
- menopause
- ultraviolet (UV) light damage
- artificial tanning
- certain medications, such as steroids and corticosteroids
- skin products or detergents that contain harsh chemicals
- smoking
- drinking alcohol
Techniques For Tightening Loose Skin And Prevent Skin From Sagging.
1. Exercise
- Saggy skin on the body caused by moderate weight loss or pregnancy can be improved through exercise.
- Any movement that builds muscle mass or tightens muscles can reduce the look of minor skin sagging.
For example:
- Weight lifting or resistance training. Working out with weights, machines, or resistance bands helps increase muscle mass.- Focus on challenging weights and more reps (12-20 Reps)
- Pilates. Also known as contrology, Pilates uses controlled movements to tighten and strengthen the body’s core, glutes, legs, and arms.
- Facial exercise. There is a small amount of evidenceTrusted Source that facial exercises can reduce saggy skin around the chin, jowls, and throat. Many advocates of yoga believe that certain exercises are beneficial for reducing saggy facial skin. A great pose to try for this is simhasana (Lion Pose)
- Regular exercise may help skin age well.
Exercising regularly is an important way to stay healthy and age well. Some types of exercise may also help reduce the effects of skin aging.
A 2015 study found that endurance exercise might lessen the effect of age-related skin changes in mice and humans. The authors noted that endurance exercise reduced skin changes by improving tissue metabolism, primarily by stimulating the release of a hormone called interleukin-15 from skeletal muscle.
Women who have loose skin as a result of pregnancy should talk to a Personal Trainer about the best way to engage safely in physical activity and which exercises to avoid.
2. Supplements
- Diet plays a significant role in skin health.
- Nutritional supplements may have benefits for loose skin, including anti-aging and antisagging effects.
Some of the most promising skin supplements include:
a)Collagen hydrolysate
- Many people think that collagen supplements reduce the effects of skin aging by boosting collagen levels.
Collagen peptides in the form of an oral supplement may improve:
- the skin’s moisture barrier by increasing hyaluronic acid levels
- collagen production, leading to stronger collagen networks
- the growth of skin fibroblasts — cells that help make connective compounds
- wound healing
Women who consumed 10 grams of oral collagen peptides in a drink at bedtime experienced improved skin collagen levels and overall structure after 4 weeks. Furthermore, they experienced better skin hydration levels after 8 weeks.
b)Antioxidants
- Antioxidants and antioxidative enzymes may help reduce skin sagging and wrinkles by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are compounds that can activate pathways that eventually degrade collagen.
- Antioxidants can also help stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin.
Examples of the antioxidants present in some foods, drinks, and nutritional supplements include:
- vitamins A, C, D, and E
- coenzyme Q10
- selenium
- zinc
- epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
Many people get enough antioxidants through their diet. There is little evidence to suggest that taking antioxidant supplements helps prevent or reduce skin conditions.
Taking too much of certain vitamins for too long, particularly vitamins A and E, may cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can lead to more severe side effects.
It is important to follow the dosage on the label when taking supplements. People with a health condition should discuss taking supplements with their doctor first to prevent unwanted side effects or interactions with other medications.
3. Skin Firming products
- Many different firming gels, creams, patches, and other products are available for the topical treatment of minor cases of loose skin.
- Look for products containing retinoid compounds. Retinoids are potent antioxidants that may boost collagen production.
- However, experts do not consider firming products to be effective overall, and their penetration of the skin may not be deep enough to help lift sagging skin.
- According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most firming products offer subtle results at best, mostly by acting as a moisturizer. People who do observe results with these products may need to keep using them to continue seeing results.
4. Massage
Massage may improve blood flow, stimulate fibroblasts, and increase mitochondrial production. - Massage may improve blood flow and stimulate fibroblasts.
- Fibroblasts are cells that help produce connective tissues, such as collagen and elastin, that keep skin firm.
- Mitochondria play a crucial role in tissue and cellular metabolism, and there is a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and skin aging.
- A mild skin massage device for 1 minute twice daily for 10 days increased the expression of skin molecules, such as procollagen-1, fibrillin, and tropoelastin.
5. Nonsurgical procedures to tighten loose saggy skin
Ask a board-certified dermatologist
- Seeing a board-certified dermatologist is the safest way to find out what skin tightening can do for you. With so many skin-tightening options available, you want to see an expert who is familiar with the different treatments and can determine the best option for your concerns.
- You can find a board-certified dermatologist in your area by going to, Find a dermatologist. Select the specialty Cosmetic Dermatology.
Loose skin is not harmful and does not require treatment, but some people dislike its appearance. The best way to tighten loose skin depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms and any additional health considerations.
In people with severe loose skin, surgery is likely to make the most significant difference.
Individuals with minor-to-moderate cases of loose skin may benefit from a range of options, including:
- exercise
- massage
- firming products
- nutritional supplements
- nonsurgical procedures
- minimally invasive procedures
- Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons can perform nonsurgical procedures that may help reduce loose skin. However, these procedures are not useful for severe cases of loose skin as the results tend to be subtle.
- Nonsurgical procedures do not involve any cutting or punctures and typically only cause temporary swelling and redness. They often take only a short amount of time to perform.
- Most procedures are safe for use on all skin colors and suitable for any part of the body.
Many nonsurgical procedures treat loose skin by boosting collagen and elastin production in different layers of the skin, usually by using various devices to send heat under the skin.
Examples of nonsurgical procedures include the following:
a) Ultrasound
- Ultrasound works on the deepest layers of the skin.
- Most people notice subtle lifting and tightening within 2–6 months of their first treatment and report more significant results with additional treatments.
- The effects of the treatment can last for up to 1 year.
b)Laser treatments
- Laser treatments focus on the outer layer of the skin, which is called the epidermis.
- Most people need between three and five treatments to see results, and changes are usually visible 2–6 months after the last treatment.
- Laser treatments are especially useful on the upper arms and belly.
c) Nonsurgical radio-frequency
- A dermatologist will place a device against the skin to heat the tissue underneath.
- Most people who use this method see results after one treatment.
- It takes about 6 months for the treatment to take full effect, but some people notice tightening shortly after the procedure.
- With the right skin care, the results may last for 2–3 years.
6. Minimally invasive procedures
- Some slightly more invasive procedures, which often use similar science or devices as nonsurgical procedures, may help reduce loose skin.
Examples of minimally invasive procedures include those below:
a)Surgical radiofrequency
- Involves inserting tiny tubes through small incisions in the skin to send heat to the areas that require tightening.
- Doctors often perform this procedure on the neck or upper arms, and it may produce results within 1 month.
- This procedure usually takes place under local anesthesia, and most people need to wear compression bandages for 4–5 days afterward.
b)Intense pulsed light
- People often undergo treatment with intense pulsed light in combination with radiofrequency to treat the skin at different levels more effectively.
- A person may require a series of intense pulsed light treatments to see results, and it is sometimes unsuitable for those with darker skin tones or tanned skin.
c)Laser resurfacing
- Laser resurfacing may be one of the most effective of all the nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedures for treating minor cases of loose skin.
- Most people require 5–7 days of rest after the procedure and typically notice results 2 weeks after they heal.
- Laser resurfacing carries a small risk of scarring.
Can you prevent loose skin from appearing?
Certain factors seem to make the skin more resilient and resistant to factors that may weaken and loosen it. Following specific advice may also help reduce the risk of excessive loose skin.
People Can Help Prevent Loose Skin By:
- losing weight at a healthy pace
- practicing sun safety
- avoiding the use of sunbeds
- eating a healthful diet
- staying hydrated
- quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke
- maintaining a healthy body weight
- limiting exposure to very hot or chlorinated water
- avoiding using harsh detergents or cleaners
CONCLUSION
- Saggy skin is not a medical condition and isn’t a problem for everyone. But for some, it can be frustrating or affect self-esteem. If you have saggy skin that does not respond well to at-home treatments, see your doctor to discuss your options.
References
- Alam M, White LE, et al. “Ultrasound tightening of facial and neck skin: a rater-blinded prospective cohort study.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010;62(2):262-9.
- American Academy of Dermatology:
- “New and improved laser and light treatments take aim at cellulite, fat, tattoos, wrinkles and sagging skin.” News release issued Mar 21, 2014. Last accessed Nov 30, 2017.
- “Electricity sparks interest in new technologies and cosmeceuticals for aging skin.” News release issued Mar 15, 2011.
- el-Domyati M, el-Ammawi TS, et al. “Radiofrequency facial rejuvenation: evidence-based effect.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;64(3):524-35.
