When you lose a considerable amount of weight, you might experience loose skin under the arms and around the tummy and knees. While this is not fatal at all, it can be very horrible and may make you feel insecure. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to lose weight without gaining loose skin. Read on below to find out how you can prevent sagging skin as you achieve your ideal weight.
Don't lose weight too much too soon - If you lose a lot of weight in such a short period of time, your skin will not have enough time to adjust and match your new body shape--leaving you with unsightly, saggy skin. So be sure not go on crash diets and other severe weight loss plans. Generally, you should only lose up to 2 pounds a week.
Perform proper exercise - Combine cardio exercises with weight training to shed off fat and build lean muscles. Toned muscles help keep the skin from hanging and getting loose, making the skin look tighter and firmer. Be sure to get a personal trainer before doing any exercise to avoid injuries and to benefit from a customized weight loss program.
Eat the right kind of food - Binge on nutritious foods, particularly those that are protein-rich like lean meats, fish, nuts, cottage cheese and grains. Protein boosts muscle-building and aid in keeping skin firm. Fruits and vegetables that are loaded in vitamins and anti-oxidants are also great for increasing collagen levels. Collagen is crucial for your skin's elasticity. Drink a lot of water to keep your skin constantly hydrated, flush out toxins and lose weight minus the sagging skin.
Practice proper skin care - Keep your skin not only tight and less saggy but overall healthy by properly caring for it. Start off by daily exfoliation using a body scrub or dry brush each time you shower to remove dead skin cells, and improve blood circulation and your skin's suppleness. Finish off by massaging firming lotions/creams into your skin to tone and moisturize it. Go for those that contain CoQ10, aloe vera, cocoa butter and vitamins A, C, D and E, as these ingredients help promote tighter, suppler skin.
Loose skin may not be life-threatening, but it certainly is disheartening and can take a toll on your self-confidence. Nevertheless, you can avoid sagging skin while losing weight by following these practical tips above. Now, if flabby skin is impossible to eliminate by diet and exercise alone, consider body lift plastic surgery to permanently remove unwanted loose skin.