Preventing loose skin during weight loss

By Bob Otieno

Loose skin is a common problem after weight loss, but there are things you can do to minimise the chances of having it. Here are useful tips:

Lose weight slowly

One of the most important things you can do to prevent loose skin while losing weight is to lose the weight slowly.  It’s tempting to want to lose weight as quickly as possible, but this doesn’t give the skin time to adjust to the change.  Limiting weight loss to no more than a pound or two per week will go a long way in preventing the loose skin condition.

Dry brush

Gently brush the skin with a soft boar bristle brush prior to bathing. This will not only feel great and help to exfoliate your skin, but it will also increase the blood circulation in your skin. This circulation will help bring vital nutrients to the skin and improve the quality of collagen and elastin, which will improve the skin’s ability to bounce back following weight loss.

Balanced diet

Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein as the component is important for skin elasticity. The body cannot do without sufficient protein. Crash dieting will force the body to cannibalise itself and rob its stores of protein, including collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the body and its degradation will lead to loose skin and wrinkles. It is also important to get enough anti-oxidants and healthy oils in your diet.

Eating fresh fruits, vegetables healthy nuts and oils will help to keep your skin in tip-top shape when dieting.

Multi-vitamins

When cutting calories, sometimes it’s hard to know if you are getting all the nutrients needed to maintain proper health.

Taking a multi-vitamin will ensure that you are not missing any essential nutrients. Make certain that the multi-vitamin you choose includes vitamin C, A, E, K and B-complex vitamins. These vitamins are all important to skin health. Choose a formula that includes minerals as well. Selenium, copper and zinc are minerals that are vital to healthy skin.

Some vitamins formulated specifically for skin health and beauty will also include nutrients like alpha-lipoic and hyaluronic acid.

Weekly massage

Getting frequent massages that utilise effleurage movements, a technique that helps to improve skin circulation, is a great way to maintain skin health.

There are also techniques that can help to smooth cellulite if that is a concern. If getting a professional massage isn’t for you, there are many massage techniques that are great for the skin that you can do yourself. Use a good quality lotion or oil and focus on stimulating the blood flow so that the skin’s surface feels rejuvenated.