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Remedies for Loose Skin

The skin is an organ that happens to be the largest of the integumentary system. Some of its responsibilities include keeping body temperature regulated and protecting the muscles and organs, and it is also where the sense of touch originates. Over the course of time, the skin can sometimes become loose in various areas. This can be due to factors such as abrupt weight loss, aging or pregnancy. When this takes place, there are various remedies that can be used to treat it.

  1. Weight Training

    • Although the skin cannot be toned itself, the muscles underneath it can. That said, if you tone up the muscles under your loose skin, it will make the skin more taut. To do this, try exercises, such as circuit training, that target the whole body. Circuit training involves doing one exercise, then proceeding to another one until you've done one exercise for all the major muscle groups. Here's an example: dumbbell chest presses, dumbbell shoulder presses, dumbbell one-armed rows, overhead triceps extensions, dumbbell biceps curls and lunges. The reps should be high in number, and the weights should be light.

    Fluids

    • Fluids have a big impact on the health of the skin. Water helps keep the body and skin hydrated. According to Harry Pino, Ph.D., Tufts University, New England, hydration is crucial, and you should drink at least 64 oz. water daily. He also recommends using sports drinks that contain potassium and sodium if you are exercising to replenish electrolyte loss.

    Diet

    • Getting the proper nutrition is another component of loose skin. The body and skin are made up of what you put into your mouth. If you have a diet that is high in saturated fat and refined foods, it can impact your skin in a negative way. For this reason, fruits, vegetables and foods that are high in water content should be consumed. This also helps keep the muscles hydrated, which can make them perform more effectively while you're working out.

    Vitamins

    • The skin can also benefit from various vitamins and minerals that promote elasticity, strength and all-around appearance. There is a protein substance in the skin called "collagen" that keeps the skin strong and prevents it from breaking apart. Some vitamins that can help promote collagen development are vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, zinc, aloe vera and yeast extract.

    Exfoliation

    • The skin is made up of many cells that end up drying up and dying. Eliminating these skin cells will promote circulation and new skin growth. One way to do this is with exfoliation. This is done with a body brush, sponge or loofah, and it can be performed while taking a shower. To exfoliate, apply an exfoliating cleanser to your brush and scrub the areas of loose skin in a circular motion. Start at the lowest part of your body and work upwards.

    Tuck

    • If the loose skin is on your stomach, you can get a surgical procedure called a "tummy tuck." The medical name for this is "abdominoplasty." What it does is remove excess skin that has accumulated on the stomach, and it also repairs any damaged abdominal muscles underneath. The procedure usually takes about 2 to 5 hours, and you can expect three to five weeks of recovery time before you're able to work again.

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