How to Lose Extra Skin

Having extra or loose skin is a problem faced by many people who have lost weight. As the weight comes off, the skin appears to be loose in places where fat used to be. This has to do with the elasticity of the skin and with the amount of lean muscle under the skin. Using the following three steps together can help to reduce the amount of excess skin.

Things You'll Need

• Skin tightening lotion

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Instructions

• 1

  Start by either continuing a strength training program or beginning a strength training program. Adding lean muscle mass can help to fill out what appears to be loose skin, when defined muscles take the place of fat.

• 2

  Diet can also help to reduce extra skin. Dr. Harry Pino, Ph.D., the director of exercise physiology at the Obesity Consult Center of Tufts-New England Medical Center, suggests eating food with a high water count like fruits and vegetables. He also suggests drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day. Another suggestion from Dr. Pino is to eat low-fat, lean meats to help reduce the amount of extra skin.

• 3

  Keep your skin hydrated using lotions. There are several types of lotions to try from skin tightening to deep moisture. Keeping skin hydrated can improve elasticity and lessen the look of stretch marks.