Maintaining Skin Elasticity: Ryan's Top Tips to Avoid Saggy Skin After Weight Loss

Losing a significant amount of weight is a remarkable achievement. However, one common concern that many individuals face after substantial weight loss is the possibility of saggy skin...

While sagging skin may be inevitable to some extent, there are steps you can take to help improve skin elasticity and minimise the appearance of saggy skin. Here are my top tips to minimising saggy skin...

1. Gradual and Steady Weight Loss

Losing weight gradually and steadily can significantly reduce the chances of saggy skin.

Rapid weight loss (>3lbs/1.4kg per week) doesn't give your skin enough time to adjust to the changes, leading to a higher likelihood of sagging. Aim for a gradual weight loss of no more than 2 pounds per week, allowing your skin to adapt as you progress towards your goal.

2. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration plays a vital role in maintaining skin elasticity.

Drink the right amount of water each day to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Water helps improve overall skin health and supports its natural elasticity.

3. Nourish Your Skin

Feed your skin from within by consuming a nutrient-rich diet.

Include foods that are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, animal proteins, and healthy fats. These nutrients contribute to the health of your skin and support collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity.

4. Strength Training and Resistance Exercises

Incorporate strength training and resistance exercises into your fitness routine.

These activities help build muscle mass, which can fill out the space left by fat loss and provide support to the skin. Focus on exercises targeting the areas where you want to avoid saggy skin, such as the arms, thighs, and abdomen.

5. Maintain a Consistent Exercise Routine

Regular physical activity promotes overall skin health and circulation.

Engaging in cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, increases blood flow to the skin and encourages collagen production. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of moderate—high intensity aerobic activity per day.

6. Protect Your Skin

Shield your skin from excessive sun exposure.

In other words don't burn! Although brief sun exposure is vital for optimal health, if you'll be in the sun for longer periods of time than it would take to burn then cover up or use an all-natural ingredient sunscreen with a high SPF such as this one https://amzn.to/3PIIrVJ Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (particularly UVA) can damage collagen and elastin fibers, leading to premature skin ageing and decreased elasticity.

7. Consider Skin-Firming Techniques

Certain non-invasive procedures and therapies may help improve skin elasticity.

These include Swedish type massages (not deep tissue massage), dry brushing, moisturising creams or lotions, and treatments like radio-frequency or laser therapy. Consult with a dermatologist or aesthetic professional to explore these options.

8. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only benefits your overall well-being but also supports skin health.

Avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and prioritise quality sleep. These factors contribute to skin vitality and elasticity.

In contrast to the two case studies above, our FITTER FOR 50 Online Coaching member, Vic, has been following my tips to minimising saggy skin over the last year and a half and having lost 8 stone (50kg) over this time, which works out on average 1.5lbs weight loss per week, barely has any saggy skin...

In summary

While saggy skin may be a natural outcome of significant weight loss, following my tips here can help minimise its appearance and improve overall skin elasticity.

Remember, every individual's skin is unique, and results may vary. Embrace the journey of weight loss and focus on the tremendous achievements you've made for your health and well-being.

Click here for more information on Ryan's FITTER FOR 50 Online Coaching Programme.