Losing weight after the age of 40 and especially in your 50s and 60s can be challenging. Sagging skin and looking older after weight loss is one of the problems people often complain about.
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging even without losing weight.
Weight loss results in loosing the volume under the skin which makes things worse. However, there are several things you can do to keep your skin more elastic and minimize its sagging during or after losing weight.
#1 – Building Muscle Mass
Building muscle mass can help replace the volume loss caused by fat loss. Weight training can help you build muscle and give you a more toned look, which will give your skin a “lift” and help it appear more firm.
#2 – Using Collagen Supplements
Collagen is a protein that helps to keep skin elastic and firm. As we age, our body produces less collagen which makes skin look older . Taking collagen supplements can help increase skin elasticity, reduce sagging, and create more youthful appearance.
Aim for 5 to 10 g of collagen daily – this dose has been proven to produce multiple skin rejuvenation effects in clinical studies.
Collagen Elixir, featured on this website, is a marine collagen supplement that is perfectly suited to support your youthful looks as you work on achieving your ideal weight.
#3 – Dry Brushing
Dry brushing gently exfoliates the skin, and improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage. This simple procedure, if done a few times per week, can help improve skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and promote overall skin health.
- Use a natural bristle brush to dry brush your whole body starting at your feet and working your way upward, using long, sweeping strokes towards your heart.
- Use gentle pressure and avoid brushing too hard or aggressively.
- Brush each area of your body for about 30 seconds, and then move on to the next area.
- After dry brushing, take a shower to wash off any dead skin cells that were loosened during the process.
Keep in mind that that dry brushing may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions.
#4 – Using Skin Firming Creams
There are many skin firming creams available that can help improve skin elasticity and reduce sagging. Look for creams that contain ingredients such as retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
#5 – Staying Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and saggy. It can also help flush toxins out of your body and improve skin elasticity.
#6 – Facial Exercises
Facial exercises can help tone your facial muscles and improve skin elasticity. You can start from simple exercises such as puckering your lips and holding for five seconds, or opening your mouth wide and holding for five seconds.
#7 – Facial Massage
A regular facial massage can help improve blood circulation, stimulate collagen production, and reduce puffiness. The easiest way to fit face massage in your day is to do it while you taking a shower. Put a bit of natural oil (coconut, jojoba, etc.) on your skin and massage your face in circular motions, starting from the center and working your way outwards.
In conclusion, though sagging skin and looking older is a common challenge for people who loose weight in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, incorporating the seven tips above into your daily routine will help you reduce skin sagging and maintain a healthy, youthful appearance.
Unfortunately this advice has its limitations. When someone goes through a massive weight loss (100+ pounds), a surgery may be the only option that will take care of the sagging skin. In such situations, the tips discussed here will be still helpful but supplementary.