How to Get Rid of Excess Skin After Weight Loss?

Weight loss is a big problem for many people, and those who are most persistent and dedicated to achieving this goal will certainly succeed. But what is rarely talked about is the excess skin that remains on the body after losing a large amount of weight. We offer effective excess skin after weight loss solutions to help your skin shrink back.

The skin is the most elastic organ of the human body, and different parts of the skin are composed of different cells. For example, while the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is constantly worn out and renewed with new skin, the parts of the skin under the epidermis are much more durable and regenerate more slowly and with more difficulty. The layers of the skin, known as the dermis and subdermis, are made up of elastic tissues, fibers, blood vessels, and other components that can stretch and contract, depending on their quality and the needs of the tissue underneath.

When it comes to obesity, skin elasticity also significantly depends on how long the person has been obese. Namely, the skin is much less likely to shrink back in people who have been obese their entire lives than in cases where someone gained a significant amount of weight in a short period of time.

Here are some tips on how to reduce the accumulation of excess skin that hangs on the body:

Try to lose weight slowly

All crash diets where you lose a lot of weight quickly cause both fat loss and muscle tissue loss. The result is a large amount of loose skin that has lost the supporting muscle structure that holds the skin to the body, and the body fat that stretches the skin. Try to maintain a loss of about 1 kilogram per week so that the skin can adapt to the fat loss and so that you preserve your muscles as much as possible.

Drink enough fluids

Water is a key component in maintaining skin elasticity. The average person should consume at least 2 liters of fluid daily from drinks and food. For more detailed tips on how proper fluid intake aids your weight loss journey, check out our guide on what you drink.

Increase muscle mass

Building muscle mass is a very good way to tighten accumulated excess skin after losing a lot of weight. Namely, there are two types of tissue under the skin: fat and muscle, and both have the same task of keeping the skin taut and preventing sagging.   

When you gain excess weight, the skin must stretch significantly to adapt to the increase in body volume. When you lose excess weight, especially when it happens very quickly, the skin will probably not contract at the same speed as you lose weight. This imbalance causes excess skin, especially in places where you have lost the most fat tissue

Building muscle mass is the solution because increasing muscle tissue “fills” the spaces where there was fat tissue before, which results in a tauter, fuller, and healthier appearance.

Namely, the goal is always to melt fat tissue but preserve muscle.

Improve Skin Elasticity

When your skin loses its elasticity—its ability to expand and contract as needed—it struggles to return to its original state after significant weight loss. While this naturally occurs with aging, those who have lost a large amount of weight experience it regardless of age.

Fortunately, you can influence skin elasticity through lifestyle habits. Follow these tips to see improvement:

1. Consume Fish Oil

Fish oil offers many health benefits, including improving skin elasticity. You can see significant improvements after just 3 months of regular consumption. High-quality fish oil is one of the best dietary supplements available, so prioritize buying quality oil for overall health, not just your skin.

2. Quit Smoking

If you haven’t found a reason to quit smoking yet, now is the time! Scientists from the International Association of Ecologic Dermatology analyzed the skin of smoking subjects and found that smokers have skin that is, on average, 9 years older than their biological age.

3. Eat Enough Protein

Scientists confirm a correlation between protein intake and youthful, healthy skin. A low-protein diet causes poorer skin quality and more frequent skin problems and diseases than a protein-rich diet. This effect is especially noticeable when dieting: a high-protein diet reduces wrinkles, dry skin, and damage like spots and other atrophy.

4. Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Your body needs a wide range of vitamins and minerals to maintain the millions of biological processes that keep you alive and healthy. Consuming enough fruits and vegetables every day is the only sure way to supply your body with all the necessary micronutrients. Specifically for skin health, numerous studies show that the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables significantly and positively affects the skin’s health and youthfulness.