Rapid weight loss leads to loose skin. Hydration, nutrition, exfoliation can help avoid it

Skin retraction is a slow process—sometimes, non-surgical treatments can take up to two years to show a significant difference.

Representational image | Pixabay

One of the less talked about results of weight loss is loose skin. A follow-up patient of mine had lost a significant amount of weight. But instead of being happy, she was perturbed about the excessive loose skin around her tummy, which no matter how much she tried, she couldn’t reduce.

Loose skin after significant weight loss occurs due to a combination of factors related to the structure and function of the skin. Let’s dive into them.

Skin elasticity: Skin is made up of collagen and elastin, proteins that provide structure and elasticity. When you gain weight, the skin stretches to accommodate the increased body mass. Over time, the collagen and elastin fibres can become damaged or lose their elasticity, making it harder for the skin to retract when you lose weight.

Rate of weight loss: Losing weight quickly doesn’t give the skin enough time to shrink back to its original size, leading to loose skin. This is especially seen in people who have opted for weight-loss surgery. Gradual weight loss allows the skin more time to adjust and contract.

Duration of being overweight: Prolonged stretching can permanently damage the elastin fibres, reducing the skin’s ability to snap back. The longer the skin has been stretched out, the less likely it is to return to its original shape.

Age: As you age, your skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, making it less resilient and more prone to sagging. Older individuals are more likely to experience loose skin after weight loss than younger people.

Genetics: Genetic predispositions affect skin elasticity. Some people naturally have more elastic skin than others, which can influence how well their skin contracts after weight loss.

Amount of weight lost: The more weight you lose, the more likely you are to have loose skin. Significant weight loss creates more excess skin than smaller amounts of weight loss.

Sun exposure: Chronic sun exposure can damage the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres, reducing its elasticity and contributing to loose skin.

Lifestyle factors: Poor hydration and nutrition can affect skin health and elasticity. A diet lacking essential nutrients can impair the skin’s ability to maintain its structure and function.

Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and damages collagen and elastin, leading to premature ageing and loss of skin elasticity.

Preventing loose skin 

Managing loose skin after significant weight loss can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can consider to help improve skin elasticity and appearance. Here are some approaches:

• Gradual Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss can increase the likelihood of loose skin. Aim for a steady weight loss of 0.5 kgs per day.
• Strength Training: Building muscle mass through strength training can help fill out the loose skin and improve its appearance. If the gym is not your favourite place, you can try yoga, pilates, and swimming—anything works as long as your muscles are being built.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and improve its elasticity. Drinking 2L of water every day is recommended to keep your skin properly hydrated. Translucent body gels, which have a higher glycerin content, are more nourishing for the skin.
• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins C and E, zinc, and collagen-boosting foods such as bone broth, chicken skin, and fish. Spinach, kale and other leafy vegetables are a great source of these nutrients for vegetarians.
• Moisturisers: Use moisturisers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and collagen to help improve skin elasticity.
• Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation can help improve blood circulation and encourage new skin growth.
• Body oils: Bio oils are not useful in reducing stretch marks. I recommend Jojoba oil to avoid stretch marks on loose skin.

Treating loose skin

While these options can help when you are on your weight loss journey, there are medical treatments for those currently dealing with loose skin.

Treatments like laser therapy can help tighten the skin by stimulating collagen production. The technique uses heat to increase the production of collagen and elastin and when maintained correctly, this treatment lasts up to three years.

Another option is to use radiofrequency energy to heat the skin and stimulate collagen production. Radiofrequency uses safe levels of low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat. As this heat goes deep into your skin layers, it results in new skin cell production.

Some of the more common surgical options are tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), arm lift (brachioplasty), or thigh lift may be considered.

It’s also equally important to understand that skin retraction is a slow process—sometimes, taking up to two years for it to show a significant difference. It is also important to remember that no matter what treatment, your skin may not look like how you imagined it would after weight loss.

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc.

(Edited by Theres Sudeep)