Introduction
As we grow older, the elasticity in our skin decreases, leading to skin sagging and wrinkles. However, loose or sagging skin isn’t limited purely to the aging process. Prolonged exposure to the sun, dehydration, poor diet, and fast weight loss can all contribute to the loosening of the skin. Loose skin can lower an individual’s self-esteem and undermine confidence, especially if premature, but this doesn’t have to be the norm. Various natural remedies can fight against loose skin. This article explores the top five solutions to help tighten loose skin and maintain healthy-looking skin.
5 Simple Exercises to Tighten Skin Naturally
Exercise has various benefits for the body, but it can also work wonders for your skin. The following five exercises are simple yet effective. Tighten your skin naturally, feel healthier, and reduce stress.
Push-Ups
Push-ups mainly work on chest, shoulders, triceps, and biceps, but also provide work on the abdominals. The exercise increases the blood supply to the skin and tightens the skin on the arms and chest.
How to perform push-ups:
– Place the hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart, with the face facing down.
– Keep the back straight, and the body aligned as you lift with your arms.
– Descend the body until your chest is almost at the floor, and then push up.
Planks
Planks are core strengthening exercises that can help tighten and tone skin on the arms, legs, and abdomen. The exercise works by keeping the body straight, creating a natural tension in the muscles.
How to perform a plank:
– Support the body on the forearms and toes.
– Keep the body straight, in a parallel position to the ground.
– Hold this position for at least 30 seconds, and then rest.
Squats
Squats strengthen the lower body, glutes, and legs. Squats are effective for tightening the skin around the hips, thighs, and buttocks.
How to perform squats:
– Stand up straight, and keep the hips forward.
– As though you’re sitting on a chair, bend knees and lower your body.
– Return to standing position and repeat.
Jumping Rope
Jumping rope is a cardio exercise that increases heart rate and oxygen supply to the skin. It can help to increase skin elasticity.
How to jump rope:
– Hold the handles of a rope in each hand.
– Swing the rope forward and jump over it by lifting your feet.
– Continue jumping until you’re comfortable with the exercise.
Skin-Tightening Facial Exercises
Facial exercises can help tone the skin, improve circulation, and prevent wrinkles.
How to perform facial exercises:
– Lift your eyebrows as if in surprise.
– Open and close your mouth as wide as possible.
– Inhale through your nose and then pucker your lips like you’re kissing.
– Exhale through your mouth and then push out the air.
10 Foods That Help Tighten Loose Skin
One of the simplest ways to tighten your skin is by eating healthily. Discuss the following foods with your doctor to ensure a balanced diet, but these foods are a great start.
Salmon
Contains ultra-nutritious proteins that boost collagen production, an essential component of smooth skin.
Avocado
Hydrates and moisturizes the skin with Vitamin E and healthy fats.
Sweet Potatoes
Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are vital in collagen production, Sweet potatoes help maintain healthy skin.
Berries
Berries provide Vitamin C and antioxidants that encourage collagen synthesis and healthy skin growth.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that help reduce skin damage caused by UV radiation. It also contains flavanols, which improves skin density and hydration.
Spinach
Spinach contains significant amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which help prevent free radical damage and boosts collagen production.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain that is excellent for skin health. Bromelain helps break down dead cells on the surface of the skin, keeping it young and supple.
Walnuts
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc, Vitamins D and E, and antioxidants, nutrients in Walnuts support collagen production and provide essential nutrients to skin cells.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain Vitamin C and Lycopene, which protect the skin against sun damage.
Lemons
Lemons are rich in Vitamin C and promote collagen production. The acid content in lemons serves to tighten pores and brighten the skin.
The Importance of Hydration in Tightening Skin
Dehydration can negatively impact skin health, leading to an assortment of skin problems. Proper hydration helps maintain healthy skin functions such as elasticity and can provide a natural glow.
How to hydrate skin properly:
– Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
– Eat water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
– Use a hydrating facial mist.
5 DIY Home Remedies for Tightening Sagging Skin
Home remedies can be an inexpensive yet effective way to maintain tighter and healthier-looking skin.
Egg White Mask
Egg whites are rich in anti-aging proteins and go a long way in tightening saggy skin.
How to apply an egg white mask:
– Beat egg whites until peaks form.
– Apply the whipped egg whites to your skin.
– Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is an excellent natural remedy for tightening the skin. It helps in collagen production and reducing wrinkles.
How to apply Aloe Vera Gel:
– Extract the Aloe Vera Gel from the leaves.
– Cleanse face with warm water.
– Apply the Aloe Vera Gel to your face and leave on for 20 minutes.
– Rinse with cold water.
Banana Mask
Bananas are abundant in Vitamins A and E, minerals, and antioxidants that promote hydration and healthy skin cells.
How to apply a banana mask:
– Mash a ripe banana until it is well mashed.
– Apply the mashed banana to your face and leave for 20 minutes.
– Rinse with warm water.
Green Tea
Green tea has potent antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. The polyphenols in green tea also contribute to healthy skin by removing damaged cells.
How to use green tea:
– Steep a green tea bag in hot water.
– Chill the tea for a few minutes.
– Apply to the skin using a cotton ball or spray bottle.
Lemon Juice
Lemon contains natural enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids that contribute to skin tightening. The acid in lemon can help remove dead skin cells, reduce hyperpigmentation, and exfoliate the pores.
How to use lemon juice:
– Cut a lemon and extract the juice.
– Apply the lemon juice to the skin using a cotton ball and leave on for 20 minutes.
– Rinse with warm water.
Top 3 Supplements for Skin Tightening
Supplements can help boost the production of collagen in the skin, decrease inflammation, and boost hydration. Discuss the use of supplements with your doctor before starting any new regimen.
Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements may help promote healthy skin by providing vital nutrients that the body may be lacking. Collagen makes the skin firm, smooth and youthful.
Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C supplements contain antioxidants that fight against free radical damage. The supplement stimulates collagen production and increases skin elasticity.
Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids that promote skin health, such as slowing aging signs, preventing cancer, and reducing inflammation.
Expert Tips for Tightening Skin After Weight Loss
Losing significant amounts of weight can result in sagging skin, concerning an individual who may feel they have achieved a significant milestone in their fitness journey. Here are some tips to tighten skin after weight loss.
– Start with toning exercises.
– Apply firming creams with collagen and elastin to promote skin elasticity.
– Hydrate your skin properly with water and aloe vera gel.
– Use a brush or masseur to increase blood flow to the skin.
– Consider surgery if the skin is severely sagging.
Conclusion
Tightening loose skin naturally requires consistency and effort. Implementing the above solutions will promote younger-looking skin, a happier you, and increased confidence. There are times that a medical professional might need to be consulted on excessive skin sagging. A dermatologist can suggest other remedies. But one thing to remember is that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a consistent skincare routine is an excellent starting point.
