How Weight Loss Changes the Skin and the Treatments That Can Help

Effects of weight loss range from an improved physical fitness status to high energy levels and overall well-being. The effect of the skin, however, is rarely factored into the process of losing weight. In general, when a person loses pounds, several changes happen that affect the skin, causing conditions such as loose skin, stretch marks, or even texture changes. This article explains how weight loss affects the skin and which treatments could be applied to make it look and feel the way it used to again.

 

Understanding changes to the skin after losing weight

When someone loses weight drastically, it's normal that their skin requires some time to mold and adjust to the changed contour. The adaptation of the skin lags behind in doing so, leading to several changes in the skin as follows:

 

1. Saggy Skin

Top one of the most common questions people ask when they have shed a significant amount of weight is whether or not their skin is saggy or they have skin that hangs. Largely, the skin is one of those body organs believed to expand and contract; however, this organ has certain limitations. Again, if a large amount of weight is lost and it is done so in a short period of time the skin often does not possess the ability to ‘rebound’ and reestablish itself. Conditions that affect the amount of loose skin are:

• Age: With age, the quantity of skin holding substances and elastic tissues like elastin decreases. The longer, the more inelastic the skin will be.
• Genetics: Some people are born with characteristics that have more elasticity of the skin than others.
• Percentage Lost of Weight: Wherein, the more loss weight has, the loosen and saggy the person is.
• Rate of Lost: The rate at which it is lost determines, therefore the laxity becomes a bit more prominent compared to others.

2. Stretch Marks

Also common with a weight loss is the stretch marks that are often called striae. These occur through rapid stretching which is quickly followed by contraction and dermis tear off. These are also found commonly after weight gain though they could be possible following weight loss if skin is stretched first.

 

3. Textural Change in the Skin

Weight loss also changes the texture of skin. Sometimes people notice that their skin feels drier or thinner after losing weight. Several reasons may be there, one of which is dehydration because any diet change or reduction in calories leads to dehydration and affects the hydration level in the skin.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: The rate of weight loss is very fast in some cases and deprives the body of the vital nutrient that feeds the skin including vitamins A, C and E and fatty acids

4. More visible veins and capillaries

Since the fat has decreased, the veins and capillaries might start showing at the site of the areas losing the fat. It shows more on the ones with lighter skin tones, making them uncomfortable about how their skin looks.

 

More Obvious Skin Treatments Following Weight Loss

This was done after identifying that skin changes occur in those who have lost weight, and there are several approaches that can help enhance skin texture and look. It has therefore been possible to classify all these treatments into noninvasive treatments, minimally invasive treatments and invasive treatments.

 

Non-Invasive Treatments

 

Moisturizers and Hydration

The skin’s ability to stretch and feel smooth is determined by how the skin is moisturized to the best of its abilities at all times. Lathering a good moisturizer before going out as well as may help prevent the skin from getting too dry and improve the texture of the skin too. Look for products containing:

• Hyaluronic Acid: This is a humectant that hydrates the skin and makes it puffy.
• Glycerin: It is also a humectant which tends to attract moisture to the skin.
• Ceramides: These are helping the reconstruction of the skin's barrier while maintaining the moistures.

Nutrition and Supplements

Nutrition could improve the state of the skin. There are plenty of healthy foods containing good amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as:

• Antioxidants: these include berries, leafy greens, and nuts in combating oxidative stress on the skin.
• Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flaxseed will help the skin stay hydrated and supple.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli help in producing collagen.
• Supplements such as collagen peptides can be helpful for elasticity and hydration of the skin. Any supplements need to be taken after consultation with a healthcare provider.

Exercise

The blood flow on the skin will be enhanced and this will help in achieving an uptake of nutrition and oxygen needed on the skins health. The exercise will also shrink the skin and make it look more beautiful. Use strength training to build up muscles to fill loose skin.

View More: Boiled Rice For Weight Loss

Minimally Invasive Procedures

 

Laser Therapy

The laser treatment helps to improve the texture of the skin. This will help stimulate collagen production as well. Some of the most common treatments involving laser include:

• Ablative Lasers: They treat the outer layers of skin. It stimulates the formation of new skin.
• Non-ablative lasers target deeper layers without harming the outer layer, which thus helps in stimulating more collagen.

Radiofrequency Treatments

It helps in increasing collagen and elastin in the skin. The treatment tightens any sagging skin. This treatment is not invasive, it therefore can be done on any part of the body such as abdominal, arm, thigh.

 

Micro Needling

It is the process of causing tiny holes on the skin that induce healing and promote the formation of collagen. It is, therefore, utilized in the treatment of texture enhancement of the skin, reducing the prominence of stretch marks, and the quality of the skin in general.

 

Surgical Procedures

This involves surgical methods for a patient with the condition in the extreme; the one whose skin is so slack and cannot be treated non-invasively or in minimally invasive procedures. Such includes

 

Body Sculpture Surgery

Breast implants to enhance the shape and size of the breasts may be scheduled for a specific date as well as anybody contouring procedures to lift skin such as a tummy tuck or lower body lift. They can make a skin look much better, but they take longer to heal and they may be more dangerous than non-surgical procedures.

 

Arm and Thigh Lift

Surgical lifting of redundant skin on the arms or thighs can remove excess redundant skin and tighten the residual skin, making the patient appear more fit.

Some changes in the skin due to weight loss are unpreventable, but following these strategies can minimize these changes. Consider the following options:

 

1. Gradual Weight Loss

It is also very essential to have a slow weight loss of about 1-2 pounds per week. This is because fast weight loss tends to make the skin even looser, hence a slow approach helps skin adapt and catch up.

 

2. Stay Hydrated

The skin care should also be hydrated by adequate water intake. Hydration enables the skin to stay elastic; therefore, the skin gets improved. At least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day should be consumed, though it should depend on the levels of activities carried out and climate.

 

3. Keep a Balanced Diet

Focus on a well-balanced diet, replete with whole foods-fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, to provide the nutrient foundation for your body during the weight loss period for the skin.

 

4. Sun Protection

The ultraviolet rays damage the skin further, thereby increasing the looseness of the skin. Make sure to apply sunscreen having broad-spectrum UV protection and an SPF of at least 30; do this often when going out.

 

5. Consult Professional Advice

Generally, a registered dietitian or other healthcare provider would be helpful for planning an achievable, long-term weight loss that works toward nutritional needs and supports healthy skin.

 

Conclusion

Such dramatic weight loss can be very devastating to the skin; looseness, stretch marks, and even the texture of it can all change. In some treatments and techniques, the appearance of the skin, as well as overall health, can revive again. However, such change is very intimidating in itself.

If people knew the impact of a loss of weight on their skin, they could implement some forms of prevention and it will be easier for them. Be it by non-invasive treatments, alteration of lifestyle, or even surgical procedures, the beauty of skin can be achieved again with weight loss and that would contribute to well-being and self-esteem.

Please book an appointment with the Best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.