How to Tighten Loose Belly Skin

Loose skin on the stomach is a cause of concern for many. While flabby skin is a result of fat deposits, loose skin is usually limp and thin. The condition is common in postpartum women, and those who undergo quick weight loss through crash diets and excessive exercising.

It is normal for the skin to expand during pregnancy, leaving some loose skin on the belly after childbirth. In case of quick weight loss, the skin gets loose due to fat and muscle loss that happens within a very short duration. The skin does not get enough time to regain its elasticity.

Aging is another factor that affects the elasticity of the skin and makes it loose. Though there are some surgical procedures that are meant to tighten loose belly skin, it is always better to try some simple and easy methods beforehand.

It is a common fact that exercising is a great way of combating a host of problems, including loose, sagging skin. Apart from the right exercise regimen, you must also keep a watch on your diet as well as skin care. The following are some tips to achieve a toned belly.

Right Exercises
When it comes to sagging belly skin, proper exercises can offer you with the desired results. Exercising helps to build muscle mass, which in turn leads to a toned look with a tight skin. Abdominal exercises, like sit-ups, leg raises, and stomach crunches are very effective in tightening loose skin on the stomach.

Activities like running, jogging, hiking, climbing, swimming, push-ups, and bicycling may also prove useful. Practicing yoga is another way out. Bhujangasana is said to be beneficial for achieving a flat stomach without any sagging skin. Aerobic exercises are also good for regaining skin elasticity.

Right after childbirth, a woman cannot think of crash diets and extreme workouts to tighten loose belly skin. In such cases, a suitable exercise regimen must be adopted after consulting a healthcare provider.

This may include old-fashioned sit ups, wherein the person has to lie on her back and slowly lift the upper part of the body. Gradually increase the number of sit ups, for better results. Isometric exercises may also prove to be effective. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, and this applies for postpartum women too.

It has also been observed that waistbands are somewhat effective in tightening the loose skin.

• Hydrate: Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily. This helps the skin retain its elasticity and stay tighter.
• Moisturize: Another great way to retain the moisture in the skin is regular application of moisturizers. This keeps the skin smooth and supple too.

• Exfoliate: Apart from removing dead skin cells, exfoliation helps in boosting blood circulation to the skin. This is also beneficial for tightening loose skin.
• Massage: Oil massage is another method to improve blood circulation to the skin and tone loose skin. It is said that castor oil, almond oil, lavender oil, etc., are good for this purpose.

• Skin-firming Creams: There is a wide range of skin-firming lotions and creams available in the market. Try those with collagen, as this compound is useful for regaining skin elasticity.
• What to Avoid: If you want to regain and protect the elasticity of your skin, there are certain things to be avoided. 

• They include:
  
  1. Tanning beds
  2. Sun exposure
  3. Chlorinated water
  4. Skin products with harsh chemicals
  5. Harsh detergents

Dietary Changes
Your efforts to tighten loose belly skin should not be limited to exercises and skin care. Proper dietary changes are also unavoidable. Apart from drinking lots of water, you must include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Include food with protein (like, milk, nuts, cottage cheese, fish, beans and legumes, tofu, etc.), which is vital for production of elastin and collagen in the skin. These two compounds are essential for retaining the elasticity of the skin. Garlic is said to boost production of collagen in the body.

Fatty fish is also highly beneficial for improving the texture of the skin. Above all, avoid junk food and sweets at any cost.

Loose belly skin is often seen in people who have undergone extreme weight loss in a very short time. So it is always advisable to avoid crash diets and other methods for quick weight loss. Loose belly skin can be toned up with a multipronged strategy that includes proper skin care, the right diet, and a suitable exercise regimen.

This strategy will help to build up lean body mass that will form the base for the skin to hold on. Postpartum women and those with medical conditions must act as per the instructions of a healthcare provider. You may opt for a tummy tuck surgery, if the above-mentioned plan fails to deliver the desired results.

However, keep in mind that you cannot expect the results overnight, if you opt for the remedies mentioned above.

Disclaimer: This story is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.