Between the ages of 35 and 40, you may notice loose or sagging skin on your face and body. This is caused by the loss of collagen, hyaluronic acid (which helps lock moisture into the skin), and elastin fibers. Other causes may be pregnancy, weight loss, menopause, artificial tanning, sun damage, medications including corticosteroids and steroids, smoking, drinking alcohol, and skincare products with harsh chemical ingredients.
To prevent loose skin, try to avoid the sun and always wear sunscreen and protection. Eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated and avoid processed food, smoking, and drinking alcohol. When you work to lose weight, do so at a healthy pace and avoid harsh chemicals in detergents and cleaners. Also, limit exposure to very hot or chlorinated water.
Treatments
Exercise, massage, skincare products, and supplements like collagen hydrolysate, or antioxidants in the form of vitamins, may help tighten sagging skin. For more dramatic results, you can opt for one of the following treatments:
● Laser treatments – 3-5 laser treatments are highly effective on the belly and upper arms and work on the skin’s outer layer called the epidermis.
● Ultrasound – This treatment targets deep skin layers to gently tighten and lift your skin. You may need several treatments for visible results, which are noticeable within 2-6 months of the first treatment.
● Non-surgical radiofrequency – Using a device to heat the tissue underneath your skin, this non-surgical treatment provides visible results after just one treatment, which can last for 2-3 years.
● Surgical radiofrequency – The surgical form of radiofrequency treatment involves inserting small tubes through incisions in the skin. These tubes heat up areas to be tightened. Most commonly performed on the upper arms or neck, this procedure requires local anesthesia. You will be required to wear compression bandages for 4-5 days following your surgery and will be able to see results within a month afterward.
● Intense pulsed light – A combination of intense pulsed light and radiofrequency can be very effective to tighten loose skin. The procedure is most suitable for individuals with lighter skin tones and may require a series of treatments for optimal results.
● Laser resurfacing – Among all non-surgical treatments available, laser resurfacing is said to be the most effective one. It works well on minor cases of loose skin and comes with little to no risk of scarring. After the treatment, patients need to rest for up to one week and will be able to see noticeable results after two weeks.