Fit Villains: Selfish, Shameless, Sassy, Fitness.

Hey there, 

Loose skin is very common when people lose large amounts of weight (or have babies, surgery etc). Skin is elastic, and like a rubber band, when it’s stretched it doesn’t necessarily bounce back to it’s initial shape. The longer it’s been stretched, the less elastic it is, and the older you are, the harder it is to have it bounce back.

Loose skin sometimes just needs time: most people, especially those that are young, will notice improvement within a year or two without having surgery. It’s a slow process, but you might start noticing it’s more firm as you continue along your journey.

Improving muscle tone will also help, so make sure you’re strength training on top of your cardio. Keep hydrated & make sure you’re getting enough sleep: VERY important!

In terms of what you can take, vitamin E cream can help with elasticity, as can foods high in Vitamin A & vitamin C. They won’t eliminate excess skin: but they can make the most of what you got. Skin removal surgery is an option that many people who lose drastic amounts of weight explore, but it’s not recommended unless you’re already at your goal weight AND have a medical need to remove the skin (excess skin can be a hazard and is prone to infection). But if it’s just a little extra skin, wait it out, keep doing what you’re doing and focus on progress. If skin removal is necessary for health/comfort, it may be covered by insurance. However, I cannot stress ENOUGH: you are beautiful as you are. Excess skin happens, but most people who lose large amounts of weight are happier, more energetic and healthier for it. And those are all awesome things they wouldn’t trade. 

No body is perfect. :)

Hope this helps! 

xo