Usually, firm skin can stretch and snap back in place. Loose skin occurs when factors affect the molecules that keep the skin elastic and firm.
You can start to experience skin sagging for different reasons.
When you are around 35-40 years old, you can experience sagging skin on legs.
This is because of a loss of collagen, elastin (which gives skin its elasticity), and hyaluronic acid (which helps the skin retain moisture).
Other factors that can lead to loosened skin are:
-rapid weight loss
-pregnancy
-menopause
-damage from ultraviolet light
-steroids
-skin products that contain harsh chemicals
-smoking
-alcohol
-a medical condition called cutaneous t-cell lymphoma that causes slackening of skin in the knees and elbows
-Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic connective tissue disorder
Apart from the legs, you can also experience saggy skin in the eyelids, chin, throat, arms, stomach.
CAN SAGGING SKIN BE REVERSED?
Yes, depending on the reason, sagging skin can be reversed. Conditions like cutaneous t-cell lymphoma are not responsive to treatment. Aging is also not reversible. There are many surgical and nonsurgical options for tightening loose skin.
This article will show you ten ways to tighten sagging skin on legs.
WAYS TO TIGHTEN SAGGING SKIN ON LEGS
1. FIRMING CREAMS
Using creams that contain retinoids can help tighten your skin. Retinoids are a type of Vitamin A derivative used to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores.
They work by neutralizing compounds in the skin that cause collagen damage and enable your skin to rebuild collagen.
Retinoids can also cause improvements for your: skin texture, hydration, tone, and pigmentation. To see results against sagging skin on legs, you have to use them continuously.
2. SUPPLEMENTS
Hyaluronic acid supplements can help firm up your skin. They are synthesized versions of the hyaluronic acid found naturally in your body.
It is a type of carbohydrate found in the skin, joints, and eyes. They facilitate lubrication in the joints and hydrate your tissues.
3. MASSAGING
Massages can help tighten sagging skin on legs.
In one study, scientists observed the effects of skin massage with anti-aging cream. The study found that a regular massage boosted the effects of the cream.
In addition to the massage, salt or sugar scrub can help increase blood flow.
4. ULTRASOUND
This is a non-invasive procedure that treats loose skin by boosting collagen and elastin production in the skin’s different layers.
They use high-frequency sound waves on the deepest layers of the skin.
Most people will notice subtle tightening within six months of their first treatment. You will need further treatment to get a distinct change. The effects of the treatment are not permanent and can last up to a year.
5. LASER SKIN TIGHTENING
This is the use of a strong beam of light to cut or trim tissue. The laser heats the skin making the collagen constrict, making your skin look tighter.
It also boosts the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.
It requires no recovery time, so you can get back to your normal schedule once you have the procedure done.
With proper skincare, the effects can last up to three years.
6. LOSE WEIGHT AT A HEALTHY PACE
Another reason why you could have loose skin on your legs is because of weight gain.
Subcutaneous fat under the skin can make it saggy.
Losing fat can help tighten the skin.
Losing weight at a healthy pace can also make sure the skin maintains its elasticity.
7. TAKE EXERCISE SERIOUSLY
As we’ve mentioned earlier, weight gain can make the skin in your legs saggy.
Building muscle by weight training can help decrease loose skin.
Other toning exercises are an effective way in how to tighten loose skin on thighs.
You can do squats, lunges, or other exercises that work your hamstrings.
If excess fat stretches the skin for a long time, it will lose its elasticity. Replacing the fat with muscle can help the skin regain the appearance of tight skin.
8. CHEMICAL PEELS
Another procedure that can be used to tighten sagging skin on legs is a chemical peel. They are usually done on the face but can be used on the legs.
Chemical peels use a combination of glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid. They are also used to treat sun damage, pigmentation, and texture.
When you apply a chemical peel to your legs, you get rid of the sandpapery quality of sagging skin. They can also get rid of the chicken skin effect.
However, it is important to note that chemical peels are not safe for pregnant people, have pre-existing inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, or have open wounds.
It’s also important to note that when chemical peels penetrate the skin too deeply or turn your skin red, they can cause discolored patches.
It would help if you were well-informed before getting a chemical peel. Ensure you speak to a licensed dermatologist before you do.
9. SURGERY
There is a surgical procedure for tightening sagging in the thighs.
It is known as thighplasty. It lifts the thighs’ skin and is mostly used on patients who have lost a huge amount of weight.
A thighplasty takes about two hours and is performed under anesthesia. A small amount of skin is removed then the remaining skin is pulled up, tightening the skin.
In some instances, excess fat and skin are removed to enable the skin to tighten. Fatty tissue can be removed by liposuction.
The procedure can take up to 10 days to recover from. Most patients need downtime where they avoid using their legs to make sure they heal completely.
10. MICRONEEDLING
This is a procedure that involves puncturing the skin with tiny needles and drawing blood.
According to a 2017 study, the tiny abrasions caused by the microneedles boost collagen and elastin production for healing.
To see results, multiple sessions would be required. At least one each month until you get the desired results. This can take about six to eight weeks.
The needles will be inserted deeper through each session because the skin will have become thicker and able to withstand deeper penetrations.
A 2018 study found significant improvements in the skins of participants who got microneedling sessions one month apart.
The procedure is not recommended for pregnant people, have a skin disease, have experienced radiation in the past year, and are prone to scarring.
WHAT DESTROYS COLLAGEN?
Collagen is an essential protein that provides structure to your skin.
It is also one of the building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
To ensure your skin remains taut, it is important to note the things that destroy collagen.
-Eating too much sugar. Studies show that eating too much sugar or refined carbs interferes with collagen’s ability to repair itself.
-Too much sun exposure. Studies show that excessive UV radiation reduces collagen production.
-Smoking. Research shows that smoking impedes the synthesis of collagen in the body.
TAKEAWAY
There are plenty of procedures to fix sagging skin on legs.
Avoiding drinking, smoking, excess sunlight will help you rebuild collagen and elastin.
Eating foods that boost the production of collagen and hydrate your skin can help too.
Foods to tighten loose skin include green tea, avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, fatty fish, bright vegetables, leafy greens, berries, cucumber, natural yogurt, tomatoes, beets, citrus fruits, hot peppers, and cabbage.
These foods contain nutrients that keep your skin hydrated, boost collagen production, and anti-inflammatory properties.
A complete lifestyle change is the best bet at ensuring you retain skin elasticity.
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