Its not unusual to experience loose skin after shedding a large amount of weight. Many people want to know how to tighten loose skin. Some consider cosmetic surgery to get rid of this excess skin, but there are healthier, less risky options that does not involve going under the knife – and cost much less!

IS IT REALLY LOOSE SKIN?

Some people mistakenly identify small amounts of subcutaneous (stubborn) body fat as loose skin. An easy way to tell the difference is to pinch the area.

If it feels thin and papery, you're dealing with genuine loose skin that needs to be tightened. If it feels thick and soft then you are dealing with stubborn fat that can be shed through diet and exercise.

HOW TO TIGHTEN LOOSE SKIN WITH GEL-V

Collagen and elastin are the main substances in your skin that keep it firm and elastic. Skin care products containing vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E can help to preserve or restore proper levels of both.

Look for products that are free of harsh chemicals, unnatural fragrances and preservatives. Gel-V is currently the best product on the market for tightening up loose skin, effectively helping you to lose inches around your waist. It contains natural ingredients that are healthy for your body.

Here’s a before and after picture of one of my customers seeing amazing results:

You can see many more before/after pictures on my Instagram @VannaBelt.

Gel-V penetrates your skin and works at the cellular level to promote collagen synthesis helping you to firm the skin and improve elasticity.

BUILD AND PRESERVE MUSCLE

Both loose skin and body fat respond well to hypertrophy training, a type of strength training that focuses on increasing muscle size and volume.

Building muscle shreds fat and fills in loose areas to give your whole body a firm, toned appearance. To perform exercises for hypotrophy, you need to lift heavy. Push yourself to use as much weight as you can without sacrificing form. I share some of my favorite workouts on Instagram @VannaBeltWorkouts.

 

Cardiovascular exercise is also important, but overdoing it can cause your body to consume muscle in addition to fat. Aim for a balance between the two types of training, keeping your main focus on increasing muscle mass.

SKIP THE FAD DIETS

Diet programs that claim to be able to make you leaner, tighten up your skin and perform other miracles for your body shape are almost always hype, and some of them can even be dangerous.

The best diet to help with loose skin is the same one that keeps your entire body healthy. Make fruits and vegetables the main players on your plate at every meal, maintain balance with protein-rich legumes and round everything out with small amounts of nuts and seeds.

Flax seed in particular provides omega-3 fatty acids that promote circulation and support skin health.

If you’re not sure how to start a healthy eating regime please check out my V-Guide to a healthy lifestyle. I designed it with the help of a certified nutritionist and it provides tools and tips to help you lose weight and tighten up your midsection.

Support your healthy skin routine with good hydration and ample sleep.

Whether you truly have loose skin or are looking to become leaner overall, these positive habits will transform your body over time. Remember, though, that loose skin isn't harmful in and of itself, and regardless of how your skin looks, what really matters is treating yourself right to maintain lifelong health.

Follow me on Instagram @VannaBelt for daily fitness, diet and beauty tips!