Is sagging skin an inevitable part of weight loss? Not necessarily. Here’s what you need to do to prevent it before it starts.
So many things can contribute to loose skin, you may feel like you don’t have a chance against it. Sagging or “crepey” skin is a common side effect from large amounts of weight loss, but can also show up if you’re just losing a few pounds in the typical “problem areas” like the abs, legs, or glutes. It’s also related to aging, sun exposure, and hormonal fluctuations.
It may feel like the cards are stacked against you, but loose skin doesn’t have to be part of your story! By taking a proactive approach to nutrition and skin fitness, you can maintain firm, healthy skin and target loose areas when they develop. Here’s how.
Prioritize Nutrients for Overall Skin Health
The first supplement most people think of when it comes to skin health is collagen. And there’s nothing wrong with that! Steel Collagen contains numerous important amino acids and nutrients that can help boost skin elasticity, in addition to boosting your overall protein intake. It’s also flavorless and mixes well in smoothies. So definitely keep it in the rotation!
But along with the collagen you take, it’s important to prioritize nutrients that support overall skin health and boost your body’s natural collagen production. Well-hydrated, nourished skin will be firmer, less wrinkled, and more resilient against sagging.
These nutrients include:
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Vitamin A (beta-carotene): Powerful antioxidant for skin health
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Vitamin C: Boosts collagen production and skin hydration
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Vitamin D3: Prevents skin damage and premature aging
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Vitamin E: Improves circulation, protects against free radicals
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Biotin: Metabolizes fatty acids, maintains skin health
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Proteoglycan: A component of cartilage, to support growth & healing of skin and connective tissue
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Resveratrol: A potent polyphenol supporting cellular health and protecting against free radical damage
Use Topicals Consistently During Weight Loss
You might be tempted to think that skin-tightening topical creams like Abs of Steel Fat-Burning Cream and Buns of Steel Cellulite Reduction Cream are only for people who are already super-lean and looking to make their muscles “pop” for a photo shoot. Basically, for dialing in the final touches on a physique. But these creams can also be a crucial part of your long-term, consistent approach to fat-loss.
SteelFit athlete, gym owner, and weight loss coach Quinta Ekong has been using Abs of Steel regularly since 2019, and says it’s been “hands-down” her favorite tool for maintaining skin firmness through a 50-pound weight loss journey.
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“What was different about Abs of Steel than other creams was that it didn’t burn, didn’t smell weird, and the more I consistently used it, the more it helped me worked towards my goals,” Ekong says.
The recommended way of using Abs of Steel is twice per day for at least 4 weeks, to maximize the absorption of its active ingredient, CoAxel®. This approach is backed up by a study where people applied 5% CoAxel twice daily for 28 days. Over that time, 50% more subcutaneous fat was released, and hypodermis (skin) thickness decreased by 8.2%. That’s a difference you can see!
To help her remember to use Abs of Steel, Ekong recommends getting your first application as early as possible each day.
“First thing in the morning, after I’ve taken my pre-workout mix, I’m rubbing Abs of Steel on my tummy and also wrapping up with the neoprene waist trimmer,” she says. “This combo helps me chase the sweat, the endorphins, and the ‘after’ feeling. There’s just something about unwrapping velcro at the end of your workout and watching sweat pour out. I personally love Abs of Steel and don’t see myself stopping using it anytime soon!”
Give Yourself Time
Numerous studies have concluded that losing weight slowly and gradually is a healthier, more successful approach than rapid weight loss. Aside from simply feeling better, the benefits of a long-term approach over “crash diets” include:
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Less risk of weight re-gain
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Greater fat loss, less muscle loss
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Improved metabolic health & resting metabolic rate
Ekong says she found that a similarly patient, long-term approach to skin health also helped her ride the waves that come with weight loss.
“Skin stretches. Skin changes. Skin evolves,” she says. “I’ve heard so many times that if you lose a lot of weight, your skin will definitely be saggy. Well, I’ve lost 50 lbs and there’s no sagginess. It’s not inevitable. How you approach that part of your fitness journey matters!”
