It’s February, and if you have been sticking to your new year's resolution to hit the gym and lose weight, you may be noticing some stretch marks or loose skin. Never fear; Dermaclara is here to help you continue your “new year, new me” journey.

What Causes Loose Skin After Weight Loss?

Loose skin after weight loss is due to carrying extra weight for an extended amount of time. Collagen and elastin are broken down and damaged under such conditions. Collagen produces fibroblasts and helps maintain firmness and structure. Elastin does what it sounds like and provides elasticity. When collagen and elastin break down, it harms the ability of the skin to bounce back, which is why the skin sags.

Loose, sagging skin is even more likely after rapid weight loss. It is especially common for people who undergo bariatric surgery, or gastric bypass, a weight-loss surgery that involves making changes to the digestive system to assist weight loss. Sometimes these procedures create excess loose stomach skin.

Age also affects whether loose skin will develop during weight loss because as skin ages, elastin, and collagen degrade. These two proteins are vital to the health and bounce of your skin. Below are other factors that negatively affect elastin and collagen.

• Cigarette smoke
• UV exposure
• Alcohol
• Poor diet
• Genetics

Do Stretch Marks Mean Loose Skin After Weight Loss?

Unfortunately, it is highly likely that stretch marks will lead to saggy skin after weight loss. According to Dr. Constance Chen, when you see stretch marks, “it’s much more likely that significant weight loss will result in loose, hanging skin.” Stretch marks are a sign of the skin stretching beyond the limit and the elastin and collagen rupturing, so it is no wonder that weight loss stretch marks lead to loose skin.

Does Collagen Help With Loose Skin After Weight Loss?

Before we answer, let’s get into the details behind collagen. Collagen is the most important structural protein that helps to strengthen skin cells. It is often referred to as the body’s scaffolding because it essentially holds the skin, muscles, bones, and tissues together. Collagen, along with elastin, helps smooth and plump the skin. Unfortunately, as we age, collagen breaks down, and the production of new collagen slows. We have also discussed that carrying excess weight also damages collagen and elastin. So, what now? The good news is that collagen and elastin can be boosted and employed to help with loose skin after weight loss. Read on for skin tightening solutions below. 

How To Avoid Loose Skin After Weight Loss

The way to avoid loose skin after weight loss is to prevent stretch marks and any rapid weight change. Below we break down some tips you should make into daily habits. The more you take care of yourself now, the more you benefit in the long run.

Monitor Your Weight

Rapid weight gain and loss can lead to stretch marks, that includes muscle. Safely monitoring your weight helps you stay aware of your body and any developing stretch marks.

Stay Hydrate

Healthy, hydrated skin is stretchy, soft, flexible, and more capable of accommodating change. The recommended intake of water for women is 72 ounces. So, fill that water bottle up and keep returning to the water station. Unfortunately, caffeine increases the risk of stretch marks, so balance the coffee with water.

Safe Sun Exposure

Research suggests that healthy levels of Vitamin D, through sun exposure, help reduce the risk of stretch marks. So apply sunscreen and soak up some Vitamin D.

Nutritious Diet

Prioritize skin-health-boosting foods packed with vitamins C, D, E, and Zinc. Opt for unprocessed foods and eat colorful foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, eggs, etc.).

Can You Tighten Skin After Weight Loss Naturally?

There are a number of procedures out there that claim to tighten your skin. Below are common solutions you will find as you search the internet.

Chemical Peels

Even though chemical peels do not promote the production of collagen, they have been shown to improve the appearance of the skin and can help with sagging.

Laser Treatment

A dermatologist uses heat lasers to penetrate deep into the skin to boost collagen production. Laser treatment is often used for skin tightening. Results will appear two to six months after the last treatment. Dermatologists recommend at least three to five treatments.

Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators help with skin elasticity or skin laxity and are often used to target wrinkles like “turkey neck.” The most common neuromodulator is Botox.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency can be non-invasive or invasive. The non-invasive treatment uses a device on the skin to heat the tissue beneath, which helps encourage collagen production. The invasive treatment involves tiny needles inserted into the skin so that the heat is applied more directly to the areas that need a collagen boost.

Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds are noninvasive procedures that use heat to produce collagen. Multiple treatments are required to see substantial results.

These procedures vary in cost and can be invasive. If you glanced at that list and found yourself recoiling please do not freak out. We have a solution for you that doesn’t require any invasive heat needles or powerful lasers. You can boost collagen and elastin production naturally! 

Ways To Tighten Skin After Weight Loss

The best way to tighten loose skin after weight loss is Dermaclara. Dermaclara is NOT another scary procedure! Dermaclara is NOT another empty promise cream or ointment that promises to magically solve all your problems! Dermaclara IS the real solution to wrinkles, fine lines, stretch marks, and sagging skin.

The reality is that most anti-aging, collagen-boosting products are lying. The molecular weight of collagen makes it nearly impossible to penetrate the epidermis. So, topical creams, ointments, and serums only sit on the surface of the skin and never drop deep enough to spark collagen production.

This is why Dermaclara is so unique. Dermaclara relies on what is already there, strengthening the skin from the inside out. Our SILICONEFUSION patches create a microclimate that naturally heals the skin of any imperfections. The medical-grade silicone pulls moisture to the upper levels of the epidermis and boosts collagen and elastin production. The result is bouncy, firm after just one use.

Step 1: Prep the Area

Begin by cleaning the area with a cleanser. We recommend Claraprep because it is soft and gentle but clears dirt, sweat, and makeup effectively.

Step 2: Apply Dermaclara Silicone Patches

Apply the forehead, eye, mouth, neck, or chest silicone patches. Our patches are versatile, so feel free to place them anywhere you need a boost. Leave them on for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Carefully Remove & Store Dermaclara Silicone Patches

Remove the patches and clean them with Patch Prep. This formula is engineered and designed to re-activate adhesive properties in-between treatments so you get the most out of your patches. Dermaclara patches can be reused 15 - 30 times. Let them dry before reapplying them to the backing card.

Dermaclara is THE cost-efficient, non-invasive, chemical-free, dermatologist-approved solution to loose skin. Your prayers have been answered and Dermaclara is here to help boost collagen and elastin and give you the firm, smooth skin you deserve.