Weight loss is the ultimate goal of being healthy. Weight loss will provide more health benefits if weight loss is achieved healthily. But, what happens to the skin’s health, texture, and elasticity after weight loss? Weight loss will impact skin health. In this blog, we will explore the changes in the skin after weight loss and a few strategies or methods to retain its texture.

Understanding skin and health

Skin is the largest organ in the body and its major function is to protect inner cells and tissues from external dust, pathogens, UV rays, toxins and the environment. Skin is recognised for its elasticity and flexibility. It extends and grows when humans develop and gain weight. The skin consists of three layers: 

• Epidermis
• Dermis
• Hypodermis

Epidermis: The Epidermis is the skin’s primary layer, composed of keratinocytes and melanocytes. It defends the organism from external substances, preserves moisture and generates new skin cells.

Dermis: The dermis is the skin’s middle layer and it is composed of connective tissue, capillaries, hair follicles, sebaceous glands and apocrine (sweat) glands. It supports and strengthens the skin while also regulating body temperature. 

Hypodermis: The basal layer of the skin. The other name for hypodermis is subcutaneous tissue. It comprises fat, connective tissue, nerves and larger blood vessels. It is responsible for protecting muscles and internal organs and stores fat cells for energy. 

Relationship between weight and skin

Skin expands during weight gain to adapt for increased growth. Skin loses its elasticity and it stretches and changes its texture naturally to accommodate excess weight loss. 

Other factors that influence skin texture or elasticity are 

• Age
• Genetics
• Amount and rate of weight loss
• Loss of muscle mass
• Sun exposure and
• Smoking.

Skin health is affected by physiological challenges including collagen production, skin elasticity and hydration. Weight loss affects these factors based on the weight reduction method and rate of weight loss.

Areas commonly affected by weight loss include the abdomen, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, breasts, face, neck, jawline and neck area leading to an aged appearance despite the health benefits of weight loss. 

Role of collagen and elastin

Collagen and elastin are vital proteins responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. Skin’s elasticity and firmness are impacted by weight loss. Weight changes can affect the rate of collagen and elastin produced by the body, resulting in loose skin and wrinkles. 

Collagen is the protein that gives skin firmness and structure to tissues. Collagen keeps skin away from sagging and it provides a youthful look to the skin. Loss of collagen is commonly seen in older people, so the skin on the cheeks and neck looks saggy.

Elastin is the protein that provides elasticity to the skin, where the skin stretches and recoils as needed. Elastin’s role is to stretch and come back to normal. 

The prevention of collagen and elastin loss will help maintain a youthful appearance. Weight gain will alter the structure of and damage the collagen and elastin proteins. Thus, after weight loss, it is harder for collagen and elastin to contract and retain its shape.

Effects of weight loss on skin health

Weight loss may have a variety of impacts on skin health and vitality. After weight loss, collagen and elastin composition gets altered, thus changes skin firmness and structure. Sudden and rapid weight loss is also stressful to the skin. When weight loss is too quick, fat cells also shrink faster when compared to the skin. Skin takes time to adapt to the sudden weight loss. So the skin looks aged, loose and saggy.

Weight loss generally also has positive effects on skin health, such as reduction in acne and any other skin disorders, improved circulation and nutrient delivery. Weight loss aids in the reduction of excess oil production, resulting in fewer breakouts and acne. 

Tips to avoid loose skin

There are some methods to avoid skin loosening after weight loss.

• To lose weight slowly
• Improve nutrition
• Prioritising fitness
• Stay hydrated
• Medical approach

1. Gradual weight loss: Losing weight gradually will help to prevent loose skin more than rapid weight loss. Ideal weight loss per week is about 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 – 1kg). The Gradual weight loss methods will help prevent loss of muscle mass, and prevent sagging skin.  

2. Improve nutrition: To start a weight loss journey, following a proper diet and fitness will be more helpful in maintaining skin health. Concentrating on portion control is an important strategy in nutrition. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial in the weight loss journey to maintain skin health. Eating foods rich in vitamins C, A and E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids plays a vital role in stimulating collagen production, and skin repair. Including a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds will help get the nutrients that support skin health. 

3. Prioritising fitness: Regular strength training exercises are an effective tool to build muscle mass for weight loss persons. Engaging in weight training exercises focused on muscle toning decreases the appearance of loose skin if the cause of sagging skin is weight loss. Regular workouts and activities help people build muscle mass.

4. Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is critical for avoiding excessive loose skin after weight loss and maintaining skin moisture and elasticity. Water requirements may vary from person to person based on climate, age and activity.

5. Medical approach: Before initiating any treatment, make sure to speak with a healthcare provider or dermatologist about your post-weight loss difficulties or skin concerns. Saggy skin can be treated using both surgical and non-surgical medical treatments. Non-invasive (surgical) procedures that target collagen such as radiofrequency treatment and ultrasound treatment, can help to reduce sagging skin, but not to reduce weight.

Conclusion

Weight loss has both positive and negative effects on skin health. To witness the successful weight loss experience, it is important to understand the cause of weight loss and manage the impact of weight loss on skin health and vitality, which contributes to physical and emotional well-being. Different weight loss approaches will be suitable for different persons. While following a holistic approach, it is possible to achieve weight loss gradually and to enhance skin health.  


Vishnupriya S,
Clinical Dietitian, Simplyweight