woman with ageing skin smiling

6 Ways to Help Prevent Loose and Saggy Skin

Explore effective ways to help tighten loose and saggy skin.

What's in this article:

What Is Loose and Saggy Skin?

Loose skin can develop due to aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition and sun exposure. As Collagen and Elastin levels decrease as you get older, the skin can lose its firmness, which may lead to sagging on areas of the body. 

While this is a natural process, there are ways to help tighten the skin over time. By exploring a combination of skincare, healthy eating and exercise, the skin may appear firmer and smoother. 

Skin tightening methods vary by body area due to differences in skin thickness, elasticity, and exposure. Facial skin is thinner and more delicate, while body skin is thicker and so requires a different skincare approach. 

Why Does the Skin Become Loose?

Loose skin develops when the body loses its natural elasticity. This happens when Collagen and Elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm, break down over time with age. As a result, saggy skin may appear on the face, neck, stomach, arms, and thighs.  

Here are some factors that can contribute to loose and saggy skin: 
Young woman using Luminous630 Anti-stretch mark Body Oil Serum
1
Weight Loss:

Losing weight too quickly can leave behind loose skin, especially on the stomach. The skin stretches to accommodate extra weight, and if it doesn’t shrink back, it can sag.

2
Aging:

As the body ages, it produces less Collagen and Elastin, essential proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin. This natural decline can result in skin becoming loose and less firm, particularly in areas such as the arms, abdomen, and thighs.

3
Pregnancy:

The skin stretches significantly during pregnancy, and in some cases, it does not fully tighten after childbirth, leading to saggy stomach skin and pregnancy stretch marks.

4
Lifestyle Habits That Can Affect the Skin:

Factors like dehydration, excessive sun exposure, smoking, and a lack of nutrients can weaken the skin, making it more prone to sagging.

sun cream

6 Ways to Help Prevent Loose and Saggy Skin

Certain lifestyle choices can help slow down skin sagging and promote a firmer appearance. Applying the following 6 habits can help to prevent loose and saggy skin:

1

Using sunscreen daily helps prevent saggy skin by protecting it from UV damage, which can break down Collagen and Elastin. Regularly use sun protection adapted to your skin and the intensity of UV rays. Try the NIVEA Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF 50+ with immediate UV protection against short & long-term UV damages.

2

Getting enough sleep supports Collagen production and skin repair, promoting a firmer, more youthful appearance. It is recommended to sleep for 7 hours or more per night, as sleeping less can make the skin appear saggier. 

3

Building muscle through strength training helps tighten saggy skin, especially around the stomach, by making the skin appear tighter and improving overall tone. 

4

Managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation may play a role in preventing Collagen and Elastin degradation. These proteins are essential for keeping the skin firm, reducing the risk of sagging skin. 

5

Keeping a stable weight helps prevents the skin from sagging and stretching, which can also result in stretch marks. 

6

Maintaining a healthy diet with nutrient-rich foods can support skin elasticity and firmness. Focus on Collagen-boosting foods and Antioxidants, while staying hydrated to keep the skin plump and resilient. 

Young woman using Protect & Moisture Lotion spf50+, 400ml

Diet Tips to Help Keep Skin Firm and Tight

Certain foods may help improve skin resistance and elasticity, but their effects are not always scientifically proven, and studies are needed to confirm their impact on the skin. Here are 4 dietary tips to help improve loose and saggy skin:
1
Collagen-Boost

Foods like broth, fish, eggs, and leafy greens support Collagen production, help to improve skin firmness and reduce sagging by enhancing skin structure. If you're considering taking collagen supplements, it's important to note that Collagen is broken down by the stomach and intestines before being absorbed. You should therefore choose foods or supplements that boost Collagen rather than those containing Collagen.

2
Hydration

Drinking enough water keeps the skin hydrated and helps to prevent the feeling of dehydrated skin. Hydration promotes elasticity and plumpness, which can help to reduce the appearance of saggy skin. 
 
Aim to drink 2.7 litres (women) or 3.7 litres (men) of water daily, increasing intake in hot weather or with sun exposure to keep skin healthy and appearing firmer. 

3
Protein

Getting enough protein supports Collagen production and muscle growth, helping to rebuild skin and tissue, tightening loose skin and improving its tone. 

On average adults need around 0.75g of protein per kilo of body weight, per day. For women this is around 45g and 55g for men per day. 

However, most people in European countries already consume too much protein, mainly of animal origin. Too much meat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and too much protein should be avoided, especially by the elderly or those with kidney problems.

4
Healthy Fats

Sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil help nourish the skin by improving its elasticity and hydration. These fats support the skin’s natural barrier, helping to prevent moisture loss and keeping the appearance of firm and supple skin.

How To Tighten Loose Skin

Facts Overview

Causes:  Aging, weight loss, pregnancy, and some lifestyle habits may break down Collagen and Elastin, leading to sagging. 

Body vs. Face Treatments: Body skin is thicker and benefits from deep hydration, whereas facial skin is delicate and responds best to gentle care like SPF protection and firming creams. 

Effective Ingredients to Look For: Ingredients such as Antioxidants (like Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin C), Hyaluronic Acid, Folic Acid and Bakuchiol can support to tighten and firm the skin. 

Prevention and Care: Sunscreen, stress management, sleep, and strength training can help maintain firm, youthful skin.

How to Help Tighten Saggy Skin on The Face

The skin on your face is thinner and more delicate than the skin on your body, making it more vulnerable to factors like UV exposure, pollution, and the natural effects of aging. These factors can lead to a loss of firmness and elasticity over time, causing wrinkles, fine lines and sagging. Here are 4 ways that can help tighten the skin on your face:
1
Facial Exercises

Regular facial exercises can help tone and firm the muscles beneath the skin, improving elasticity and reducing sagging.

2
Moisturise Your Face

Keeping your skin hydrated with a good moisturiser helps maintain elasticity and plumpness, helping to reduce the appearance of loose skin.

3
Firming Face Creams

A firming face cream tightens loose skin by boosting Collagen production, improving elasticity, and providing hydration to reduce sagging and enhance firmness.

4
Face Sunscreen

Daily use of sunscreen helps protect the skin from UV damage, preventing further Collagen breakdown and maintaining skin firmness.

face cream

Discover NIVEA’s Cellular Expert Filler Range

To help maintain a healthy, youthful look and support long-term skin firmness, try NIVEA’s Cellular Expert Filler range with Pure Folic and Hyaluronic Acids. A game-changer for your anti-aging routine, specially developed to target visible signs of aging and enhance skin renewal.

The range's formulas contain powerful active ingredients, like Hyaluronic Acid, known for effectively filling wrinkles, smoothing skin, and delivering intense hydration. As well as Folic Acid, which helps fill skin cells with new lift and supports the repair of skin’s bounce fibres*, for a visibly firmer and plumper appearance. Whether you’re looking to boost your skin's elasticity, improve hydration, or smooth fine lines, NIVEA’s Cellular Expert Filler works with your skin’s natural biology to support rejuvenation at the cellular level, promoting a radiant, youthful complexion every day. 

*tested on skin cells
NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Range
NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Range

NIVEA Skin Firming On The Body

The skin on your body is thicker and more robust than the delicate skin on your face, yet it’s susceptible to factors like weight fluctuations and environmental stress. This makes body skin more prone to losing firmness and elasticity over time. Here are 2 ways NIVEA can help tighten the skin:

1. Use Firming Creams

Using firming creams can help tighten loose skin by boosting elasticity and supporting the skin's natural firmness. With ingredients like Vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10 and Hyaluronic Acid, these creams can provide deep hydration and nourishment, leaving the skin feeling smoother and firmer over time. 

For deep skin nourishment and long-lasting hydration, try the NIVEA Q10 Firming Milk Body Lotion. Enriched with a Collagen Boost Complex, which contains pure Q10 and Vitamin C, it gives skin a firmer, more elastic feel.  With 72-hour moisture, this lotion deeply nourishes, whilst visibly improving skin firmness. 

*Complex tested in vitro
NIVEA Q10 Firming Body Lotion

2. Skin Tightening and Energising

To maintain plump looking skin and help prevent dry skin, energise the skin with a revitalising cream to help boost firmness and help restore a toned, refreshed appearance. 

The NIVEA Q10 Firming and Energising Body Serum Lotion combines our highest Q10 concentration with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, to provide visible firmness and a revitalising skin feeling. Its unique texture lightly melts into your skin for long-lasting hydration and energised skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and smooth. This milk serum offers the perfect balance of deep moisture and energising care, making it an ideal choice to give your skin a firmer appearance.
Q10 Firming Body Serum Lotion

Discover NIVEA’s Body Lotion Range

Keeping your skin hydrated and nourished is essential for maintaining its health, radiance, and firmness. NIVEA’s body lotion range is designed to provide deep moisture and long-lasting care, helping to protect and strengthen your skin barrier while also working to tighten loose skin. With a variety of formulas to suit different skin types and needs, whether you prefer fast-absorbing, lightweight hydration or rich, intensive nourishment, NIVEA makes body care both effective and indulgent. From soothing sensitive skin to enhancing your natural glow and helping to improve skin elasticity, NIVEA offers body lotion to help keep your skin smooth, supple, and visibly firmer every day. 
Body Lotion
Young woman using Nivea Body Milk Firming

Summary

Loose and saggy skin is natural, caused by several factors. To help the appearance, try to incorporate Collagen-boosting and protein-rich foods, stay hydrated, and use products containing ingredients such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Q10 and Bakuchiol. Healthy habits like applying sunscreen, sleep, and stress management also help maintain skin firmness. With consistency, combining skincare, nutrition, and exercises, the skin may be restored to feeling firmer, looking smoother and appearing healthier.

FAQs

What is the cause of sagging skin?

Sagging skin happens primarily due to the decline of Collagen and Elastin as we age, two vital proteins that give your skin its structure and bounce.

Can you tighten loose skin?

There are a variety of methods to help tighten loose skin, some of which include diet and muscle- strengthening exercises, creams and lotions which can also help the appearance of loose skin.  However, the results will depend on why your skin is loose and the severity of the sagging. In some cases, cosmetic surgery is the only way to completely tighten the skin. Sagging skin with age is natural and difficult to avoid. It can, however, be limited by a healthy lifestyle.

Does massage help loose skin?

Massaging can help improve skin elasticity by improving blood circulation and by promoting the supply of nutrients to skin cells.

Can swimming tighten loose skin?

While swimming's great for overall fitness, it alone might not tighten loose skin. You should combine it with strength training and nutrition for optimal results.

Is loose skin reversible?

The best approach depends on the cause and severity of the sagging. In some cases, with consistency and patience, it’s possible to improve skin firmness at home through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and the use of firming skincare products with massage. For more pronounced sagging, or if these methods prove ineffective, it may be worth consulting a specialist for aesthetic treatments.

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