The Free Press Journal

Natural ways to tighten

Loose skin after pregnancy

- AMRITHA K

Pregnancy affects your body in several ways, and your skin too takes the hit. While most of these changes go away after delivery, some, such as loose skin, stay on. Sagging skin over the tummy might take some time to vanish. This is because the muscles in that area tend to stretch well during pregnancy to protect the growing foetus.

That is, as the baby grows in size inside a mother’s uterus, her body, especially the lower abdominal area, breasts and buttocks expand. The stretching of skin at a rapid rate may cause the skin to lose its elasticity, thereby becoming loose and saggy after the childbirth. Some natural ways can help tighten the loose skin and do not forget; your body just went through a major transition - give yourself some time.

Drink (a little bit more) water regularly

One simple and important remedy to treat sagging skin is to increase the intake of water. Ensure that you drink plenty of water before and after childbirth, as water boosts your skin elasticity and prevents sagging. Water also elevates your metabolic rate and allows you to burn more fat.

2 In your efforts to tighten loose stomach skin after pregnancy, you should try to build your body muscles. Increase in muscles can tighten the skin automatica­lly. Consuming protein-enriched food can help build muscles and supply your body with essential nutrients essential for your body, especially after giving birth. Include foods such as beans, seafood, lean meats, eggs, and soy products.

Eat more protein 3 Use body massage oils/lotions

Get a messaging lotion that has the goodness of collagen and vitamins K, A, E, and C, as these are very effective in tightening the skin on the belly, especially after pregnancy. They also improve the circulatio­n of blood throughout the belly area. Message twice every day to get the best results. You can also use body oils such as plant-based oil with antioxidan­t content and anti-inflammato­ry properties, such as almond oil, to help with stretch marks.

4 Try strength training

You should take up strength training as your regular exercise, as it helps to firm your skin as well as benefits in preventing sagging skin. Strength training stimulates muscular contractio­n, which helps build strength, further helping generate new cells and tissues in the body. Some easy strength training exercises include sit-ups and push-ups, yoga, planks (not that easy), or join a Pilates class.

5 Do cardio exercises

You can try doing cardiovasc­ular exercises at least 3 to 5 days in a week for tightening the loose skin around your tummy. Doing cardio exercises such as swimming, brisk walking, riding a bike, jogging etc. can help tone your muscles and burn fat. You can talk to your physical instructor about the exercises and their duration.

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Exfoliatin­g can help tighten your skin and maintain firmness. The saggy skin in the belly area and breast can be managed with exfoliatin­g the area with a scrub. Scrubbing not only helps to remove dead cells, but it also aids to boost the blood circulatio­n in the body.

The changes that your body undergoes during pregnancy are nothing to be ashamed of or be concerned about - it is natural. However, if you wish to get rid of some that sagging skin, try out these steps and/or talk to your doctor if there is a need for surgery to remove the excess skin.

Exfoliate your skin

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