Need recommendations, especially from the ladies!

LilBelieve

I've lost almost 40 pounds now, about halfway to my GW, and I'm starting to notice skin that creased before because of the excess fat doesn't crease anymore. (Major NSV!) However, now I'm left with some pretty deep wrinkles, especially on my back and on my neck from what used to be a double chin. Anyone else have this issue? Any recommendations for good products/creams to help reduce the worst of the lines? I'm only 26 and don't want to have a massive wrinkle down the middle of my neck forever.

saraht131

I don't really know what to suggest so am guessing here - hydrate better? Make sure you're getting enough fat and protein in your diet and do some strength training to maintain muscle mass or increase it.

Hope someone helps you more!

LilBelieve

Thanks for the suggestion! I really think it's more of a skin issue, not a diet one; however, I'd love to hear others' opinions!

ZugTheMegasaurus

Hey, our numbers are about the same (I'm also down about 40 lbs which is halfway) so I thought I'd weigh in on your question. I've noticed some of the same sort of thing, particularly on my breasts (which have always had stretch marks, but since I've lost weight, there are these DEEP long marks, almost like a scar from a serious cut) and I've also noticed some around my mouth and nose (I gained the weight when I was 18-20 though and now I'm 26 so I don't know how much of it is attributable to age).

In any case, the positive thing I've noticed is that the more time that passes, the less obvious they seem to get. When I first noticed them, they were really drastic-looking and had kind of a dark tone to them, but now, they seem to blend in better and have a more normal skin color. The texture difference is still there, but it's less obvious unless I'm looking for it. I've also noticed that all my other stretch marks, which were raised and purple before, have flattened and started turning white instead.

I guess I'd just advise drinking enough water, using moisturizer, and try not to let it freak you out too much. You never know how it's going to change over time.

LilBelieve

Thanks! You have a good point. Maybe I should just be patient. (That is so difficult for me!)

emnk5308

Lots of water! That helps your skin keep its elasticity. Strength training helps tighten too

UsedToBeHusky

I have them on my thighs, arms, and stomach. Not sure what I'm going to do about it yet. So I'm posting here so I can find some suggestions later.

Emancipated_Tai

This sounds weird, but it works:

Tilt your head back.
Open mouth then close.
Repeat.

You should be able to feel the stretch in your chin. Do that often, it should help tighten up that area a little bit.

kadins_momma07

I guess I'd just advise drinking enough water, using moisturizer, and try not to let it freak you out too much. You never know how it's going to change over time.

I'm not having this probelm yet, as I haven't lost that much weight yet...but this is what I was going to suggest too! Staying hydrated with plenty of water is great for your skin. Also, use a moisturizer with collagen and elastin. For a facial moisturizer I've been using a tub of the St. Ives Timeless Skin with Collagen Elastin. I've been putting it on my stomach lately too. I love this stuff!! It's only around $5 too. They also have the body lotion in this. http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=st.+ives+collagen+elastin+moisturizer&category=0|All|matchallany|all+categories.

I'm 24 years old by the way.

mjsamee

have the same problem on my arms and my back, I find that if I dont tone and just do cardio skin doesnt seem to go back into shape as well as when I do the circuit training at the gym which blends cardio and toning, I deff see a difference when I started with avengance and was doing circuit 3 days a week and now I am lucky if I do it once a month...the weight loss has stalled and my skin seems more jiggly maybe its mental????:ohwell: I was told that if you lose weight without a good blend of exercise or no exercise at all you will have a smaller version of the old you....thats what I am starting to see...toning is very important!

TrainingWithTonya

Hydration is a big one, but so is making sure you have a good mix of vitamins and minerals in your diet. Stick with lots of fruits and veggies to get the vitamins and minerals as they are better absorbed by the body. Also, when I was 8 I was bitten by a dog and the plastic surgeon who sewed my face back together recommended vitamin E oil to reduce the scar. I used it regularly when I was pregnant for the stretch marks and don't have any stretch marks, so I think it works well. This got me thinking, though, now that I'm getting older, maybe I should get some more for my crows feet. LOL