Loose skin?

xkime
xkime Posts: 35 Member
edited December 3 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey guys! I've got a few questions about loose skin I'd love to ask.

I'm 20 years old and have about 50-60 lbs to lose. I'm covered in stretch marks from gaining weight (I weigh 202 now at my highest). I was wondering if because I have stretch marks if I'd be more prone to lose skin after weight loss, and how to prevent that? I certainly want to avoid it. I've bought a firming cream, but I'm not sure if that'll help or make it worse?

Any input is much appreciated! Thank you!

Replies

  • mecoconleche
    mecoconleche Posts: 86 Member
    It depends on your genetics, age, and obviously how bad the damage is. So there is no way to tell, drop at a reasonable weight and give it time. Also don't confuse leftover fat with loose skin, skin, skin is as thick as the back of your hand
  • xkime
    xkime Posts: 35 Member
    Thank you!
  • sweetilemon
    sweetilemon Posts: 122 Member
    If you try keep toning your muscles while losing it can help a lot.
  • LisaKay91
    LisaKay91 Posts: 211 Member
    Keeping your skin moisturized definitely will not hurt! Stretch marks doesn't necessarily mean you'll always have loose skin... a few of my friends gain and lost a bit of weight (50+) with pregnancy and while they do have stretch marks their loose skin is minimal. Strength training can help minimalize the look of loose skin. I think it's a more prevalent issue when there is 100+ pounds to lose. (Not saying 50-60= no loose skin but it may not be as dramatic as losing 2x that amount)
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I've gotten stretch marks as I gained weight but never loose skin as I lost weight. I always lost weight relatively slowly, and exercised as I did so. I'm down 50 pounds from my peak weight.
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    Within limits determined by your age and genetics, your skin should be elastic enough to regain its shape after a "reasonable" amount of weightloss but, unfortunately, there will be some cases where the skin cannot make up the difference on it's own - - ever watch The Biggest Loser? -- and the only way to tighten the skin would be via plastic surgery.

    Of course, surgery should be the last resort but if you've given you body time to adapt to the weight loss and an acceptable degree of skin tautness has not returned, surgery would probably be your only recourse short of gaining the weight back again, which obviously would not be a desireable option.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    was at 204 am now 160. Had stretch marks from before. Good news is no loose skin.
  • huntersmom2016
    huntersmom2016 Posts: 185 Member
    You have age to your advantage. Younger skin is more resilient. And like others have said, tone/strength training and moisturize. I think you'll be fine
  • xkime
    xkime Posts: 35 Member
    Thank you guys! That definitely helps! :) I'm feeling so much better about this!
  • DebSozo
    DebSozo Posts: 2,578 Member
    There is no better time than now. You are young and skin is resilient. Don't wait any longer. A lot of people wish that they had started losing weight as young as you.
  • flrancho
    flrancho Posts: 271 Member
    29 now and it's been about 2 years since I started loosing. I've been doing recomp for about 6 months now. Lost about 130 lbs. Unfortunately I have a lot of loose skin on my breasts and inner thighs - I know it's coming on my belly and underarms. I'm not happy about it, but there's nothing I can do until I get to my desired body fat percentage and try to save money for surgery.
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