Being pregnant is a life-altering experience that every woman must undergo. The excitement of holding your newborn in your arms is unexplainable; however, like every other joyful moment, there are certain unwanted physical side effects that come with this journey.
One of the things that most women who have just delivered a baby worry about is loose skin. During pregnancy, your body expands and gets ready to accommodate the growing baby in your womb. As a result of rapid growth and the stretching of the skin, there is a high chance that the skin will lose its elasticity and firmness.
However, this is not a situation to panic over; in fact, there are several natural methods that work wonders to tighten loose skin post-pregnancy and restore it to the desired degree of firmness.
9 Natural Ways to Tighten Loose Skin After Pregnancy
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Hydration is the cure for all bad things that happen to your skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body’s healing process so that your skin can naturally tighten.
Make it a point to have at least 8-10 glasses of water each day. If you are breastfeeding, it is even more important that you keep yourself hydrated. Drinking extra water during this phase is not an exaggeration; it is a must. You can also have cucumbers, oranges, and watermelons to further boost your water levels.
Related: How Much Water Should A Pregnant Woman Drink?
2. Massage Your Skin
Massaging your body also does wonders in improving blood circulation, collagen production, and elasticity. You can apply natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil, as these oils have the ability to improve circulation and boost the healing process.
Oils are a blessing for the skin; they not only provide hydration but also essential nutrients that help in repairing damaged skin. Massaging the skin with any of these oils will allow it to heal faster. Apply the oil on your skin and massage gently for 10-15 minutes every day.
You can also use a firming body lotion to massage the skin. Lotions with skin renewal ingredients like retinol or peptides can help your skin produce collagen.
3. Exercise and Strengthen Your Muscles
Exercising after delivery helps tighten your skin as it tones and strengthens your muscles. The more you exercise and train your muscles, the more likely your skin will feel tighter. Exercises that focus on toning and tightening the abdominal, thigh, and arm muscles are a great way to help tighten loose skin.
Perform yoga, pilates, and weight training as these are great for toning and tightening the body. Try to engage in postpartum exercises such as pelvic tilts, squats, crunches, lunges, leg lifts, etc., that target the abdominal muscles to help tone your core. Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling are great options for burning calories and keeping the body active and toned.
It is important to consult your doctor before starting a workout or exercise routine, especially if you had a c-section or if there were any complications during pregnancy.
Related:15 Fun Ways to Exercise with Baby, Post-Pregnancy
4. Eat Skin-Healthy Foods
Your diet plays a crucial role in your body’s ability to heal and recover. Opting for healthy foods that promote tightening skin is crucial for maintaining elasticity. Keep your diet well-balanced and include foods that are enriched with collagen production stimulants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Eat foods that are high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers.
Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts are great sources.
Eat zinc-rich foods like beans, nuts, and whole grains.
Include foods that stimulate collagen production like bone broth, egg whites, and dark leafy greens.
Drinking herbal teas is also an option, as certain herbal teas have antioxidants that benefit your skin.
5. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
The sun and your skin are not always friends. Prolonged sun exposure can damage your skin and make it even harder for it to regain its shape and firmness.
When your skin is recovering and still a little weak from pregnancy and delivery, it is important to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun. Always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before you step out of the house.
The UV rays emitted by the sun can burn and damage your skin, which is the last thing you want when your skin is trying to heal. You can also use a hat to cover your skin from direct sun rays.
Avoid excessive sun exposure, as it will only damage your skin. Make sure to use SPF sunscreen to protect your skin before stepping out.
Related:15 Things I Wish Somebody Had Told Me About C-Sections
6. Try Dry Brushing
Dry brushing your skin before showering is an exfoliation technique that can help loosen dead skin cells. It is believed that dry brushing improves circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, and aids in the tightening of the skin.
It is also known to increase blood flow to the skin’s surface, which can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin—two important proteins that make the skin firm and tight.
Dry brushing your skin with a natural bristle brush is one of the best methods to help tighten loose skin. Start from your feet and make circular motions, moving upwards.
Focus on areas where the skin is most loose, such as the belly, thighs, and arms. Brush gently for about 5-10 minutes, then proceed to shower. After showering, use a nourishing body lotion or body oil to hydrate your skin.
Related: How To Take Care Of Yourself As A Mom
7. Consider Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has a number of healing properties and is very helpful in stimulating collagen production. Apply fresh aloe vera gel on loose skin to restore elasticity and moisture. It can be applied topically, or there are aloe vera-based creams and lotions available for use.
Extract the gel from the aloe vera plant and apply it to the loose skin. Let the gel sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this process once or twice a day. The cooling effects of aloe vera also soothe your skin in case of any irritation or discomfort.
8. Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting good sleep is as important for your skin as it is for your overall well-being. While you sleep, your body goes into healing mode, repairing and regenerating cells and tissues, including skin. Sleeping for 7-9 hours every night will help restore your skin’s tone and firmness.
Lack of sleep also has a number of negative effects on your skin, such as sagging and dryness. Skin regenerates while you sleep, so it is crucial that you aim for 7-9 hours of rest each night. Sleep also regulates hormones in the body, which can help improve skin health.
Related:10 Types of Housework Pregnant Women Should Avoid
9. Use Natural Firming Masks
You can use several natural ingredients to create face and body masks that help tighten loose skin. These masks not only improve skin texture but also boost collagen production and help tighten the skin. Some ingredients you can use for skin-tightening masks are:
Honey and lemon mask: Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for tightening skin. Honey has moisturizing and healing properties. Combine two tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of lemon juice, apply it to your skin, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Egg white mask: Egg whites are known for their protein and tightening properties. Whip a single egg white and apply the frothy mixture to areas of loose skin. Allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Avocado mask: Avocados are packed with healthy fats and vitamins that help hydrate the skin and improve elasticity. Mash half an avocado and apply it to your skin. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Final Thoughts
Having loose skin after pregnancy is perfectly normal, so don’t panic. There are plenty of natural, effective methods to help tighten your loose skin and regain the skin tone and firmness you’ve been seeking.
All it takes is time, patience, and consistency with your skincare and exercise routine. Be kind to yourself and allow time for your skin to heal and return to a state of comfort for you.
If you still feel like your skin is not recovering or is not responding to these methods, it is a good idea to get in touch with a dermatologist or skincare professional to see if there are other options you can try.
Save the pin for later
