Loose skin is a common concern that affects most of us to some degree. It can happen to men and women of all skin types and at any age. Even worse, loose skin is notoriously difficult to reverse. Loose skin refers to the loss of elasticity in the skin which can be caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin that make up healthy, firm skin cells and can happen anywhere on the body. The most common areas for loose skin are the face, jawline, neck, abdomen, upper arms and inner thighs.
The biggest causes of loose skin are aging and significant changes in weight. As we age, our body’s natural production of collagen and elastin declines, which inevitably results in looser skin. Significant weight loss or weight gain, including pregnancy, can cause loose skin as the collagen and elastin fibers within the skin break down and cannot be repaired. Exercise, over-the-counter topicals are two ways that can help tighten and firm loose skin, however, these methods alone may not be enough. Professional aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, ultrasound therapy, radiofrequency therapy and other combination treatments can greatly improve the appearance of loose skin. These treatments are non-invasive and require minimal to no downtime, making them ideal for those who want effective, skin tightening results without committing to surgery.