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How to Tighten Your Loose Skin After Weight Loss

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How to Tighten Your Loose Skin After Weight Loss

Dropping a lot of weight can leave you with loose skin. Doctors explore the most successful ways to tighten it.

THE OUTCOMES OF weight loss are usually warm-welcomed: your energy levels are higher, your athleticism has improved, and you're likely feeling generally healthier (not to mention more confident). There's one small side effect of losing weight that's often forgotten about, though, and might be a little less welcome: loose skin.

Our skin is the largest organ of the body, and it's the first line of defence for our immune system, provides insulation, and keeps everything in place. It's an incredibly resilient organ, and mends to whatever changes our bodies go through. As you gain weight, your skin stretches out to cover the new surface area.

Unfortunately, though, it's a bit less apt at doing the opposite – shrinking when that mass is lost. If you've undergone substantial weight loss recently, your loose skin may be clouding the achievements you've worked so hard for, which can be frustrating. There are a few ways to relieve that problem, though—some you can do with the help of a physician, and some you can do on your own.

You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin, regardless of your size. Here's the lowdown on how to make that happen when you're struggling with extra loose skin after weight loss.

Why Does Loose Skin After Weight Loss Happen?

According to Jordan Jacobs, M.D., an assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, loose skin is usually caused by the following:

Rapid Weight Loss

Loose skin due to rapid weight loss is usually seen in people who undergo bariatric surgery for large amounts of weight loss (more than 100 pounds). About 70 percent of people who undergo this procedure are left with excess skin. "Losing weight rapidly doesn't give our skin adequate time to gradually contract and this results in loose, hanging skin," says Dr. Jacobs.

So who can expect loose skin after weight loss? While it varies, mild weight loss (think: 20 pounds or less) typically doesn’t lead to excess skin, explains Joshua Zuckerman, M.D., surgical director at New York City-based Zuckerman Plastic Surgery. When it comes to problems with loose skin, a weight loss of 40 to 50 pounds can seem as big as a weight loss of 100+ pounds.

Gradual Weight Gain

Loose skin post-weight loss is also a product of the weight gain itself. "Skin has a finite elasticity, and if pushed beyond the limit of that elasticity upon weight gain, the skin cannot fully contract back down upon subsequent weight loss," Dr. Zuckerman says.

Ageing Skin

With age, one loses the elasticity needed for loose skin to "snap" back after most weight loss. This leads to loose, wrinkled, and sagging skin, says Jaimie DeRosa, M.D., a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder and lead facial plastic surgeon of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Beach.

That's why loose skin isn't just about how much weight you lose. Your age and skin quality also determine whether or not you’ll experience loose skin after weight loss, he says. Younger people have a better chance at avoiding excess skin than older ones; so do people with inherently high skin elasticity. (As you age, the elastic fibers and collagen molecules that give your skin its firmness lose their strength.)

Men also tend to do better in their arms and legs than women do, notes Jeffrey M. Kenkel, M.D., a professor and chair of the Betty and Warren Woodward Chair in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

How Can You Get Rid of Loose Skin After Weight Loss?

According to Dr. Jacobs, here are some options for tightening your skin after weight loss:

Surgical Removal

For significant weight loss (usually around 70 to 100 pounds), the amount of loose skin will be really hard to remove non-surgically, Dr. DeRosa says. But there are tightening procedures that work and remove excess skin in a way that the scars are in inconspicuous places, such as the pant line or underarms.

Body Contouring

Patients can also turn to contouring procedures such as BodyTite and FaceTite (which can be used in conjunction with liposuction) to remove fat and tighten skin. Just be aware that these treatments may not fully address the problem unless you have a mile case of excess skin, Dr. Zuckerman notes.

Slower Weight Loss

While it’s not always an option (especially for those who have had bariatric surgery), gradual weight loss seems to be the best for preventing loose skin in the first place, notes Dr. Jacobs.

Exercise

Building muscle – by way of a solid exercise regimen with strength training work—is always a good idea. Plus, it can make your skin look more taut, says Holly Wyatt, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Colorado.

In short, surgical excision (though it comes with a longer recovery) remains the gold standard, says Dr. Jacobs (and produces “profound” effects) and the results from the more minimally-invasive treatments are what you would expect: subtle, he says.

Can Loose Skin After Weight Loss Go Away on Its Own?

Not really, docs say – though remember, how much excess skin you’re left with and how well your skin responds to weight loss in the first place depends on everything from age and genetics to how much weight you lost and your skin quality. So, depending on your circumstance, you might be able to expect some changes.

"Patients who may see improvement in their loose skin are those who do not have stretch marks and younger patients who still have reasonable skin quality despite weight gain," says Dr. Kenkel. "The quality of the skin is the key to improvement."

Dr. Jacobs also suggests that if you’ve lost weight gradually to give your skin a full year to contract once you’ve reached your goal weight. "After this time, you are not going to see any more noticeable tightening."

Then, if you have loose skin you’re concerned about – or if you have loose skin after bariatric surgery – do your homework and get in touch with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to learn about your options, suggests Dr. Jacobs. "There are a lot of physicians that label themselves as 'plastic surgeons' and, as long as they have a valid medical license, they can legally perform any procedure," he says. "But the American Board of Plastic Surgery denotes the proper training."

What Is the Best Home Remedy to Tighten Your Skin?

There’s no magic skin tightening cream or exercise that’s going to really noticeably tighten loose skin after weight loss on its own. That’s what makes excess skin a difficult problem for those with more moderate cases, says Dr. Zuckerman. “If one has lost a moderate amount of weight, you may find that treatments to add collagen and elastin back into the loose skin may help tighten it,” adds Dr. DeRosa. “This can include some skin care products as well as ultrasound and/or radiofrequency-based treatments.” OTC products like cocoa-butter sound like a good idea, but tend to have subtle results, at best.

The best home remedy, then? "Taking care of your skin," says Dr. Jacobs. "This includes sun protection, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar and saturated fats."

Story by Melissa Matthews, Cassie Shortsleeve, Cori Ritchey, C.S.C.S.  • Mens Health

Everything You Need To Know Before Getting A Septum Piercing

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Everything You Need To Know Before Getting A Septum Piercing

Septum piercing essentials to know before, during and after your appointment. From how painful it is to aftercare – and the very best jewellery.

If you've found yourself in a beauty rut that a new hair colour or fresh slick of lipstick just can't fix, it may be time for more drastic cosmetic measures. Something frivolous and fun that's purely about self-expression, piercings can be a great (and reversible) way to change up your appearance and add an extra layer to your jewellery wardrobe. The tragus makes an easy cartilage earring entry point, and the daith always infuses looks with edge, but for maximum impact, consider the septum.

The current piercing du jour, septum piercings are the 2023 way to work a nose piercing. Forget the old-school steel hoops of grungy teenhood, because the latest way to wear a septum piercing is simple, understated and totally chic. Just look to Florence Pugh if you don't believe us.

But, before you rush out and do something exciting without even thinking about it (which we totally don't encourage...) it's key to do your research. Read on for everything you need to know before getting a septum piercing, according to the experts...

What is a septum piercing?

Compared to the more traditional nose piercing that sits on the side of your nostril, a septum piercing is definitely a bolder look. 'A septum piercing is located at the bottom part of your nose and goes through a thin piece of skin sometimes referred as the "sweet spot", between your nostrils,' explains jeweller Laura Bond. 'It’s usually pierced with a hoop or a horseshoe shaped ring.'

What should you know before you get a septum piercing?

It's always good to do your research and seek advice before taking the piercing plunge. 'Always choose a reputable piercer,' recommends Bond. 'Your piercer should take time to talk to you about the piercing and what to expect as well as the kind of jewellery you want to wear when it’s healed. Like any piercing, you need to take proper care of it – especially while it heals – and be careful not to knock it when applying or removing make-up.'

Less practical, more encouraging advice is also welcome. 'Septum piercings look amazing on everyone!,' says Sacred Gold piercer, Gemma Thomson. 'It's a piercing you can explore lots of different options with; you can wear with a full ring or change to a circular barbell and hide it if you have a job that doesn't allow piercings or are in a situation where you would like to have the piercing hidden. This gives you more freedom to express yourself!'

How painful is a septum piercing?

First things first, all piercings are painful. It's just an unhappy fact that when you pierce a hole in yourself it's going to hurt. But, fortunately, septum piercings actually sit on the lower end of the pain scale. 'Septum piercings are one of the least painful piercings on the body, this may come as a surprise to most people,' says Thomson.

'When the septum is pierced correctly and by an experienced professional, the piercing will be in a very soft part of skin that is thinner than an ear lobe and will miss any cartilage in the nose- this is usually referred to as "the sweet spot". This is located normally at the front of the nostrils, however is different depending on the client! A single tear will usually be shed - this is not due to any major pain, just a normal reaction from any nostril piercing.'

How long does a septum piercing take to heal?

We all know that the key to a successful piercing is to leave it alone for as long as possible – so hands off! But, eventually we all get bored of the plain steel jewellery we got pierced with and want to move on to something a little more Maria Tash. 'Healing times can greatly vary person to person dependent on a variety of factors including stress levels, natural immunity, lifestyle choices and of course aftercare regimes. On average it should take around four to six months for a septum piercing to heal fully for most people,' advises Bond.

'You can change the jewellery after any initial swelling and discomfort has subsided, but we would recommend checking in with your piercer before doing so. They should be able to make sure it’s ready and they can change it over for you safely. Changing your jewellery too quickly can cause irritation and prolong the healing process.'

What aftercare is needed for a septum piercing?

As with any piercing, aftercare is key. It might be boring but avoiding any unwanted infections is more fun than having to take the piercing out completely. 'For most piercings we recommend sterile saline solution and sterilised non woven gauze, using this to gently clean away any build up of crust or dirt,' advises Thomson. 'Clean the jewellery lightly without rotating the ring, usually around once to twice a day until the piercing has fully healed.'

What shouldn't you do after getting a septum piercing?

When it comes to piercings, a little care and consideration goes a long way. As does not jumping in the nearest lido. 'I’d avoid swimming in a pool for the initial healing stage if you can to minimise any risk of infection,' explains Bond. 'The most important thing is to not touch or play with your new piercing, this can irritate the piercing site and delay your healing process. Make sure to wash your hands before cleaning the piercing site and to dry your piercing thoroughly after cleaning it or showering. Using a paper towel to gently dry it will do the trick.

What kind of jewellery can you wear with a septum piercing?

Not everyone wants the traditional 'bull' ring look, but what other options are there? According to the experts, actually quite a few. 'The beauty of a septum piercing is you can be pierced with many different stunning options straight away,' says Thomson. 'I would stress the importance of being pierced with high quality materials such as solid 14k gold and implant grade titanium.'

Other than that, the world is your oyster when it comes to septum piercing jewellery. 'A popular option is a Circular Barbell (horseshoe style with two small beads at either side) this will give you the opportunity to hide the piercing when it has fully healed. You can also get rings with beautiful decorations, we have many options that come with prong-set genuine diamonds or more intricate beaded detail.'

Alas, as with most aspects of getting a piercing, there are things to watch out for. 'Avoid using anything that is completely seamless or very heavy until the piercing has fully healed. I also wouldn't recommend being pierced with anything too thin, equally this doesn't mean you must be pierced with something extremely large, there is a nice middle ground! Many of our clients come to our studio and request the piercing to look "dainty and delicate". This is very achievable when first doing a septum piercing.'

Story by George Driver  : Elle: 

Shampoos and Conditioners Designed to Soothe Dry, Itchy Scalps

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Shampoos and Conditioners Designed to Soothe Dry, Itchy Scalps

Everyone's experienced it: Without warning, you find yourself with a dry scalp that leaves you itching at your skin or picking self-consciously at flakes. Whether due to diet, illness, a change in hair products, or a sudden drop in temperature, scalp dryness can ruin your day and simply make you feel self-conscious. There are a variety of effective dry scalp treatments on the market that soothe irritation, but you may also want to combat dryness by tackling it at the foundation of your haircare routine: with your shampoo and conditioner.

By opting for a nourishing, soothing shampoo and conditioner set, you can tackle your dry scalp at the root (pun intended) and banish any flakiness or buildup that could be worsening the situation. Ahead, we consult Mayraki Professional's in-house hair expert, Eliza Pineda, about the causes of scalp dryness. She also provides advice on how to handle a dry scalp and which products are best for mitigating the dreaded condition.

What Causes Scalp Dryness

Lack of Moisture

The first cause of scalp dryness, of course, is a simple lack of moisture due to styling, sun exposure, and cold, dry temperatures. While she reassures us that dryness happens to just about everyone, she points out that the way you treat your hair directly impacts the state of your scalp

"The scalp’s moisture balance can decrease over time, especially if you frequently apply heat styling, use harsh hair products, or undergo chemical hair treatments like dyeing, relaxing, or perming," she says. "This can cause dryness, flaking, and dandruff."

Buildup

Similarly, she notes that neglecting your hair can also impact the health of your scalp.

"A dry scalp can also be caused by product, dirt, and sebum buildup in the scalp," she warns. "This happens when the scalp isn’t properly cleaned, multiple styling products are used, the hair is naturally oily, and there is daily exposure to environmental factors. The buildup can cause skin irritation, leading to eczema, rashes, seborrheic dermatitis, and more. This can make the scalp extremely dry, flaky, itchy, and sore."

If you're particularly concerned about buildup, or if your haircare routine regularly involves the use of multiple gels and stylers at once, consider using a clarifying shampoo once to twice a month in order eradicate flakes, dandruff, buildup, and excess oil. Clarifying shampoos are notoriously drying, though, so consider the cause of your scalp irritation before use, and be sure to only employ a clarifying shampoo occasionally.

Nutrition

Finally, Pineda reminds us that what we put in our bodies impact how they look on the outside.

"Your hair and scalp depend on the nutrition of your diet," she says. "If you have a dry scalp, it might be because your diet lacks the vital nutrients your hair needs." This means ensuring that you consume a well-balanced diet filled with water, Vitamin B, collagen, protein, and other essential nourishment.

"Boost your diet with amino acids, antioxidants, and protein-rich foods," agrees Pineda. "Think fatty fish, avocados, berries, eggs, and lean meats while avoiding processed food. If your diet falls short, you can supplement it with vitamins. Consult a healthcare professional to know what you can take." 

Story by Gabrielle Ulubay :Mari Claire US

What you should know about treating rosacea in darker skin tones

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What you should know about treating rosacea in darker skin tones

Rosacea, a common skin condition, is often misdiagnosed in darker complexions. Here's what you should know.

ver the past few years, many of the myths about darker or Black skin have slowly been debunked by dermatologists and aestheticians. The creation of the Black Skin Directory, which works to 'Connect people of colour with expert skin care professionals' in 2018, plus the formation of the Black Aesthetic Advisory Board, (BAAB), in July, which investigates the experiences of Black practitioners in the industry, as well as those of patients and consumers, have further paved the way for a new awareness. This includes the way in which standard medical training has often failed to address the difference in the way common conditions appear on skin of colour, and, as such, to get effective treatment delivered to those who need it.

One common skin issue that has been long overlooked in darker skinned women is rosacea. Although less prevalent in those with Black skin, or those from an Asian or Minority Ethnic background, it is still far from rare. The effects of the condition meanwhile, can be extremely detrimental for the person in question's confidence, thanks to the aesthetic implications, as well as their overall quality of life: rosacea can cause a painful stinging or burning sensation, as well as patches of extreme dryness. The upshot? Correct, swift diagnosis and treatment really matters.

A review into rosacea, published in the Journal of American Dermatology, reported that 'Worldwide, the reported prevalence of rosacea in people with skin of colour has varied, with estimates as high as 40 million cases and rates up to 10%.' However, because rosacea is often misdiagnosed in darker skin, the exact figures for Black women, or those from an Asian or minority ethnic background in the UK living with the condition, remains unknown.

Rosacea on people with white or lighter skin tones often presents as ‘rosy cheeks’, a ‘flush’ or with overall uneven red skin. These indicators can be masked by higher pigmentation in skin of colour, making it harder to diagnose for some GPs and skin experts. According to Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, Aesthetician and Director of JoyFul Skin Clinic in Croydon, rosacea shows up in Black and brown skin in a few ways.

How does rosacea appear on Black skin?

'Darker-skinned individuals might notice pimples or pustules and hypersensitive skin,' she explains. Hypersensitivity also means that people impacted may notice that their skin 'is easily irritated by external aggressors such as UV radiation or the application of cosmetic products'. Just like on lighter skin tones, Dr Fabusiwa says that another indication of rosacea is persistent 'warmth rising from the cheeks'. When professionally identifying the redness of rosacea in dark skin, Dr Fabusiwa says she opts for a 'proper assessment of the skin under adequate lighting' in order to 'discern an underlying redness in skin of colour.'

The root reason as to why someone might develop rosacea is unknown, she adds, although flare-ups can be triggered by lifestyle factors – including alcohol, heat, stress and spicy food. These vary from person-to-person.

'Patients with rosacea typically come into the clinic first experiencing pimples and pustules on the cheeks,' says Dr Fabusiwa. She explains that her clients have been known to mistake these for acne, and come to her after trying over-the-counter ingredients to manage symptoms of that condition, which haven't worked. A recent rosacea client of Dr Fabusiwa, for example, came to the clinic complaining of irritation that started when she used some new make-up. This had, over time, given way to pimples that she believed to be acne. In turn, these left behind areas of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin. After consulting her GP and then Dr Fabusiwa, she was diagnosed with rosacea.

How is rosacea treated on darker skin?

Treatment-wise, Dr Fabusiwa believes that trying to prevent flare-ups is the best way to go. This involves identifying your triggers – noting down if you have visible rosacea after a period of extreme stress or lying in the sun, for example – and then trying to avoid these through relaxation techniques and using SPF. For a longer term solution, she also recommends focusing on strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.

Why? Hypersensitivity caused by rosacea means that your 'skin barrier isn’t as effective at protecting itself from the outside world,' she says. So, building a protective one by moisturising every night – and avoiding irritating soaps or harsh exfoliators – can work wonders for mild cases of rosacea. A gentle, fragrance and soap-free cleanser, preferably with an emollient like glycerin, which can preserve moisture in the skin, can significantly reduce any added inflammation.

Swapping out exfoliators like glycolic acid for gentler methods of cleansing the skin can also reduce the appearance of rosacea in dark skin.

Dr Fabusiwa says that this is especially important because you should already be looking to 'reduce unnecessary irritation to the surface of your skin, as dark skin is much more prone to post-flammatory hyperpigmentation – and even minor irritation could cause lasting problems.'

Another crucial step for daily management of rosacea on darker skin is SPF. Dr Fabusiwa advises that people with rosacea 'use SPF every day, even when you're indoors'. She explains that this is particularly important as 'UV radiation can trigger flares but can also worsen hyperpigmentation.' For more severe cases that are not able to be managed at home, she advises that you should consult with your GP early doors, in order to help prevent some of the long-term consequences of rosacea, such as thickened skin. They might prescribe you certain gels or creams to help to lessen the appearance of rosacea, as well as any pain you're experiencing.

In some such cases, your GP might offer you a course of antibiotics, which could last from six to 16 weeks. These will likely be pretty weak, as the aim of the game is to use them for an anti-inflammatory effect, as opposed to nix harmful microbes. In some instances you might be prescribed a retinoid (a form of Vitamin A and a stronger, prescription alternative to retinol), which can reduce the appearance of red bumps on your skin. If your issues keep persisting, then you might be referred to a dermatologist for specialist help. Want to find one yourself? The Black Skin Directory is helpful for locating experts who specialise in diagnosing and treating skin of colour.

Story by Ata-Owaji Victor : Womens Health UK

3 things an expert wants you to know before getting filler

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3 things an expert wants you to know before getting filler

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under-eye filler, there is a range of tweakments on offer, but as with any procedure like this, it's important to understand the risks before considering getting it yourself.

Luckily, Dr Stefanie Williams, a German board-certified specialist dermatologist and  medical director of Eudelo, has shared the three things that you should consider before booking in for the treatment. Keep on scrolling for everything you need to know, and for more information, don't forget to check out our guide to the difference between Botox and fillers.

1. A medically qualified practitioner is non-negotiable

"Fillers are classified as 'medical devices' (rather than prescription medicines such as botulinum toxin, aka 'botox'), so strictly speaking it’s not illegal for a non-medic to administer them," explains Dr Stefanie Williams. "Does that mean I’d recommend seeing a non-medically qualified practitioner for a treatment? Absolutely not.

"It’s also crucial to know which fillers have the best safety records and give the best results. In my professional opinion, this is hyaluronic acid (HA) containing fillers. Unlike other types of fillers, HA can be reversed by injecting the enzyme hyaluronidase (a prescription-only medicine), which effectively dissolves them within 24 hours. So, if for some reason you want to get rid of your HA filler, this can be done quite easily, but of course should only be done by a medically qualified practitioner."

2. Avoid permanent fillers

Another thing that Dr Williams recommends is avoiding permanent fillers. "I strongly advise against permanent fillers as they have a much higher risk of complications. And even if you don’t experience an adverse effect, feel the aesthetic result is great and are glad you don’t have to keep coming back for top-ups, your face naturally changes with time, so you can't be sure of what the filler will look like in the future.

"Ideally, aesthetic treatments are adjusted as we get older, to keep up with facial changes, so a permanent filler may look out of place years down the line. So be smart, stay safe and keep your options open."

3. Aesthetic procedures are complex

"A superior knowledge of facial anatomy is essential to minimise risks," says Dr Williams. "With most aesthetic injections, we’re putting a needle into very precise locations with complex anatomical structures. Without specialist knowledge and training you can cause actual harm. I have spoken to non-medical injectors who were shockingly unaware of all the possible risks – and in this case ignorance is not bliss."

So, there you have it. Everything you need to know before getting filler. As Dr Williams says, "To sum it up, my expert advice for fillers is to only go to a practitioner who is medically qualified, has a prescribing license and is highly experienced in administering these treatments, so can deal with any complications, should they arise."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Story by Grace Lindsay  •Marie Claire

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