If you want to lose weight but are worried about how it will make you look, you’re not alone.
According to one report, 23% of women said they were scared to lose weight in fear of ageing their faces. When you lose weight, it’s common to develop a hollow area under the eyes, and for your skin to become wrinkly, saggy, and dehydrated. The good news, though, is that sagging, wrinkling, and dullness can be avoided with the right nutrition and skincare.
Below, we’ve put together some tips on losing weight without making yourself look older…
Take your time
When you’re on a weight-loss kick, it’s natural to want results quickly. After all, nobody likes to be on a restrictive diet. But losing weight too fast is a surefire way to make you look older than you are – and there are potential health risks, too. The best way to lose weight and lower your chances of looking older is to do it slowly and strategically – make changes to your diet and exercise regime that are sustainable, and aim to lose one to two pounds per week. Taking your time means your skin – especially around your face and stomach – is more likely to adjust, and you’ll be less likely to suffer from sagging, wrinkling, and dehydration.
Drink more water
It’s a common theme here on the Oralift blog, but it’s worth repeating once again. If you’re serious about holding onto your youthful appearance and want to slow down the ageing process on your face, you need to stay hydrated. Water is not only good for weight loss, helping you feel fuller for longer, but it hydrates your face, keeping your skin elastic and plump, which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and Crow’s Feet. Sip up!
Take collagen supplements
If you’re worried about wrinkles and sagging skin when you’re on your weight loss journey, consider collagen supplements. Collagen can strengthen your skin and give it smoothness and elasticity. Other benefits include relieving joint pain, preventing bone loss, and promoting a faster metabolism. We naturally lose collagen as we age, so taking a supplement can go a long way in turning back the clock and reducing the impact of weight loss on the face.
Avoid yo-yo dieting at all costs
Another reason to take your time when losing weight is that your skin’s elasticity isn’t infinite – there are only so many times your skin will bounce back. Yo-yo dieting is not only bad for you, but it can make your skin age prematurely, so avoid those fad diets that are restrictive and punishing, and adopt a healthier lifestyle instead. Other side effects of yo-yo dieting include an increased appetite, higher body fat percentage, muscle loss, and a fatty liver.
See also: Could yo-yo dieting make you look older than you are?
Work out – but don’t overdo it
Working out is vital for good health, and when you’re on a mission to shed the pounds, you’ll likely go harder than usual. When you’re doing cardio, your body’s free radicals will travel through your bloodstream and attack your cells. Over time, this can damage facial tissue and lead to saggy skin. So rather than long, challenging workouts such as high-intensity interval training, be kinder to your body and more strategic. Look for options that burn fat and minimise the ageing process – think long walks and slow jogs rather than intense cardio.
Treat yourself to a green tea
If you’re tired of drinking water but don’t want to be tempted by calorific coffees, consider the benefits of green tea. These teas contain compounds which can help to slow the ageing process and prevent the breakdown of collagen, which causes wrinkles. Another benefit to green tea is that it contains antioxidants in abundance, which quells inflammation, but you’ll need to drink between two and four cups to really feel the benefit. And if you’re still not a fan of the idea, listen to this: green tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can aid fat burning and improve exercise performance. It’s an acquired taste, but it’s worth drinking.
Eat foods that are good for your gut
Another tip for losing weight whilst holding onto your youthful-looking skin is to eat more foods that are proven to heal your gut. Olive oil, salmon, coconut oil, avocado, and fermented foods are all known to improve your gut health, which in turn will keep your skin glowing and crease-free. 80% of the body’s immunity is in the gut, and if your gut is unhealthy, it can have a big impact on the appearance of your skin, leading to spots, eczema, rosacea, and inflammation. Probiotics area also recommend – add more live yoghurt to your diet and consider foods such as shallots, onions, garlic, and lettuce.
Drink some lemon juice
If you’re looking for a sweet treat and don’t want to reach for those sugar-filled Coca Colas and smoothies, consider a glass of lemon water. Vitamin C that’s found in lemon can boost collagen protein production, which will restore elasticity in your skin. Another benefit to lemon water is that it can detoxify your liver, which is the biggest fat-burning organ in your body, which should mean you’ll lose weight even faster. What’s more, freshly-squeezed lemon is delicious and can be added to salads, pasta, and other dishes when cooking.
There you have it – some simple ways to lose weight without losing your natural glow. If you’re looking for another option, consider the Oralift anti-ageing device, which utilises the power of your 43 forgotten facial muscles to improve your complexion, close and repair pores, reduce the appearance of bags under your eyes, increase the fullness of your lips, and much more. Click here to find out more and check back to the Oralift blog soon.