How to Tighten Skin

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It’s natural for skin to lose its elasticity over time, whether from weight loss, pregnancy, or the normal aging process. Your body also slows down collagen production so your skin doesn't heal as quickly and it may not look as youthful. Fortunately, you can give your skin a little help by encouraging collagen production and protecting your skin from further damage. Check out our trusted tips for things you can start doing today.

1

Moisturize your skin with an anti-aging product.

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    Although there aren't miracle creams or lotions that will tighten your skin, there are vitamins that can help your body produce more collagen so your skin looks tighter. Use an anti-aging moisturizer at least once a day or whenever your skin feels dry. [1]
    • For even better results, massage your skin for 1 minute after you apply the cream. [2]
    • You can also find body lotions that contain vitamin E and B3 so you can tighten loose skin throughout your body.
    • You might see the vitamins listed on the product's ingredient label. Some might be listed by their chemical name. For example, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid amide, and niacinamide are all forms of vitamin B3 while disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates is vitamin E.
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2

Apply a firming serum to your skin.

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    You may also find a firming cream that contains these vitamins. When you rub the serum into your skin the vitamins work deep down to stimulate collagen and help your skin repair itself. You can use the serum once a day. [3]
    • It's easy to add a serum to your skincare routine—just rub a few drops between your fingers and massage your face once a day. It's fine to use the serum before bed or first thing in the morning.
3

Use an egg white mask for temporary tightening.

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    Leave the egg white on for 10 to 20 minutes before you rinse it off with water. Then, apply a gentle moisturizer. The egg mask home remedy works by reducing inflammation and soothing your skin, which can make it appear tighter for a while. [4]
    • You may have heard that you can add lemon juice or baking soda to egg masks, but dermatologists argue that these ingredients are too harsh for your skin.
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4

Take oral collagen supplements.

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    Although more research is needed, studies suggest that collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity. Read the manufacturer's dosing recommendations—researchers aren't sure yet about how much collagen you need to see the benefits. [5]
    • Since many collagen products aren't vegetarian, look for a vegan collagen supplement if you're avoiding animal products.
5

Do strength training exercises to build muscle.

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    If you've lost weight and your skin looks loose, build muscle so your skin looks firm. Start with a gentle cardio warmup before you do a series of sit-ups or pull-ups if you're targeting the skin around your abs. Bench presses are also great for tightening muscles around your stomach, arms, and back.
    • Make sure to ease into a routine. Start with only light amounts of weight and work your way up. If you feel strained, it's totally fine to take a break.
    • For example, do a 6- to 8-minute cardio warmup followed by 5 deadlift sets with 6 to 8 reps. Then, do 5 bench press sets of 6 to 8 reps.
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6

Practice daily facial stretches to make your skin look firmer.

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    Studies show that facial exercises can enhance your muscle function. [6] This can help your skin look firmer and tighter. It can even reduce the appearance of scars. [7] Try to do these simple exercises at least once a day:
    • Smile in slow motion so you gradually lift the corners of your mouth up until you have a full smile. Hold the smile for 10 seconds before you gradually relax the muscles.
    • To stretch your cheeks, smile through your cheeks. Then, press down on your cheekbones for 10 seconds. Release and repeat it 5 times.
7

Get a chemical peel to reveal smoother, tighter skin.

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    The solution removes the top layer of your skin so the new skin underneath appears even, tight, and smooth. Chemical peels are frequently performed on sagging skin in the neck and jowl area. Talk with your dermatologist about how strong of a peel they'll use since you can have light to deep peels depending on your skin's condition. [8]
    • You'll probably need several treatments before you notice tighter skin. It also takes a few weeks for the redness from the procedure to wear off. You may also experience swelling, blisters, and sensitivity to sunlight.
    • Chemical peels range in price from around $150 into the thousands depending on how deep the peel goes.
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8

Try ultrasound therapy to tone your skin.

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    Your dermatologist will spread gel on your skin, usually around your brow, neck, and chin, before they press a handheld ultrasound device on the area. This sends ultrasound energy into the collagen to revitalize it. Although this short procedure can feel uncomfortable, you'll usually only need one session. [9]
    • Side effects include slight, temporary swelling, tingling, and tenderness.
    • Ultrasound therapy costs around $1800 per session.
9

Talk with your dermatologist about laser resurfacing.

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    While you're sedated, the dermatologist will use a laser beam to destroy the top layer of your skin. The new skin underneath will heal so it appears tighter. This is because the laser stimulates new collagen. You may need 3-5 treatments to see any results. [10]
    • Although you can get laser resurfacing across your body, if you have severe sagging, your dermatologist may recommend traditional surgery to lift the skin.
    • This procedure is a little painful and you might experience swelling, bleeding, scarring, and discoloration after the procedure.
    • Recovery time for laser resurfacing is around 2 weeks, although you may need more than one session to get the results you want.
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10

Protect your skin from the sun's rays.

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    UV rays can cause a lot of damage to skin: loss of elasticity, wrinkles, sun spots, and rough skin to name a few. To keep your skin looking its best, apply sunscreen every day before you go outside. If it's sunny out, wear long sleeves and a hat. [11]
    • Try to avoid going out between 10 am and 2 pm when the rays of the sun are the most direct.
    • Skip the tanning bed, too! The National Cancer Institute notes that UV radiation, whether from sunlight or sunlamps in tanning beds, increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
11

Quit smoking to stop pre-mature aging.

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    Since smoking speeds up the aging process and damages collagen, your skin will heal better and look healthier when you quit.
    • It can be hard to quit! Look for local support groups or ask your doctor for cessation tools. Feeling supported can help you successfully stop smoking.
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12

Eat a collagen-boosting diet.

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    Collagen is a protein that your skin uses to heal and repair itself. As you age, your body stops making as much collagen which can lead to looser skin and wrinkles. To help your body make collagen, eat proteins so you get amino acids and vitamin C, zinc, and copper. To get more collagen, add these foods to your diet: [12]
    • Chicken
    • Fish
    • Eggs
    • Nuts and seeds
    • Beans
    • Dairy products
    • Citrus fruits
    • Bell peppers and tomatoes
    • Broccoli and greens

Foods and Exercises to Tighten Skin

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What do you do for sagging of the jaw around the mouth?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Follow the steps above and focus on boosting your collagen from the inside out. Review some of the collagen boosting products that are listed. You can also try facial exercises.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I tighten my stomach skin?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Staying hydrated and following a healthy lifestyle are the beginning steps to tightening the skin on your stomach. Tightening the abdominal muscles and moisturizing the skin on your stomach may also help. Look for collagen boosting creams to add to this regime!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • You may have heard that drinking a lot of water improves your skin and can reduce sagging. Unfortunately, studies have shown that staying hydrated doesn't prevent sagging, wrinkles, or signs of aging. [13]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6559254/
      2. ↑ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0172624
      3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
      4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5072512/
      5. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30681787/
      6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190816/
      7. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/does-your-face-need-a-workout
      8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
      9. ↑ https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/ultrasound-therapy-for-sagging-skin
      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/firm-sagging-skin
      2. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17067654/
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-best-way-you-can-get-more-collagen/
      4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The best way to tighten your skin is to exfoliate loose skin before you shower. Use a moisturizer with vitamins and soy protein every day and apply a firming cream that contains collagen and elastin for more targeted tightening. For a natural solution, rub egg whites onto your skin and use coconut oil instead of moisturizer. Keep reading for help on choosing medical intervention and making fitness and dietary changes, read on!

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