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Last updated on January 5th, 2024 at 09:21 am
In recent months, Ozempic has become a popular topic of discussion, both in the medical community and on social media. Originally designed to help manage insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic (or semaglutide, its generic name) is now under scrutiny due to reports of people using the drug off-label for weight loss. But now, there’s another controversy surrounding Ozempic and similar drugs: the unwelcome side effect of “Ozempic face.” While “Ozempic face” is not a medical term, experts agree that it is a result of extreme weight loss that causes the skin to sag and appear gaunt. We will look at what causes “Ozempic face” or saggy face and provide 10 tips for how to reduce a saggy face when losing weight.
What Causes Ozempic Face or Saggy Face When Losing Weight
When it comes to weight loss, it’s important to be aware of the changes it can have on your face. As we age, our skin can lose its elasticity, causing it to sag or look gaunter. Rapid weight loss can speed up that process, leaving many people feeling insecure about their appearance, as it has with “Ozempic face”.
As we age, our skin produces less of the two proteins, elastin and collagen. These proteins are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and structure. Elastin gives skin resilience and allows it to bounce back when stretched. Collagen’s tightly constructed fibers provide skin with firmness. Unfortunately, carrying extra weight for a prolonged period of time can damage these fibers, making it harder for skin to return to its original state when the weight is lost. If a person loses 100 pounds or more, they may experience significant amounts of sagging skin. This is especially true if weight loss is rapid (like with “Ozempic face”) and if the person is over 40.
10 Tips for How to Reduce a Saggy Face When Losing Weight
You’re probably aware of the multiple benefits that come with losing weight, from improved health to a more confident and attractive appearance. However, with weight loss comes the potential for unsightly sagging skin on the face similar to those that have experienced “Ozempic face”. Don’t let sagging skin sabotage your weight loss journey. Fortunately, with the right tips and tricks, you can reduce the appearance of a saggy face when losing weight.
1. Lose Weight Slowly at a Steady State
If you’re aiming to lose weight by following a restricted diet and exercising regularly, it’s important to do so gradually. Fad diets may seem attractive in the short term, but they are often damaging in the long run. Eating nutritious foods and doing regular workouts are essential for losing fat and gaining muscle. This slow weight loss gives your skin time to shrink and prevents it from sagging. Avoid extreme tactics and focus on substituting your diet with more nourishing food and smaller portions instead. A healthy rate of weight loss is no more than one or two pounds per week.
2. Stay Hydrated
Consuming two liters (approximately one-half gallon) of water each day can help to hydrate your skin and flush out toxins. This natural detox is great for those looking to lose weight, tighten their skin after shedding the pounds, and achieve a healthy body overall. Not only will it help to smoothen and firm your skin, but it will also rid your body of toxic substances. So make sure to drink plenty of water to reap the benefits!
3. Drink Green Tea or Matcha Tea
To help with sagging skin, consider drinking green tea or matcha tea. Green tea contains Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, which helps temporarily firm and tighten the skin. It also contains a high concentration of catechins, which are powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation, inhibit cellular damage and protect your skin from the sun. Matcha powdered green tea has an even higher concentration of antioxidants, or EGCGs, than regular brewed green tea. These antioxidants not only protect your skin from UV radiation, but they also get rid of harmful free radicals while boosting your blood flow, giving your cheeks a healthy rosy glow.
4. Opt for HIIT or Resistance Training When Working Out
Exercise of any kind is good for you. It is known to be beneficial for toning muscles and reducing stress, which can lead to brighter, healthier skin. For those looking to take their fitness to the next level, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts or resistance training are both great ways to boost collagen levels in the body and achieve youthful-looking skin. These workouts are convenient and don’t require a gym membership or a personal trainer. Body-weight exercises such as squats, burpees, lunges, and push-ups can easily be done at home. All in all, any exercise is beneficial, but focusing on HIIT and resistance training can lead to healthier and brighter skin.
5. Get Your Beauty Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining great skin health. When you get enough rest, your body is able to produce collagen, which helps prevent sagging. Not only that, but good sleep also helps you look and feel good. On the other hand, if you don’t get enough sleep, your cells won’t have the energy to perform their functions properly which may prematurely age your skin. To ensure you are getting the best night’s sleep, try to get at least seven hours of rest. It is also helpful to sleep on your back to prevent the development of wrinkles and lines. Beauty sleep is real and it’s time to start taking advantage of it.
6. Eat a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet and embracing mindful eating is essential even after you have achieved your weight-loss goals. To ensure you are getting the right nutrients, practice portion control and eat a balanced diet full of antioxidants and healthy fats. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that may be causing skin aging, while healthy fats contribute to skin elasticity. For your skin to regain its elasticity and retract as you lose weight, you should incorporate foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and E into your diet.
- Vitamin A can be found in foods like leafy green vegetables, cheese, eggs, oily fish, and dairy products.
- Vitamin C is present in broccoli, kale, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables.
- Vitamin E can be found in almonds, peanuts, avocados, spinach, safflower oil, and fish such as trout.
7. Take Collagen Supplements
Using topical collagen products can help to moisturize the skin, but will not replace the collagen that has been lost. However, research suggests that taking Vitamin C as well as collagen supplements can induce collagen production and improve skin elasticity, eliminating the need for surgery or liposuction. Marine collagen peptides, in particular, have been found to reduce wrinkles, and improve skin tightness and hydration. In fact, a study published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology monitored the effects of collagen supplementation on the skin and found that after 8 weeks of regular supplementation, skin elasticity had improved.
8. Use Sunscreen and Moisturize Daily
Wear Sunscreen
Sun damage can cause premature signs of aging, including wrinkles, dryness, and sun spots. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is essential for maintaining its elasticity. For optimal skin protection, be sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to all exposed areas at least 30 minutes before going outside even as part of your winter skincare routine. It’s also good to invest in a pair of stylish sunglasses and a trendy hat or carry an umbrella with you when you go outdoors for an extra layer of protection in the sun.
Moisturize Daily
Finding the ideal moisturizer for your skin type can be an extensive search, but it is well worth it when you find the one that gives your skin the natural, healthy look it needs. Don’t be afraid to try out different products until you find the one with the perfect feel, smell, and benefits. With so many moisturizers on the market, it is almost certain that you can find one that will provide your skin with the perfect nourishment.
When looking for a moisturizer, look for ones with key ingredients like those listed below. It is always important to do a patch test before using any of these over-the-counter creams. If you experience any skin reactions or adverse side effects, consult your dermatologist.
Products with Vitamin C
Using products with Vitamin C, such as creams and lotions, has been proven to be beneficial for the skin. Research suggests that Vitamin C can help reduce early signs of aging, sun damage, wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C has been shown to improve the elasticity of the skin, leading to a better texture and look. According to one study, daily use of a Vitamin C formulation for at least 3 months can reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face and neck, as well as improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Products with Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular humectants on the market making it great to hydrate your skin. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that helps the skin retain moisture and appear fuller. The reason it is so popular and used in many products is that it can bind 1,000 times its weight in water.
Products with Retinol and Retinoids (Vitamin A)
Retinol is a popular ingredient that is used to address various skin conditions. It stimulates the production of collagen, resulting in a firmer and more taut appearance. However, it may also cause dryness, sun sensitivity, and inflammation as side effects.
9. Facial Massage
Enhance your natural beauty with facial exercises and massage for a non-surgical facelift effect. Facial massage can help give your face a lifted and toned appearance as the more you exercise your facial muscles, the stronger they become.
According to a small study, the combination of a hand-held massage device and an anti-aging face cream increased the cream’s effectiveness on facial wrinkles and neck sagging. Face massages help stimulate cell growth and increase blood flow, making them an important part of preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Beauty experts recommend massaging your face for 5-6 minutes every day to reap the benefits.
Note:
To maximize your facial massage routine, use a gua sha tool to contour and sculpt your face. This ancient Chinese medicine tool has been used for thousands of years to help tighten skin, reduce facial tension, and reduce eye puffiness.
10. Avoid Smoking and Drinking Excessive Alcohol
If you want to maintain a youthful and firm face, it is important to steer clear of smoking and heavy drinking. Smoking, either directly or second-hand, can dry out your skin and reduce the elasticity of your skin, making it difficult to restore. Cigarettes contain chemicals that lower the elasticity of your skin, as well as nicotine which prohibits nutrients from reaching your skin, leading to wrinkles and dry skin. The same is true for heavy alcohol consumption, as it can dehydrate your skin and cause it to prematurely age and sag. Therefore, limiting your alcohol intake can help prevent sagging skin and keep it hydrated and supple.
Take Away for How to Reduce a Saggy Face when Losing Weight
Having saggy facial skin or “Ozempic face” after weight loss can be an incredibly discouraging and difficult experience. Although it may seem like a daunting and impossible task to improve the condition of your skin, it is possible with the right lifestyle changes and a bit of patience and dedication. We’ve discussed the various non-invasive tips to slow down the process of saggy skin, as well as the importance of prevention if it can be avoided. With a bit of effort, you can help prevent and manage saggy skin and give your skin the care it needs.
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