You may be able to tighten loose skin at home with remedies including skin care products and supplements containing hyaluronic acid and collagen. Exercise, weight loss, and minimally invasive procedures may also help.
While there are many ways to develop loose skin, such as pregnancy, aging, and weight loss, it’s often possible to firm it again.
You can try to tighten loose skin naturally through supplements and lifestyle changes or by exploring surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.
Firming Creams
A good firming cream contains retinoids, according to Dr. Alyson Wells, owner and medical director of Valley Plastic Surgery and Medi-spa.
Retinoids are chemical derivatives of vitamin A and include:
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Tretinoin (prescription required)
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Retinoic acid
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Adapalene
These compounds increase the proliferation, maturation, and turnover of skin cells.
Dr. Wells also recommends using creams with hyaluronic acid, which attracts and holds onto water molecules. Hyaluronic acid can help:
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Reduce the depth of wrinkles
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Increase skin firmness (elasticity)
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Diminish skin roughness
However, she advises avoiding products that include lanolin due to its high risk of allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis).
Supplements
There is no “magic pill” for loose skin, but some supplements may be helpful — just consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any new supplement.
A 2022 research review found that oral and topical collagen supplements may help improve skin firmness. Collagen may also improve:
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Hydration and moisture
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The appearance of wrinkles
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Roughness
Hyaluronic acid is also available in supplement form. While less studied for its firming ability, it does enhance hydration — something often lacking in loose skin.
In a 2023 clinical trial with 129 female participants, oral hyaluronic acid at 100–200 mg per day showed improvements in:
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Skin hydration (2–8 weeks)
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Skin tone (4–8 weeks)
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Skin thickness (12 weeks)
Exercise
Building muscle through weight training can help reduce the appearance of loose skin, especially when it follows weight loss. Muscle mass can help fill in areas where fat loss has left the skin sagging.
If you recently gave birth, consult your doctor before starting any new exercise, especially abdominal movements.
While facial exercises have been popular since the 1960s, research supporting their effectiveness is limited, and most claims are anecdotal.
How Much Exercise Should You Do?
Adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days per week, including:
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Brisk walking
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Biking
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Swimming
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Hiking
Include moderate to high intensity muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days per week.
If you’re new to exercise, start gradually and build up to 30 minutes per session.
Weight Loss
Fat beneath your skin — known as subcutaneous fat — can give the appearance of looseness. It often collects around:
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Hips
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Buttocks
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Thighs
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Abdomen
Losing fat may help tighten skin in these areas. To do this, maintain a calorie deficit and focus on fat-burning exercises.
Cosmetic Procedures
Many non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures can help reduce loose skin:
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Chemical peels: Remove the outer layer of skin to reveal smoother, less wrinkled skin.
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Ablative laser resurfacing: Also called laser peeling, this removes old skin and promotes collagen production.
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Ultrasound skin tightening: Uses heat to stimulate deep collagen production.
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Radiofrequency (RF) ablation or microneedling: Targets the outer skin layer to improve tightness.
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IPL/RF combination treatments: Uses both intense pulsed light and RF to rejuvenate skin layers.
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Neuromodulators: Temporarily relax wrinkles by being injected into the skin.
For more significant loose skin, surgical options like body-contouring, tummy tucks, or lifts can provide long-term results. These surgeries involve removing excess skin and fat and usually require hospital stays and recovery periods.
Takeaway
Loose skin is a common issue during major life transitions like pregnancy, weight loss, or natural aging. While you may not be able to completely eliminate it, numerous solutions exist to help minimize it:
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Use skincare products with retinoids or hyaluronic acid
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Consider collagen and hyaluronic acid supplements
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Exercise regularly and build muscle mass
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Try cosmetic treatments, both noninvasive and surgical
If home remedies and noninvasive techniques don’t meet your expectations, a professional consultation may be the best next step.
For those considering cosmetic procedures or surgical options to tighten loose skin, Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation in Gurgaon is widely regarded as one of the best plastic surgery in Gurgaon. With experienced surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities, Cocoona provides personalized, expert care to help you achieve your desired aesthetic goals.