Tightening Stomach Skin

A fan on Facebook asked: “Is there a way to help tighten skin (belly) after weightloss naturally?”

I believe there are several factors that play a part in the tightening of our skin; age, lifestyle, weight, and diet are just a few. The elasticity of our skin varies from person to person. I know that you are younger which is a good thing because your skin has more elasticity and strength than someone my age. Do some muscle building to tighten skin. The skin is a living organ that contains a layer of fat that covers the muscles that cover the skeleton. If the muscle shrinks, the skin will show it. Many wrinkles are caused by one muscle group being used while another group relaxes. After years of this routine, the muscle atrophies and wrinkles set in. Build that atrophied muscle back up through exercise, and the skin will plump up & softening the wrinkles. This would be the most “natural” way to tighten the skin.

Alternatively, you can have a Co2 skin resurfacing treatment done several times and that may give you some tightening or you can try topical creams, but in my opinion most of them don’t work. I believe exercise, a healthy diet & antioxidants will help. This does take time so unless you are willing to do something more invasive stick with these recommendations and slowly, your skin with tighten. Think of it as working from the inside out.

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Vitamin E topically?

A fan on Facebook asked: “Hi Tina! I have always heard that putting Vitamin E topically on scars and blemishes can help fade and heal them. Is this true? Thanks!”

GREAT question. I was taught for many years that Vitamin E can help reduce scarring, however studies now show that’s not true. Vitamin E isn’t horrible, but some studies do demonstrate vitamin E may cause skin irritation which can worsen scarring.

There are many products out there specifically made to help heal and prevent scarring. I think one of the best ways to prevent, reduce, or minimize scars is to use Silicon gel sheeting. Putting a sheet of silicon gel on a scar every day may help it fade or keep it from getting worse. The sheeting is available at pharmacies or from dermatologists.

Florida dermatologist Andrea Cambio, MD, says gel sheeting should be used for at least three months for best results. Cleaning out a fresh cut or scrape is important. Soothe and clean the wound with cool water. Then remove any pebbles or splinters with alcohol-sterilized tweezers. Gently wash around the wound with soap and a washcloth. Irritants such as harsh soap, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and alcohol aren’t good for cleaning minor wounds. In fact, these substances can actually delay healing.

Keep it covered. Covering your cut or scrape helps it heal by barring bacteria, dirt, and other irritants. It also helps keep the wound moist for the first few days, which speeds healing. You can use an antibiotic cream or ointment to help keep your wound clean and moist. Keeping the wound covered and moist helps reduce the appearance of scars.

Don’t pick at scabs. Right after you get a cut or scrape, or even pick a pimple, your body starts healing the wound. White blood cells attack infection-causing bacteria. Red blood cells, fibrin, and platelets create a clot over your wound. And in no time, a scab forms. If you pick off the scab, you may not only reopen the wound and introduce bacteria, you could also create a larger scar. Once a wound is healed there are lasers available to help reduce redness however I would recommend waiting at least 6-12 months before treating with a laser.

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Microdermabrasion beneficial?

A fan on Facebook asked: “I have done Microdermabrasion in the past but have recently heard that it leaves microscopic scars which causes premature aging. Is this true? Thanks Tina!”

Great question! You definitely want to make sure the Esthetician is well trained! In my opinion if you treat too aggressively then you can cause minor damage when getting microdermabrasion. However with the correct pressure and suction then microderms are an excellent way to exfoliate the skin and keep a glowing youthful look. My vote is yes on microderms! Hope this helps. Thank you for the question!

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Welcome!

Welcome to the Art of Balanced Living Blog! I’ve worked as a para-medical esthetician for over a decade and I know what our skin needs. Skin is the biggest organ we have and it’s a direct reflection on what’s going on internally. What we put on topically and what we put in our mouths makes a HUGE difference! My vision is to inform and support others with the myths and bad marketing that we come across daily. I will take my knowledge and pay it forward to all that want to hear! Thank you for following my blog! I hope it brings you happiness, good health & BEAUTIFUL skin. Cheers!