Mommy hood is a beautiful thing. There’s the magical feeling of bringing out into this world another life after carrying it in your tummy for several weeks and seeing that baby grow healthy each day.
But just like most moms, you’re probably wondering what to do with that loose skin after childbirth.
Is there a natural way to tighten your skin around the belly area, or are you stuck with it for life unless you go under the knife?
I’m here to answer this question most ladies have to help you feel more confident about your body - bikini season or not!
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What Happened to My Skin?
Think of your skin as a balloon!
When inflated, it’s all stretched out and tight. But once you deflate it, wrinkly stuff appears.
Not very attractive...! It almost seems like it’s there for good.
You see, your skin expands when you gain weight, just like a balloon. The hanging dermis looks pretty bothersome and unappealing, as well. Plus, it’s not just in your belly. It can also appear on your hips, backside, and your thighs.
Maybe your jeans fit right, but when you button them up, there’s the extra skin kind of hanging on the top.
Seeing and touching your loose skin can be frustrating and even depressing for some women. Some of you may even try so hard to do everything you can to get your body to look like how it was before the baby bump happened.
But this is something you can’t rush.
Look, you just did spectacular things by taking care of that little one in your tummy and giving birth to a lovely child.
Take it easy and be gentle with yourself, mama!
It’s not something you can “fix” overnight, but I promise you that you won’t have to hang on to the loose skin (no pun intended).
Shape Up With Exercise
Nothing beats exercise in toning the body. But don’t hit the gym just yet a week or two before childbirth.
The goal is to lose weight and shape up slowly.
You should work at losing that postpartum weight gradually as this allows your skin to regain its elasticity and recover slowly. Shrink up too quickly and your skin won’t even have ample time to react.
Some exercises you should try include the following:
1. Cardio
Nothing burns fat faster than cardio exercises. Do some brisk walking about three times a week to start, then gradually do it five days each week. Try walking on inclines to work your legs and thighs more, then vary the speed to change things up.
2. Target Specific Areas
Is your belly your main concern? Do some core exercises to tone and firm up your stomach. Great exercises include sit-ups, push-ups, and planks. If you are concerned about your glutes and thighs, you can do some lunges and squats to work these areas out. Are your arms the problem areas? Planks and dips should help.
3. Strength Training
You can either enroll in a yoga or Barre class to get fit, strong, and trimmed, or you can check out videos and do a bunch of yoga poses or some Pilates at the comfort of your own home. These videos are also as great as getting into a class, and you can also make your workout fit your busy schedule as a mom without a problem.
4. Play Sports
Yes, you CAN have fun while working out. Sports such as swimming, tennis, badminton, and bicycling aren’t just great exercises to keep you healthy, but these can help tone your body at the same time. Play your favorite sports with your spouse or friends, so you get to hit two birds in one stone - shape up and have tons of fun while you socialize!
Get Rid of Loose Skin with Proper Diet
Combine exercise with the right diet to effectively tighten your skin.
I recommend that you eat healthy fats and proteins, so be sure you’re getting these in your regular diet. Protein contains collagen that promotes elasticity of the skin. On the other hand, fats allow you to maintain a supple and smooth skin. You’ll also need additional protein when you’re breastfeeding for better milk production.
Stay hydrated in the midst of your workouts and daily activities. Water keeps your skin hydrated while enhancing its elasticity. Another surprising fact is that your body can burn excess fat more efficiently when you’re properly hydrated. It also gives you the feeling of satiety, so you won’t end up wanting to eat more than you should.
Oil Massages for Tighter Skin
So you have your nutritious meals each day and strength-training and cardio workouts.
Another important element for tightening up loose skin is by using essential oil and massaging your skin to firm it up nicely.
I recommend lavender oil, or peppermint oil, and even castor oil for your body massages. Even almond oil is great, and all you need to do is to massage your loose skin with any of these oils to make it tight.
First, it offers a soothing and calming effect.
Then, it promotes circulation, which is essential for the blood to flow to these areas and facilitate the production of healthy skin cells.
Oil massages also help in the increased production of elastin and collagen in the skin.
Don’t expect your skin to look tighter in a few days because this thing takes some time. But just do it twice a day - once after a shower in the morning and another before bedtime, and you will soon notice an improvement. Stick to these recommended oils, as these are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, K, and E, which are all necessary for healthier, smoother, and tighter skin.
Meanwhile, check out these cosmetic products on Amazon:
Just Be Patient!
Maybe you won’t see results right away, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working.
The most important thing is that you exert your efforts in eating right, working out, and doing your oil massages daily.
Take great care of your body and mind, and perhaps dress up once in a while and get yourself all spiffy with a pregnancy safe make-up when you go out, so you’ll feel pretty and confident about yourself.
Once in a while, go out and unwind, and don’t focus on the less-than-perfect things in your life.
Enjoy, have fun, and be proud of what you’ve accomplished, mom!
