Skin may loosen or sag as people age due to changes in the molecules that keep it elastic, firm, and hydrated. Ways to help tighten loose skin include exercise, supplements, and laser resurfacing.
Most people start to experience skin laxity, or loosening, in their thirties and forties. Skin laxity that occurs with age is mostly due to a loss of collagen networks, elastin fibers, and hyaluronic acid — a molecule that helps the skin retain moisture.
Weight loss, especially significant or rapid weight loss, and pregnancy can also loosen the skin by stretching skin molecules or changing its structure.
Several other health and lifestyle factors can also contribute to loose skin, including:
- menopause
- ultraviolet (UV) light damage
- artificial tanning
- certain medications, such as steroids and corticosteroids
- skin products or detergents that contain harsh chemicals
- smoking
- drinking alcohol
In this article, we discuss popular techniques for tightening loose skin and ways to prevent the skin from sagging.
Exercising regularly is an important way to stay healthy and age well. Some types of exercise may also help reduce the effects of skin aging.
A 2024 review of studies reported that exercise increases blood flow in the skin, widens blood vessels, and increases mitochondria production. This can help improve skin health and reduce age-related changes.
However, the exercise environment is important. For example, swimming in chlorinated pools can damage the skin’s protective barrier and cancel out any positive effects on the skin.
Women with loose skin as a result of pregnancy should talk with a doctor about the best way to engage safely in physical activity and which exercises to avoid.
Key terms explained: Mitochondria
Mitochondria are organelles within cells. They generate the energy a cell needs to perform its functions. Mitochondria are essential for skin health, providing energy for healing, growth, repair, and maintaining skin barrier function.
Many different firming gels, creams, patches, and other products are available for the topical treatment of minor cases of loose skin.
People who wish to purchase a firming product should look for products containing retinoid compounds. Retinoids are potent antioxidants that may boost collagen production.
However, experts do not consider firming products to be effective overall, and their penetration of the skin may not be deep enough to help lift sagging skin.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most firming products offer subtle results at best, mostly by acting as a moisturizer. People who do observe results with these products may need to keep using them to continue seeing results.
Diet plays a significant role in skin health. Nutritional supplements may have benefits for loose skin, including anti-aging and antisagging effects. Some of the most promising skin supplements include:
Collagen hydrolysate
Many people think that collagen supplements reduce the effects of skin aging by boosting collagen levels.
Collagen peptides in the form of an oral supplement may improve:
- the skin’s moisture barrier by increasing hyaluronic acid levels
- collagen production, leading to stronger collagen networks
- the growth of skin fibroblasts — cells that help make connective compounds
- wound healing
A 2023 systematic review of 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involving 1,721 people, found that people taking hydrolysed collagen supplements experienced improved skin hydration and elasticity compared to groups taking a placebo.
However, there were some biases in the RCTs, and there was not enough evidence to conclude that collagen has a significant effect on skin aging. Larger RCTs are necessary to explore the relationship.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants and antioxidative enzymes may help reduce skin sagging and wrinkles by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are compounds that can activate pathways that eventually degrade collagen.
Antioxidants can also help stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin.
Examples of the antioxidants in foods, drinks, and nutritional supplements include:
Many people get enough antioxidants through their diet. There is little evidence to suggest that taking antioxidant supplements helps prevent or reduce skin conditions.
Taking too much of certain vitamins for too long, particularly vitamins A and E, may cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can lead to more severe side effects.
When taking supplements, it is important to follow the dosage on the label. People with a health condition should discuss taking supplements with their doctor first to prevent unwanted side effects or interactions with other medications.
Massage may improve blood flow and stimulate fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells that help produce connective tissues, such as collagen and elastin, that keep skin firm.
A small study in 2025 asked women ages 20 to 50 to use either a facial roller or gua sha facial massage for 10 minutes, 5 times per week for 8 weeks. Both groups showed improved facial contours but through different mechanisms. The facial roller group achieved this through increased skin elasticity and the gua sha group’s results were due to changes in muscle tone.
Another
Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons can perform nonsurgical procedures that may help reduce loose skin. However, these procedures are not useful for severe cases of loose skin as the results tend to be subtle.
Nonsurgical procedures do not involve cutting or puncturing and typically only cause temporary swelling and redness. They also often take only a short amount of time to perform.
Most procedures are safe for use on all skin colors and are suitable for any body part.
Many nonsurgical procedures treat loose skin by boosting collagen and elastin production in different layers of the skin, usually by using various devices to send heat under the skin.
Examples of nonsurgical procedures include:
Ultrasound
A high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) facial works on the deepest layers of the skin. Most people notice subtle lifting and tightening within 2 to 6 months of their first treatment and report more significant results with additional treatments. The effects of the treatment can last for up to 1 year.
Laser treatments
Laser treatments focus on the outer layer of the skin, which is called the epidermis. Most people need between three and five treatments to see results, and changes are usually visible 2 to 6 months after the last treatment. Laser treatments are especially useful on the upper arms and belly.
Nonsurgical radiofrequency
In the nonsurgical form of radiofrequency, a dermatologist will place a device against the skin to heat the tissue underneath. Most people who use this method see results after one treatment.
The treatment takes about 6 months to take full effect, but some people notice tightening shortly after the procedure. With the right skin care, the results may last for 2 to 3 years.
Some slightly more invasive procedures, which often use similar science or devices as nonsurgical procedures, may help reduce loose skin.
Examples of minimally invasive procedures include:
Surgical radiofrequency
The minimally invasive form of radiofrequency involves inserting tiny tubes through small incisions in the skin to send heat to the areas that require tightening.
Doctors often perform this procedure on the neck or upper arms, and it may produce results within 1 month. This procedure usually takes place under local anesthesia, and most people need to wear compression bandages for 4–5 days afterward.
People often undergo treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL) in combination with radiofrequency to more effectively treat the skin at different levels. A person may require a series of IPL treatments to see results, and it is sometimes unsuitable for those with darker skin tones or tanned skin.
Laser resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is the most effective nonsurgical procedure for tightening loose skin. It can also reduce wrinkles, fine linkes, and age spots.
Most people require 5 to 7 days of rest after the procedure and typically notice results 2 weeks after they heal. Laser resurfacing carries a small risk of scarring.
Loose skin is not harmful and does not require treatment, but some people dislike its appearance. The best way to tighten loose skin depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms and any additional health considerations.
In people with severe loose skin, surgery is likely to make the most significant difference.
Individuals with minor-to-moderate cases of loose skin may benefit from a range of options, including:
- exercise
- massage
- firming products
- nutritional supplements
- nonsurgical procedures
- minimally invasive procedures
Anyone concerned about severe loose skin can seek advice from a primary care doctor or dermatologist.