It should come as no surprise that skin loses its spring over time, as collagen and elastin – the proteins that provide skin with strength and elasticity – naturally decline. Then consider menopause and falling estrogen levels accelerate this process. But skin relaxation is not only inherent, aesthetic doctor, Dr Benji Dhillonhe tells Bazaar, “for example, sun exposure and a poor lifestyle lead to thinning of the skin over time.”
In addition to the multifaceted aging process, weight changes can make the skin loose. “One of the other things we’re seeing is more and more patients on GLP-1 — after losing weight they’re experiencing exactly this reduction in skin laxity,” Dr. Dhillon adds. And from an emerging phenomenon over the centuries, pregnancy does the same, explains the women’s health doctor Dr. Joe Meanylikening our elastin bonds to scaffolding on the side of a building. “The belly growing at such a fast rate with a baby breaks those scaffolding posts and they kind of wrinkle.” Coupled with the fact that the body doesn’t direct collagen to your waist or face after giving birth, (“it directs it to the uterus and hip joints – places where it’s been compromised during pregnancy”), you have a recipe for persistent sagging skin, not just where you had your baby bump.
And, when it comes to the face in particular, using too much dermal filler in an area that can’t hold as much could theoretically loosen the skin as well. “If the filler is injected in this way for an extended period of time, then it can cause a change in laxity and be more than just a temporary effect,” she reveals. Dr. Ash Soniplastic and reconstructive surgeon (and its founder and owner The Soni Clinic). However, “if done the right way,” filler will never leave the skin loose, she reassures us—which underscores the importance of seeking providers who are not only medically trained but understand anatomy from the inside out.
But no matter what’s causing loose skin, there are a myriad of options to reverse it. Here experts expand on the ultimate skin tightening treatments.
Radiofrequency Microneedling (Morpheus8, Matrix)
Radiofrequency microneedling is an advanced treatment known to tighten the skin. By combining microneedling, which creates micro-traumas in the skin, with radio frequency energy transmitted through the needles, it heats the underlying layers, leading to enhanced collagen and elastin production. The most well-known radiofrequency microneedling treatment is probably Morpheus8“the number one recommendation” for body skin tightening – especially after childbirth – according to Dr Mennie who treats patients at Dr David Jack Clinic. While Morpheus8 is also famously used for face tightening, the results can be very practitioner dependent, so it is important to see a specialist.
Regarding the face specifically, respected aesthetic professional, Dr. Sophie Sotterfavors a new radiofrequency microneedling device called Matrix by Candela. “The needles are much finer and you can completely control the depth of energy delivery, so patients find it much less painful, but you still get a really nice tightening of the skin,” he says. The effects of both Morpheus8 and Matrix can last up to a year.
There are other treatments that use radio frequency energy without microneedling, which (although arguably less powerful) can provide excellent skin tightening results. Be careful Thermage, Quota and Form (which is “good for the back of the thighs”, Dr Mennie tells us) – most of which are offered at the respected Sadaf Jaffari Clinic.
With these types of treatments, a local anesthetic will be used and downtime may include bruising and redness, as well as needle marks when microneedling is involved.
Focused ultrasound (Sofwave, Ultherapy)
Ultherapy is a reliable treatment that uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to reach deep layers of tissue and induce the formation of new collagen and elastin. Softwave is another, and one that Dr Shotter tells us can provide more power, without going as deep. “So all you’re doing is tightening the skin with Sofwave which means less risk of fat loss and damage to deeper structures like nerves,” he says. Dr Shotter also explains that “Sofwave is a good treatment option if you’re going ahead with facelifts in the future” – given that some skin tightening treatments can change the anatomy of the face, potentially complicating such surgeries down the road.
Ideal for “someone with mild to moderate skin laxity,” adds Dr Shotter, Sofwave – like Ultherapy – requires a local anesthetic and results in little to no downtime. “Results appear from six weeks onwards and last from nine to 12 months,” he confirms.
Bridget March before and after Sofwave Illuminate Skin Clinic
Injectables (Sculptra, Juläine, Profhilo Body)
Dr Soni’s hero treatment for non-surgical skin tightening is the heavily researched plant-based collagen stimulator. Sculptra. “It increases type 1 collagen by 67 cents in 12 weeks,” she tells us, “and it also helps stimulate those youthful fat cells—giving that wonderful bounce to the skin.” Depending on the patient, three to four sessions are required, approximately one month apart. When she does the cheek prick test from 12 weeks post-treatment (comparing how supple the skin is to before), “it’s getting better and better,” she notes. “Sculptra has always worked for me.”
With this, downtime is minimal, including occasional mild bruising and swelling at the injection sites. Results last approximately 18-24 months with recommended annual maintenance sessions.
Meantime, Juläine is the newest bio-activator on the block and Dr Dhillon’s skin tightening treatment of choice. An injectable mainly used for the face – but works equally well for the body, patients notice “skin feels less elastic and firmer” after just one session (although three are usually recommended). He explains that Juläine stimulates collagen by up-regulating healthy skin function and it’s also a very simple process. “The treatment itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Very few patients say it’s uncomfortable.”
For the body, Mennie likes to combine skin boosters Profhilo Body with Morpehus8 treatments to overload results. Alternatively, “for a bit of looseness on its own, Profhilo Body can help mild to moderate,” she tells us (think abs, knees and arms). This typically requires two treatments and downtime includes “bee sting” swelling that subsides within 24 hours. Most people see the best results about three to four weeks after their second session.
Laser (Endolift)
Laser is another advanced approach to skin tightening. There are various types of lasers that are used for this purpose, but one that our experts usually recommend is Endolift.
Famous aesthetic doctor Dr. Priya Verma explains that “Endolift involves the use of a micro-optical fiber, as thin as a human hair, which passes under the skin into the deep dermis, stimulating new collagen to tighten and tighten the skin.” She finds it particularly useful for areas “such as the lower face, neck, abdomen and arms, where skin laxity may be severe but filler would be inappropriate.” A procedure takes about an hour at most, depending on the treatment area, and most people can return to work within 24 hours. “Results can last on average between two to three years after just one session.”
Mechanical massage (LPG Endermologie)
And for those looking to take a softer approach – with zero downtime – portraitist Guendalina Gennari, aka “The Skin Sculptor”constitutes a course of LPG Endermologie treatments. She does it for the body (although facial treatments are available nationwide) and explains that it “works on lymphatic drainage, skin tightening, cellulite reduction and overall tissue toning”. Specifically for skin tightening, she often sees clients who want to address postpartum weight loss or postpartum sagging skin.
Using patented mechanical stimulation, each massage lasts 45 minutes, with a recommended duration of six sessions – performed once or twice a week for best results, which can last up to six months.
Supplements and skin care
Dr. Mennie treats patients only in combination ‘with protein supplements, vitamin C and zinc”, since “these are all co-factors for collagen formation”. Buying collagen can be a marketing minefield, but clinical trials show that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation can significantly improve skin elasticity. Realizing that this market traditionally caters to male physiology, overlooking the critical hormonal and metabolic differences that affect women, Dr Mennie created her own plant-based protein powders, Lukoespecially for women. You can find more clinically proven formulas in our guide to the best collagen supplements.
Meanwhile, skin care products can absolutely contribute to firmer skin, “if used religiously,” confirms Dr. Soni. Here, the main ingredients to look for are peptides“which can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.” Sold primarily by skin care professionals, Alastin has innovative peptides that do just that, with products like Restorative Skin Complex and Body Transformation Therapy. Likewise, formulations from other scientifically formulated brands such as Medik8’s Advanced Pro Collagen+ Peptide Creamand Strivectin’s Crepe Control Firming Body Cream they are also effective.
Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen+ Peptide Cream
StriVectin Tighten & Lift Crepe Control
Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
As with anything in skincare, it’s all about investing in the right approach for you.
You may also like it
