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Self-Massage for loose skin prevention
I have noticed a few posts on here where people, mostly newcomers to Atkins, are very concerned they may have a lot of loose skin once they have lost their weight.
Skin condition is influenced by a lot of factors including age, genetics, climate etc. But there are things you can do to maximize the elasticity of your skin.
The most effective way to reshape your body and condition your skin is massage. This is the reason those super-expensive cellulite creams work - because you massage the skin. It is the massage that breaks up the fat in the cells, not the 'magic' potion you pay all that money for. There are 2 methods that are easy to do yourself.
Dry brush skin massage.
I used skin brushing when I lost a lot of weight in the 1980s. I used a nail brush (you have to find one that is right for your skin). I used to dry brush before I showered, using a circular motion, very gently on sensitive areas. You can even do your face if you are extra careful. A fine dust will appear on your skin, this is the top layer being rubbed off. It is absolutely ESSENTIAL to moisturise after the shower. You can just use any old cream but you MUST do it. I use cheap Sorbolene from the supermarket and add a couple of drops of fragrant oils - usually lavender as it helps my itches. You skin will look better, and feel fabulous, if you do it regularly - I used to do it twice a week.
Shower massage with a loofah.
Now I use a nylon loofah thingy in the shower (it is made of a knitted nylon stuff in a frilly gathered rosette on a string - I buy it in the supermarket). I get wet, wash hair if necessary, turn the water off, squirt some liquid wash stuff (mine's a non-soap one due to skin itchies) on the loofah, and rub myself all over for 5 mins or so, using that circular motion. I rub really hard, espoecially on areas such as upper arms, stomach and thighs and buttocks, and even do my face (but gently). Then rinse. It feels really nice, and I have hardly any cellulite and only the faintest of stretch marks, even though I'm still classed as obese by any standards. Replace your loofah every couple of months. And once again, moisturising afterwards is very beneficial.
Hope this is helpful to everyone.
I have noticed a few posts on here where people, mostly newcomers to Atkins, are very concerned they may have a lot of loose skin once they have lost their weight.
Skin condition is influenced by a lot of factors including age, genetics, climate etc. But there are things you can do to maximize the elasticity of your skin.
The most effective way to reshape your body and condition your skin is massage. This is the reason those super-expensive cellulite creams work - because you massage the skin. It is the massage that breaks up the fat in the cells, not the 'magic' potion you pay all that money for. There are 2 methods that are easy to do yourself.
Dry brush skin massage.
I used skin brushing when I lost a lot of weight in the 1980s. I used a nail brush (you have to find one that is right for your skin). I used to dry brush before I showered, using a circular motion, very gently on sensitive areas. You can even do your face if you are extra careful. A fine dust will appear on your skin, this is the top layer being rubbed off. It is absolutely ESSENTIAL to moisturise after the shower. You can just use any old cream but you MUST do it. I use cheap Sorbolene from the supermarket and add a couple of drops of fragrant oils - usually lavender as it helps my itches. You skin will look better, and feel fabulous, if you do it regularly - I used to do it twice a week.
Shower massage with a loofah.
Now I use a nylon loofah thingy in the shower (it is made of a knitted nylon stuff in a frilly gathered rosette on a string - I buy it in the supermarket). I get wet, wash hair if necessary, turn the water off, squirt some liquid wash stuff (mine's a non-soap one due to skin itchies) on the loofah, and rub myself all over for 5 mins or so, using that circular motion. I rub really hard, espoecially on areas such as upper arms, stomach and thighs and buttocks, and even do my face (but gently). Then rinse. It feels really nice, and I have hardly any cellulite and only the faintest of stretch marks, even though I'm still classed as obese by any standards. Replace your loofah every couple of months. And once again, moisturising afterwards is very beneficial.
Hope this is helpful to everyone.
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