You know those shiny, smiling instagram photos of the mom with 6 kids standing on the beach showing off her 6 pack abs of perfection? Those abs that are strong and slim and tight and don’t have an ounce of fat or extra skin? Yeah…. that’s not me.
I had twins. My belly will never be the same. The skin that so lovingly stretched to keep those babies safe and sound for 9 months decided to stick around and remind me everyday how blessed I am to have those babies.
That being said… I am not one to give up, or give in, or not care. Or not do the best thing for my body (and my self-esteem) and tighten that belly up! So, I have. Mostly. I have a little ways to go, but I’ve made a lot of progress in tightening my belly skin. It’s taken a few years of research and product testing, but I’ve found the 3 best things that work for me. And I’m going to share them with you!
I’ve tried way more than three, but these three tips/products are what yielded significant, visible results, helping my shrink my belly a full inch and make it look more taut and toned. Here they are. Take what you want and try it. Or try them all. It’s a pretty simple regimen, actually.
Secret 1: Warm Lemon Water in the morning (12-16 oz)
There are so many benefits to warm lemon water first thing in the morning! And, by first thing, I literally mean get out of bed, head straight to the kitchen, make the lemon water and sit down and drink it. Right then. First thing. Here’s whats even better and my secret weapon, have a 16 oz bottle of water right on your nightstand. When you wake up in the morning, while you’re sitting in bed, grab that water and drink the whole before you even get up. Then go make the lemon water and drink that. Yes, you will have to pee! Probably alot, but that’s good for you too!
Why the water very first thing in the morning? Here’s what makes it amazing:
Rehydrates your body
Increases your level of alertness
Fuels your brain
Jumpstarts your metabolism
Strengthens your immune system
Helps flush toxins from your body (including those toxins that cause inflammation and bloating in your belly!)
Supports healthy weight loss
Great for your skin! Dehydration is one of the primary causes for the development of wrinkles in your skin, dark patches, and deep pores in the skin. Keeping your body hydrated as the day starts, helps promote a sustained flow of blood to your skin and releases toxins from your system.
Now, on top of these benefits, add a second glass of lemon water to your morning routine. Lemon water benefits your skin for a few reasons.
Vitamin C found in lemons may help reduce skin wrinkling, dry skin from aging, and damage from the sun. How water improves skin is controversial, but one thing is certain. If your skin loses moisture, it becomes dry and prone to wrinkles. A 2016 laboratory study showed that a citrus-based drink helped prevent the development of wrinkles in hairless mice.
The biggest benefit I noticed in myself drinking lemon water in the morning: a less inflamed, flatter belly throughout the day. Improved skin texture – ie, the “wrinkles” on my belly have smoothed out quite a bit. I’ll take a flatter belly and smoother skin any day. I have seen enough improvement in my own belly to keep drinking water plus lemon water every morning.
Secret 2. Skin Rolling
You’re going to think this is weird. I did too. But then I did it. Holy.Cow. I was shocked at the results. Skin rolling is sort of like self-myofascial release that you can do with your fingers by picking up the skin on your abdomen and “rolling” it between your fingers in the direction that the underlying muscle runs. Rolling your skin can release or loosen “stuck” fascia underneath the skin and generate or promote tautness as the skin is stimulated and manipulated. Very similar to foam rolling on large muscles groups, except it’s for your belly. Skin rolling may hurt initially, or leave red marks, but the slight pain will subside over time, as the rolling helps to “unstick” your fascia and create smooth, unwrinkled, tight belly skin.
I’ve been teaching skin rolling to my clients now for almost a year, and they love it. I learned the art and science of skin rolling from Dr. Sarah Duvall. You can watch her tutorial here. Please note – this is not a one and done thing. Be consistent with skin rolling! Every day. 5 minutes a day, More than once per day is ideal. Give it a good 30 days of consistency. I think you’ll be pretty happy with the results. Around the 3 week mark, my belly had shrunk an entire inch around the belly button and my c-section scar faded significantly.
Secret 3. Collagen and Turmeric
Supplements are seriously a mom’s best friend. I’m talking quality, clean, nutrient dense supplements made with real food. The BEST healing comes from the inside out. My 2 favorite supplements to deal with loose belly skin are clean-sourced collagen and Mellow Yellow Turmeric Powder. Here’s what they do:
Collagen: Collagen is the building block of the connective fascial tissue that runs between the two rectus muscles. It’s that connective tissue that needs to be tight in order to pull your muscles back together.
Good quality, clean-sourced collagen can help to rebuild that tissue to repair it be taut again. It’s not a definite cure, but some women have seen great results in the appearance of their belly by using collagen. Myself included. Collagen is also a long-term thing. Don’t take it for 3 days and think your belly will disappear. Give it 6 months. You can get collagen from different sources, including making your own bone broth.
But for the quickest route, it comes in powder form that you can add to smoothies, shakes, coffee, juice, oatmeal., anything really. Here are my two favorite brands: Joyome Collagen Complex, Zint Collagen. I like these because they source the cleanest, purest form of collagen from grass fed animals. Be sure to get the collagen and not the gelatin because collagen is tasteless and dissolves easier.
Mellow Yellow Turmeric Blend: This powder is a power house blend of super foods that fights inflammation, regulates hormones, and eliminates bloating, all of which are wonderful for contributing to glowing, tighter skin. The ingredients in this powder contain a natural way to reduce anxiety, stress and inflammation. You’ll also enjoy better sleep and wake up feeling well-rested! It’s a total win.
And, you can save 15% off every order by using code ALPHAMAMAS at checkout. No limit. Check out the Mellow Yellow Super foods here and their other clean powders. I love this stuff.
Now that we’ve covered some amazing secrets for dealing with loose belly skin, let’s dive into an essential part of the process that has not been highlighted in detail yet: exercise. Indeed, targeted exercises can play a significant role in toning and firming up loose skin on your abdomen. Here are some of the best exercises to help you achieve a tighter, more toned tummy:
Pelvic Tilts: Not only are pelvic tilts gentle on the body, but they also target your lower abs, strengthening and toning the region. To perform this exercise, lay on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Flatten your back against the floor by tightening your abdominal muscles and tilting your pelvis up slightly. Hold for up to 10 seconds, then relax.
Side Planks: Planks are incredibly beneficial for strengthening and toning your entire core. They engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them a highly efficient exercise. However, traditional planks may be too intense if you’re struggling with diastasis recti. The good news is that side planks are just as effective AND they are DR friendly! Check out all the complete Core Corrective for a fully immersive Diastasis healing program
Pilates: Pilates exercises are excellent for toning the abdominal muscles. They focus on using your body weight to strengthen your core and improve your overall body strength, flexibility, and balance. A ‘hundred’ is a popular Pilates exercise that targets the abdominal area.
Bridge: The bridge is an excellent exercise for strengthening the entire abdominal region, lower back, and glutes. Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Lift your hips off the floor until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold this position for a few seconds before slowly lowering your body back to the floor.
Cardio Exercises: Including cardiovascular exercises in your routine can help burn belly fat, which can aid in making your belly appear tighter. Examples of cardio exercises include brisk walking, running, cycling, and swimming.
Remember that while these exercises can help tighten loose belly skin to some extent, they’re most effective when combined with an overall fitness program, a balanced diet, and good hydration. It’s also crucial to remember that everyone’s body responds differently to postpartum recovery and exercise. What works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your body and adapt your exercise regimen as needed.
In addition to these exercises, it’s essential to keep up with your warm lemon water in the morning, skin rolling, and supplements such as collagen and turmeric. These combined efforts can offer an integrated approach to dealing with loose belly skin after pregnancy.
It’s equally important to be patient with yourself and your body. Healing and strengthening take time. Remember, your body did something extraordinary by bringing a baby into the world, and it’s okay to give it the time it needs to recover and rebuild. By committing to these practices for at least six months, you can expect to see improvement and feel more confident and comfortable in your skin.
So, there you go. My three best secrets to tightening that loose belly skin. Remember that healing takes time. There is no magic bullet, but there are certainly natural remedies that will help with the healing process at the fascial and cellular levels. Commit 6 months to these practices and I know you’ll see improvement. Be sure to snap photos so you can track your own progress. 🙂
And if you want to see improvement in just 4 weeks, add the Core Corrective to your life. It’ll be a game changer.
FAQ Section:
Q: How does drinking warm lemon water help in tightening belly skin?
A: Drinking warm lemon water, particularly in the morning, provides hydration and essential nutrients like Vitamin C that contribute to skin health. It helps in detoxifying the body, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin elasticity, which can aid in tightening loose belly skin. Plus, it supports healthy weight loss, which can further help tighten and tone your abdomen.
Q: What is skin rolling and how does it help in tightening belly skin?
A: Skin rolling is a type of self-myofascial release you can do with your fingers by picking up the skin on your abdomen and “rolling” it. This technique stimulates and manipulates the skin and the fascia underneath, promoting tautness and smoothness. It’s similar to foam rolling for large muscle groups, except it’s specifically for your belly skin.
Q: Can collagen supplements really help in tightening loose belly skin?
A: Yes, collagen is a key building block of the skin and helps maintain its elasticity and strength. It’s the primary component of the connective tissue between the rectus muscles (abdominal muscles), which need to be tight to pull these muscles back together. Supplements can boost collagen levels in your body, which can potentially improve the appearance of your belly skin.
Q: What are the benefits of turmeric for skin tightening?
A: Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound that can promote skin health. It helps fight inflammation, regulates hormones, and may help tighten and firm the skin. Plus, it can help eliminate bloating, which contributes to a flatter and tighter-looking belly.
Q: How long does it take to see results from these skin tightening methods?
A: Results will vary for every individual. However, with consistency and commitment, you should expect to see some improvement within a few months. Remember, healing and strengthening take time, so it’s essential to be patient with your body.
Q: Are there any side effects of these skin tightening methods?
A: Generally, the methods mentioned are safe and natural, but everyone’s body is different. It’s always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new health or fitness regimen.
Q: What lifestyle changes can I make to prevent loose belly skin?
A: Maintain a healthy weight, stay hydrated, follow a balanced diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Regular physical activity, especially strength training and exercises that target the abdominal muscles, can also help prevent loose belly skin.
Q: What causes belly wrinkles and how can they be reduced?
A: Belly wrinkles can result from several factors, including aging, rapid weight loss, and pregnancy. Hydration, a healthy diet, regular exercise, skin care routines that include moisturization and exfoliation, and treatments like skin rolling can help reduce these wrinkles over time.
Q: Are there any medical treatments available for tightening loose belly skin?
A: Yes, there are medical treatments such as laser therapy, radiofrequency treatments, ultrasound, and in more severe cases, tummy tuck surgery. However, these should only be considered after consulting with a healthcare provider or a certified dermatologist.
Q: What skincare routines can help in reducing belly wrinkles?
A: Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth. Keeping your skin moisturized is also crucial in maintaining its elasticity. Products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and retinol can aid in skin tightening.
Q: How does maintaining a healthy weight help in preventing loose belly skin?
A: Sudden weight fluctuations can stretch the skin and lead to looseness and wrinkles. Maintaining a healthy weight helps keep your skin firm. If you’re losing weight, aim to do it gradually to give your skin time to adjust to the changes.
Q: What are some preventive measures to avoid loose belly skin and belly wrinkles?
A: A healthy diet rich in proteins and vitamins, regular exercise, staying hydrated, maintaining a stable weight, and proper skin care can help prevent loose belly skin and wrinkles. Avoiding excessive sun exposure, which can break down collagen and elastin, can also help in maintaining firm skin.
Get the Core Corrective here to start your journey to a stronger core and tighter midsection.
