Natural Ways to Tighten & Firm Your Skin

Skin is our largest organ and requires proper maintenance. According to the National Dermatology Association, there are many reasons why our skin loses its elasticity and requires maintenance and firming up. If you've lost a lot of weight, you might find you need to tighten and firm your skin. Aging may also contribute to the skin needing toning and firming. The sun, certain foods and habits can all damage your skin, as well as make your skin lose its suppleness. Some people might choose to have expensive and risky surgery, but there are many ways you can naturally tighten and firm your skin.

Nutrition

Skin requires good nutrition to stay tight and firm. Dermatologist Rhoda Narins, M.D., says there are some healthy foods that contain beneficial nutrients for the skin, including Brazil nuts. These tasty nuts are great for the skin because they have selenium, which can help maintain elasticity in the skin. Pomegranate juice contains anthocyanins which help strengthen the walls of the very small blood vessels that provide nutrients to the skin. Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants help fight free radicals that can cause damage to the skin.

Vitamins

Sheldon Pinnell, a researcher at Duke University, completed a study and discovered that vitamins C and E can help tighten the skin and protect it from the damaging effects of the sun. He further studied topical vitamin C and found that it could reduce sun damage and bring back elasticity to the skin, making it firmer. Vitamin B, used topically-in creams-can help by hydrating the cells and tightening the skin. Taking fatty acids can also aid in keeping the face toned and flaxseed oil and evening primrose can have benefits as well.

Exercise

Exercise is important for firming up skin. It helps circulation and keeps skin firm and toned. You don't need a fancy gym membership to exercise to firm and tighten your skin. For facial and neck muscles, Carole Maggio, author of "Facercise," suggests a complete regimen of facial exercises to tone and tighten the skin of the face and neck. For other body-toning such as arms, legs and tummy, simple lunges, front squats, sit ups and gentle weights can help tone the skin and improve circulation.

Other Tips

Drinking plenty water and keeping skin cells hydrated can help the skin stayed toned. "Journal of Clinical Dermatology" suggests moisturizers to help keep skin tightened and toned. Facial masks and body exfoliation can also aid in skin care and natural ways to tighten skin.