Effects Of Weight Loss On Skin And Hair

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When people undertake a diet and exercise regimen to lose weight, rarely do they realise that apart from causing a change in the size of their clothes, it will also cause significant changes to their skin and hair. Dr Sejal Saheta, Dermatologist and Venereologist, InUrSkn, shares some major changes that can occur because of weight loss and what you can do about the same.

Dieting Can Cause Acne

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Acne is a condition that is primarily caused by hormonal changes in the body. A diet plan aimed at reducing weight by controlling the calorific intake tends to stress the body. Stress, in turn, triggers hormonal changes which can cause acne outbreaks or intensify existing acne. This condition is colloquially called Dieter's Acne.

Having said this, it is important to note that this condition is transient in nature, and when the body has had enough time to adapt to the new diet regimen, the associated acne also tends to reduce and eventually go away.

What Can I Do?

A dermatologist can prescribe oral and topical medications that can help reduce acne outbreaks. In case the outbreak is very severe, more advanced procedures like chemical peels, etc. can be recommended.

Losing Weight Can Make You Look Older

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Several people observe fat loss from their face when they set out on their weight loss journey. However, the subcutaneous fat, collagen and elastin in the skin is what actually helps keep the skin stay taut and contributes to a youthful appearance. As such, it is common to see people rapidly losing weight and rapidly gaining years on the face.

Typical signs that can be observed on the face are:

These effects are more pronounced in middle-aged and older individuals as by that age, the skin has lost a lot of collagen and hence, its elasticity.

What Can I Do?

Plan your weight loss regimen with a dietician or fitness trainer so that there is no rapid weight loss. For most individuals, a weight loss of about half kilogram a week is deemed adequate; any more than that needs extra care.

While on your weight loss journey, ensure that you follow a good skincare routine. Use the right topical ointments that can boost skin elasticity. Speak to your dermatologist about the same and the possibility of supplementing your diet with nutrients suited for your skin. However, if you are already seeing such premature ageing, there are procedures like High-Frequency Intense Ultrasound (HIFU – Non Invasive Face Lift) which can work wonders on loose skin while being absolutely safe. Also for more pronounced cases, a dermatologist may recommend dermal fillers and BTX injections.

Weight Loss Often Leads To Stretch Marks

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Another common effect of weight loss on the skin is visible stretch marks along with sagging skin. These are commonly seen on the stomach and arms. This happens when we lose fat under the skin in these areas and the skin is unable to go back to its original state (or shrink back).

What Can I Do?

There are some scar and stretch mark reduction topical applications available, but these have limited efficacy. Also note that typical OTC creams have even further limited efficacy and may not be suitable for the condition that one is experiencing. "I have observed that treatments aimed at enhancing collagen levels in the skin work best towards reducing stretch marks and also tightening the skin. One such therapy is micro-needling accompanied by PRP usage which helps stimulate collagen while resurfacing the skin on the area being treated," suggests Dr Saheta.

Weight Loss Is Often Succeeded By Hair Loss

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Hair fall after weight loss is quite a common phenomenon. It usually begins three months after undergoing weight loss and can continue for up to six months or sometimes, even longer. This occurs primarily due to a lack of proteins and other nutrients like iron, zinc, etc. It is also triggered by the stress on the body that rapid weight loss can bring along.

What Can I Do?

Avoid crash diets and diet fads that favour one food group over another. It is better to choose a balanced diet and burn the required calories with exercise rather than consuming less food. Pay attention to your protein intake when undertaking heavy exercise or weight loss programmes. Proteins help in strengthening hair follicles and can help reduce hair loss. Furthermore, a dermatologist can prescribe oral and topical medications which will aid in hair growth. In case of severe hair fall, injectable procedures like mesotherapy and PRP therapy can be prescribed.

The bottom line is that a healthy body is much more than a slim body. It is important to keep a track of all your health parameters while undertaking a weight loss regimen. Your skin and hair are good indicators of your health, and their health can mean all the difference to a younger-looking you.

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