Weight loss is a journey that can be lengthy and difficult for some, quick and easy for others. We also want to acknowledge that though weight loss is a positive health event for many people, there are times when it is due to illness, treatments, or certain life circumstances. Whether the reduction in pounds is welcome or not, it may be accompanied by a skin side effect that isn’t typically welcome: premature signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Though it may seem logical to counteract these effects with topical products and treatments, weight loss-related skin aging–like weight loss itself, requires an integrative approach.
Here are some examples of how a Certified Nutritional Aesthetics Practitioner® might work with clients seeking to improve weight loss-related skin aging.
Client:
I’m really frustrated. I just lost 40 pounds in the last 6 months, after years of struggling with extra weight. Though I feel so much lighter and more energized, and I love how my body looks, I feel like my face looks like it’s aged 10 years. My skin looks dull, my under-eye area and cheeks look sunken in, and I’m starting to notice fine lines. I thought that cleaning up my diet, exercising, and losing weight would help me look young and healthy–and what I see in the mirror is the opposite of that. I don’t know if I should start using retinols, or have a chemical peel, or what. It’s really affecting me–I was expecting to feel better about myself after losing weight, but I just don’t.
CNAP:
First of all, congratulations on losing weight by changing your diet and exercising! I know that took a lot of effort. When we lose weight fairly quickly, even though healthy means, our skin sometimes takes a little while to catch up. Plump, youthful skin relies on several factors, including collagen and elastin levels, hydration, and also what’s called the subcutaneous fat layer which acts like a cushion underneath the skin. What’s your diet been like lately?
Client:
Whoa, what do you mean fat? I just did all this to LOSE fat! I certainly don’t want to add more fat after all the changes I just made–won’t that make me gain more weight?
CNAP:
There are several different types of fat–some good, some bad. But we all need certain levels of healthy fats called essential fatty acids, which help support healthy cell growth and function, protect against inflammation, and also provide a necessary cushion around our organs and systems. When we lose weight, we do lose fat–but we don’t always get to choose what types of fat we lose and where we lose it from. What’s your diet like these days?
Client:
I eat really clean, and really healthy. Lots of smoothies and salads, and not a lot of meat–but when I do eat meat it’s always lean. I’m not a huge fan of dairy, but when I do have milk or cheese I make sure it’s skim or at least low-fat.
CNAP:
OK. There are lots of ways to add healthy fats into your smoothies and salads that should not affect your weight, but could really help your skin. Think about adding foods like olive oil, coconut oil, olives, avocados, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds to your smoothies and salad dressings. Also, certain salad greens such as spinach and romaine, are higher in essential fatty acids than other greens, so try focusing on those. Nuts and seeds are great because they are lean sources of healthy fats and proteins–which your skin needs. Try dipping fruit or veggie slices into organic peanut or cashew butter for a quick, healthy snack. When you do eat meat or animal products in general, I’d recommend ones made from pasture-raised animals. If you do choose dairy, it’s actually easier for the body to digest and absorb whole, unpasteurized milk, cheese, or yogurt, rather than skim or low-fat options. Cooking with small amounts of grass-fed butter or ghee also might be a good option. If you don’t have access to those (not all states do), or would rather be dairy-free, you might consider a high quality, organic nut milk like almond, coconut or cashew; and cook with coconut or avocado oil.
Client:
What about supplements? I’ve heard that taking fish oil, or collagen supplements is good for the skin.
CNAP:
Supplements can be helpful to support a healthy and balanced diet. If you’re looking for collagen, I recommend grass-fed bovine collagen. Omega-3 fish oil supplements with the proper balance of EPA to DHA can also be helpful. I always first recommend starting with whole foods before taking supplements. The foods I mentioned before are great sources of healthy fats, in addition to small, fatty fish like sardines and anchovies. I also really do prefer bone broth as a source of collagen first, before turning to supplements. You’ll also want to make sure you’re drinking enough water every day, and getting enough sleep. If, after a few months, you don’t see an improvement, then talk to your licensed health professional about whether or not supplementation is a good idea.
Client:
OK, I’ll try that–but what should I do for actual skincare? I want to see results.
CNAP:
I totally understand! Believe it or not, I’d actually recommend more healthy fats in your topical skincare regimen too. There are many amazing carrier oils and butters that help to nourish and protect the skin with essential fatty acids and antioxidants from the outside in. Some of my favorites are shea butter, moringa oil, and apricot kernel seed oil, but there are many, many more. While many products on the market claim that active ingredients like retinol or Vitamin C are what’s necessary to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, these aren’t always easy for the skin to absorb, and might actually cause irritation. What I love about natural oils is that they contain all the different building blocks your body needs to make nutrients for beautiful skin, and they are easily absorbed. You’d also likely benefit from regular facials that utilize massage techniques, and also lifting modalities such as gua sha, facial cupping, or nanocurrent. How does that sound?
Client:
I actually haven’t tried any of those facial techniques you mentioned, and honestly–I really miss some of those foods you mentioned! I’ll give it a try.
We want to hear from you:
We want to hear from you:Have you or a client ever dealt with weight loss-related skin aging issues?
Where did you seek help and what measures did you take that were most successful for you?
Are you interested in becoming a Certified Nutritional Aesthetics Practitioner®?
Our training program is currently in development, and will launch in 2019. The first step to becoming a CNAP is becoming a NAA member–and our membership program is open now!
Click HERE to learn more and join our movement today.