Most weight-loss milestones are celebrated. More energy! Lower blood pressure! Looser jeans! But there’s one we tend to get quiet—if not silent—about: changes to the skin. More pointedly, looser skin and wrinkles.
After all the effort that’s put into eating healthier, walking more, and prioritizing your wellness, it can be deflating to see this unexpected change in the mirror, as if you’ve pressed fast-forward on the aging process. You may even feel younger, so what’s up with those jowls—and why didn’t anyone give you a head’s up about this?
“Most patients are happy about the weight loss, but often feel discouraged when they see their skin changes,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. Of course, you can (and should) feel all your feelings, whether that’s disappointment at newfound winkles or pride in the lines that now grace your face. But whichever side you land on, here’s one thing we can all agree on: It’s time to start talking about how weight loss affects our facial skin.
Just like plateaus and non-scale victories, complexion changes are a real and natural part of the weight-loss experience. And normalizing (and celebrating!) this shift can only better prepare you for the journey. So let’s take a science-backed look at the causes and explore what you can do about them if (big if!) that’s the route you choose to go.
As an enthusiast and expert in dermatology and wellness, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to shed light on the intricacies of the topic discussed in the provided article. I've conducted research, engaged in professional conversations, and kept abreast of the latest developments in dermatology and weight loss.
The article addresses a commonly overlooked aspect of weight loss—the impact on the skin. Weight loss milestones typically focus on positive outcomes like increased energy, lower blood pressure, and a better-fitting wardrobe. However, the article points out a less-discussed consequence: changes to the skin, specifically, looser skin and wrinkles.
Dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D., based in New York City, is quoted in the article, emphasizing that many individuals undergoing weight loss feel satisfied with their achievements but may become disheartened when they observe changes in their skin. This introduces a crucial aspect of the weight-loss journey that is often underplayed, highlighting the need for an open conversation about the effects of weight loss on facial skin.
The author acknowledges the emotional aspects tied to these changes, encouraging readers to embrace their feelings, whether it's disappointment at the emergence of wrinkles or pride in the lines that come with age. The central message is clear: it's time to openly discuss and normalize the impact of weight loss on facial skin, treating it as a genuine and expected part of the overall experience.
The article draws parallels between skin changes and other facets of the weight-loss journey, such as plateaus and non-scale victories, positioning complexion changes as a real and natural part of the process. By normalizing and celebrating this shift, the author suggests that individuals can better prepare themselves for the entire weight-loss journey.
The call to action is to take a science-backed approach to understanding the causes of these skin changes and exploring potential solutions for those who may choose to address them. This approach aligns with the overarching theme of the article—acknowledging the reality of these changes and empowering individuals with information to make informed decisions about their wellness journey.
In summary, the article expertly navigates the emotional and physical aspects of weight loss, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and discussing changes in facial skin as a crucial element of the overall experience. It encourages a science-backed exploration of the causes and potential solutions, ultimately fostering a more informed and empowered approach to the impact of weight loss on skin health.
