Major weight loss is usually met with compliments and praise, but people rarely talk about its side effect: excess skin. Although commonly associated with rapid fat loss, excess or saggy skin is also a result of aging. Growing older means slowly losing collagen and elastin in the dermis, which keeps the skin firm.
Whether it’s due to weight loss, aging, or both, seeing excess skin on your body can dampen the otherwise triumphant feeling of achieving a long-time goal. While this may be an unavoidable sentiment, it’s not insurmountable, as proven by these women who have come to embrace the(loose) skin they’re in.
Love Your Body at Every Age and Stage
Nica Rodriguez lost 50 lbs. in a year. “I would hide my by wearing long-sleeved tops or dresses. I’d also try to hide my legs by wearing trousers or fitted jeans,” she says.
As time passed, Nica noticed her excess skin less and shifted her efforts to . “I invested in good shapewear to keep my sagging skin tucked away during special occasions for a more polished and seamless look,” she shares.
A former merchandising manager for a fashion brand, Nica found herself enjoying selecting her outfits and getting creative with them. “I believe in achieving balance. When you cover something up, you have to show a bit of skin in another area,” she suggests.
“I have come to realize that beauty is being confident in your own skin and embracing your body at all ages and stages. Living in a time when body positivity is celebrated, I can confidently say I am beautiful.”
True Beauty Starts With Knowing Yourself
Nica Roco, once overweight at 200 lbs., also lost over 50 lbs. “I do have some excess skin. However, I no longer hide my body like I used to back when I defined my worth based on how I looked. When I was still obese, so much shame came with wearing clothes that showed parts of my body,” Nica shares.
Unfazed by her excess skin, she focused on her achievements, such as getting to a healthy weight. More than this, she acquainted herself with her new body and connected to her core. “When you truly see and know the essence of someone, it is difficult to not encounter beauty. I know the essence of who I am.” She adds, “For me, there are no imperfections anymore. I have acceptance and love for my body, which comes from honoring that each human body is different from the other.”
Embracing your imperfections starts with for who you are and what you can do. You can do this through simple acts of self-care, such as making time for an enjoyable bath and choosing the right products for your skin. Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash cleanses your body with NutriumMoisture™ technology, which seals in hydration to make every inch of your skin soft, smooth, and glowing.
Finding Your Beauty in Purpose
Czarina Ledesma’s weight loss wasn’t as drastic, but she found herself dealing with excess skin, nonetheless. “There are days when I try to hide my excess skin by avoiding anything sleeveless. Even if I’m thinner now, I still have days when I don’t like how I look,” the business owner and shares.
Ultimately, appreciating how far she’s come and how much she still wants to achieve helps Czarina overcome insecurity. “When you align your happiness with your goals, your satisfaction with your body becomes secondary – you are more focused on realizing your dreams.”
No matter what your goals are, celebrating small wins can shift your perspective. “Five years ago, I never thought I would be where I am now. Every inch I have gained or lost is part of this big and beautiful story of a life I never dreamed I could create for myself,” she adds.
Today, Czarina runs multiple businesses, including a dermatological clinic, a farm resort, schools, and a construction company. When she has free time, she tries to make a difference as the barangay kagawad of her community. The sense of accomplishment and fulfillment through touching other people’s lives helps her keep her going.
Joie de Vivre
Maricar Zaldarriaga was a in the ’70s and a single mom. After losing almost 10 lbs., she tried concealing her excess skin by covering it up. “I used to hide it with 3/4 sleeved shirts and high necklines. I also avoided wearing tight-fitting clothes or thin fabrics,” says the former Miss Young Philippines.
Sometimes, her excess skin still makes her feel like covering up, but in the end, Maricar brushes it off as someone who’s gained wisdom through the years can. “As age creeps in, it helps to keep fit by exercising and eating healthier. More importantly, I take aging, excess skin and all, with a grain of salt and a sense of humor. I have the joie de vivre,” Maricar says with a smile.
Rapid and drastic weight loss can result in excess skin. Like these women, you too can and will learn to accept and embrace it. In time and with some practice, you can with every part of yourself, knowing they are what makes you truly beautiful.