By Geri Brewster

Changes in our bodies can be a sign of something wonderful- pregnancy, healthy weight management, aging, etc. As the body fluctuates, so does our skin. Major changes, such as giving birth or losing weight, can cause the body to evolve dramatically, resulting in loose skin. Some people with loose skin experience discomfort or feel self-conscious about this side effect which can impact self-esteem. In this article, we’ll look at why loose skin happens and ways in which you may be able to support your skin’s health. 

The innermost layer of your skin is composed of many proteins with different functions. Around 80% of your skin’s structure is made up of collagen, the protein responsible for providing firmness and strength. Elastin, another major protein, provides elasticity and maintains the tightness of your skin. As our bodies change over the years, expanding and retracting,  collagen and elastin become damaged, resulting in loose skin for some. 

Studies suggest that collagen supplements improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when orally administered. While supplemental collagen may improve the skin's elasticity and suppleness, the body needs a bit more than collagen alone to build connective tissue. It needs nutrients like vitamin C, and B vitamins, complete protein, silica, essential fatty acids, and minerals. Additionally, proper hydration is key to skin repair and maintenance. This is why as a functional registered dietitian-nutritionist, I lean into food sources of all of these compounds and then consider supplementing to close the gap as needed to achieve any health objective. All health objectives are biologically nurtured through our diet of beautifully complex nutrient-dense foods delivering a synergism for cellular support and optimization. Azuluna Food’s pasture-raised chicken bone broth provides 14 grams of protein in a flavor-forward recipe that combines collagen, hydration, and the essential nutrients necessary to support skin health.

Often we hear of women post-babies and individuals post-weight loss who opt for various dermatological and plastic surgery procedures to tighten, tuck and nip their skin back into "shape" on their body. However, to help the body repair, heal, and continue to generate collagen to maintain these procedures, they will still need to lean into a  nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants and derived from colorful plant foods and lean proteins. Azuluna's pasture-raised chicken bone broth provides 8 grams of collagen per serving and is perfectly paired with their ready-to-eat meals and side dishes, providing the raw materials the body needs to support connective tissue. 

Bottomline, your body goes through changes that may affect the skin’s elasticity and firmness. In order to aid the skin in retraction, we literally have to nourish ourselves from the inside out.