Why we’re seeing these changes more often
More people are turning to rapid weight loss - whether through medical support or lifestyle changes. While the results can be transformative for health, one unexpected side effect many notice is how their skin and face begin to look different: hollowness, sagging, or loss of elasticity.
This isn’t about fear, it’s about understanding why it happens, and how to support your skin through the process.
Let’s first understand the role of Collagen & Elastin, for your skin’s structure.
Collagen and Elastin: The hidden framework of your skin
Your skin isn’t just a surface. It is made up of 3 layers such as the outer barrier (called the epidermis), the middle layer called the dermis ( rich in collagen and elastin) and the last layer made up of subcutaneous tissue/fat.
Collagen, especially Type I collagen (which makes up about 90% of your skin’s collagen), acts as the scaffolding that keeps skin firm and structured. Elastin gives it bounce and flexibility.
When weight drops quickly, these systems are affected beneath the surface, not just the fat layer.
What happens to your skin when weight drops fast?
Several changes can occur:
- Reduced fat volume: Fat cells shrink, exposing underlying bone and muscle, which can highlight lines or hollows.
- Accelerated facial aging: As collagen and elastin production naturally decline, rapid weight loss can accelerate visible changes and facial aging when fat volume decreases.
- Weakened structural support: With less cushioning beneath, wrinkles and sagging can appear more prominent. Fine lines and loss of definition become more noticeable.
- Hydration shifts: Hormonal changes, especially during menopause where you may experience an Estrogen deficiency - may lead to lower levels of hyaluronic acid and impact how well skin holds moisture.
Why this matters for skin recovery
When collagen and elastin declines, skin struggles to ‘bounce back’ after fat loss. This is why some people notice an aged or ‘tired’ appearance even when they feel healthier overall. Genetics, speed of weight loss, sun exposure, and age all influence how visible these changes are.
How to support your skin structure, inside and out:
- Lifestyle support:
- Prioritise a protein-rich diet, and include vitamins (such as A, C, D) and minerals (such as zinc and copper), that may help to support collagen synthesis.
- Stay hydrated and avoid smoking.
- Ensure that use a daily sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Go gradual if possible, as slower weight loss allows your skin to remodel naturally.
- Explore professional treatment options:
- Collagen stimulating injectables: these injectable treatments encourage your body to naturally produce more collagen and elastin. This means that your skin can rebuild its own support network within a few weeks, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with results that may last for more than 2 years.
- Skin boosters: these injectable treatments are designed with hyaluronic acid, which plays an important role in maintaining skin hydration, which in turn promotes a smoother, more radiant complexion.
- Volume-enhancing fillers: these injectables are designed to restore soft contours and support natural facial expression & movement.
Weight loss can feel empowering - but it’s normal for your skin to need extra support as it adapts. Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface helps can guide healthier, more balanced decisions for your skin’s long-term strength and structure.
Curious about how collagen-stimulating injectables or other treatment options could support your skin?
Start the conversation with your Doctor to explore a personalised approach that works from within.