How to Tighten Loose Skin with Tretinoin and Collagen

It’s normal for your skin to change over time. It’s not only the appearance of your skin that changes, but the overall structure and firmness too. Whether it’s after weight loss, pregnancy or naturally ageing, loose or sagging skin is something many people experience.

If you’ve been wondering how to tighten loose skin, you’ve probably come across advice recommending collagen supplements and prescription retinoids like tretinoin. The question is: can skincare really help improve the appearance of sagging skin?

Our experts explore what factors can cause loose skin, how to tighten loose skin, why it appears more noticeable after weight loss and which skincare ingredients can help support firmer-looking skin.

Article summary:

– Loose skin can develop due to ageing, weight loss, sun damage, genetics and a natural decline in collagen and elastin production as you age.
– While skincare alone can’t mimic the results of facial filler and other surgical procedures, prescription ingredients such as tretinoin may help improve the look of skin texture, firmness and fine lines over time.
– Collagen supplements may help support skin elasticity and firmness, alongside topical skincare.

What causes sagging skin?

Your skin contains two structural proteins: collagen and elastin. [1]

Collagen offers strength and support to your skin’s dermis. Elastin allows skin to stretch and return to its original shape. Over time and with age, our bodies naturally produce less of both vital proteins, and this can lead to an increase in finer lines, skin sagging and wrinkles.

There are some factors that can accelerate these changes including:

– Increased sun exposure
– Ageing
– Rapid weight loss
– Stress
– Poor sleep quality
– Smoking
– Hormonal changes

Why does skin lose elasticity with age?

Your skin moves and ages with you from the moment you’re born. From around your mid-20s, your natural collagen and elastin production levels start to slow down. [2]

Environmental factors like UV exposure can also affect collagen production and break it down faster. If collagen and elastin production is declining and also compromised due to your lifestyle and external factors, your skin may appear thinner, less firm and more prone to sagging.

You may notice a difference in skin elasticity in a few areas, including:

– Around your eyes
– Neck and collarbones
– Jawline
– Stomach area
– Nasolabial folds (smile lines)

Can you get saggy skin when you lose weight?

Yes. When you gain weight, the skin stretches to match the change in body size. However, if the skin stays stretched over time, the collagen and elastin fibres might not return or “snap back” to their original shape . This results in loose or “sagging” skin.

Loose skin after weight loss is common, particularly when a significant amount of weight is lost. The appearance of skin laxity (stretchiness) varies from person to person. Things like age, genetics, smoking history, how quickly weight loss happened, how much weight loss occurred and sun exposure are all factors that can influence the likelihood of sagging skin. [3]

Why does weight loss cause sagging skin?

Actually, weight loss doesn’t directly cause sagging skin. It’s the reduction of subcutaneous fat, also known as fat under the skin’s surface. This fat gives your skin structure, volume and makes it thick enough for you to pinch. [4]

When fat stores decrease over time, your skin has fewer fat pads underneath it for support, and this can lead to sagging or loose skin.

Can I treat sagging skin?

It depends on how much skin laxity you experience. Mild to moderate skin laxity could improve with help from:

Broad-spectrum sun protection
A consistent skincare routine
Increased protein intake

It’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to sagging skin. People with more prominent skin laxity may consider medical or surgical methods, but this won’t be everyone’s first choice.

No topical skincare product can achieve the same results as a surgical procedure, but some key ingredients can help improve the appearance of skin firmness, tone and texture.

Does tretinoin help with sagging skin?

Tretinoin is a commonly recommended skincare ingredient that’s only available as a prescription. It belongs to a group of vitamin A derivatives called retinoids, and is designed to increase cell turnover and stimulate the collagen production process. [5]

Tretinoin can address a number skin concerns and may help to:

Improve the look of skin texture
Reduce the appearance of fine lines
Improve skin’s smoothness
Support collagen production
Even out signs of discolouration

Of course, tretinoin doesn’t have the power to remove excess skin, but it can help improve overall firmness in areas with looser skin.

How long tretinoin takes to work can vary. Most people start to notice improvements to firmness, vitality and texture within a few weeks. [6]

Can collagen supplements help tighten loose skin?

Collagen supplements are a good way to support your skin’s health, because they step in to help when your natural collagen process slows down. [7]

If you’re looking for the best collagen supplement for sagging skin, look for products formulated with marine collagen peptides, vitamins and biotin. Our Collagen Complex has been crafted by in-house dermatologists to deliver a powdered blend of antioxidants that can easily be mixed with water to support healthy skin, hair and nails.

Dermatologist recommendations to help treat sagging skin

Use daily sunscreen

UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to the breakdown of collagen, leading to sagging skin and premature ageing. Protecting your skin every day with a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to help shield your skin from UVA and UVB damage.

An easy way to remember the difference between UVA and UVB is this: UVA = above (signs of ageing, fine lines and wrinkles) and UVB = below (burning, sun damage and dark spots). You can protect your skin with our SPF 50 Photodamage Defence Sunscreen and support your skin barrier with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, panthenol and vitamin E.

Consider using prescription retinoids

Prescription retinoids are considered the gold standard in targeting signs of ageing, with tretinoin being one of the most popular key ingredients. If you’re still exploring your options and need some advice, start a consultation with Dermatica to find the right treatment for you.

Keep hydrated

Maintaining hydration is a good way to support your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is important to protect its health and structure. [8]

Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which is a type of skincare ingredient called a humectant that helps retain moisture and has the ability to hold over 1000 times its weight in water.

Added: 7th July 2026

References

1. Baumann L, Bernstein EF, Weiss AS, Bates D, Humphrey S, Silberberg M, et al. Clinical Relevance of Elastin in the Structure and Function of Skin. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum [Internet]. 2021 May 14;3(3). Available from: https://academic.oup.com/asjopenforum/article/3/3/ojab019/6275566

2. Kollo Health [Internet]. Kollohealth.com. 2019 [cited 2026 Jun 29]. Available from: https://kollohealth.com/blogs/news/collagen-production-age-25?srsltid=AfmBOop9nu48lTetKqEzCip5FvU7QozIGTyprsTeFMmcaHvzYa_2HtEb

3. Harley Street Skin Clinic [Internet]. Harleystreetskinclinic.com. Harley Street Skin; 2024. Available from: https://www.harleystreetskinclinic.com/condition/sagging-skin/

4. Kennedy C, Bastiaens MT, Willemze R, Bouwes Bavinck JN, Bajdik CD, Westendorp RGJ. Effect of Smoking and Sun on the Aging Skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2003 Apr;120(4):548–54.

5. Noble A. What Does Tretinoin Do? Experts Break Down The Viral Retinoid [Internet]. British Vogue. 2025 [cited 2026 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/what-is-tretinoin

6. How Long Does Tretinoin Take to Work? | Academic Alliance in Dermatology [Internet]. Academic Alliance in Dermatology. 2024. Available from: https://www.academicallderm.com/blog/how-long-does-tretinoin-take-to-work/

7. Should You Add Collagen Supplements to Your Skin Care Routine? [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/collagen-supplements

8. Liu K, Nassim J. The hype on hyaluronic acid [Internet]. Harvard Health Blog. 2020. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-2020012318653