Crepey skin, characterized by a thin, saggy texture that resembles crepe paper, often appears under the arms as we age. This is a common concern, but there’s good news: regular exercise can significantly improve the appearance of crepey skin by enhancing muscle tone and boosting collagen production. At Hygieia Skin, we believe in a holistic approach to skincare, combining our advanced skin creams with effective exercises to deliver optimal results. Here are five exercises specifically designed to help tighten and tone the skin under your arms.
1. Tricep Dips
Why Tricep Dips? Tricep dips are excellent for targeting the triceps, the muscles located at the back of your upper arms. Strengthening these muscles can help firm up the skin in this area, reducing the appearance of crepey skin.
How to Perform Tricep Dips:
- Find a sturdy surface: You can use a bench, chair, or even the edge of your bed.
- Position your hands: Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the edge of the surface, fingers facing forward.
- Feet placement: Extend your legs out in front of you, keeping your heels on the ground.
- Lower your body: Bend your elbows to lower your body towards the ground, keeping your back close to the bench.
- Push back up: Straighten your arms to lift your body back to the starting position.
Reps and Sets: Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Pro Tip: Keep your movements slow and controlled to maximize muscle engagement and avoid straining your joints.
2. Push-Ups
Why Push-Ups? Push-ups are a fantastic compound exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, including the chest, shoulders, and triceps. This helps to firm up the skin under your arms and improve overall upper body strength.
How to Perform Push-Ups:
- Starting position: Get into a plank position with your hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Lower your body: Bend your elbows to lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor.
- Push back up: Straighten your arms to return to the starting position.
Reps and Sets: Start with 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions, increasing as you build strength.
Pro Tip: If traditional push-ups are too challenging, modify by performing them on your knees or against a wall.
3. Arm Circles
Why Arm Circles? Arm circles are a simple yet effective exercise that targets the deltoid muscles in your shoulders and the triceps. This exercise helps to improve blood circulation and muscle tone, which can enhance the appearance of the skin under your arms.
How to Perform Arm Circles:
- Stand tall: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and extend your arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height.
- Small circles: Make small, controlled circles with your arms, starting in a forward direction.
- Reverse direction: After 30 seconds, switch to making circles in the backward direction.
Duration: Perform 2-3 sets of 1-minute arm circles in each direction.
Pro Tip: Keep your core engaged and maintain a straight posture throughout the exercise for maximum benefits.
4. Tricep Kickbacks
Why Tricep Kickbacks? Tricep kickbacks isolate the triceps, making them an excellent exercise for targeting and toning the muscles under your arms. Stronger triceps can help reduce the appearance of crepey skin.
How to Perform Tricep Kickbacks:
- Starting position: Hold a dumbbell in each hand and bend forward at the waist, keeping your back straight and your knees slightly bent.
- Elbows at your sides: Bend your elbows to bring the dumbbells up to your sides, keeping your upper arms stationary.
- Extend your arms: Straighten your arms to push the dumbbells back, squeezing your triceps at the top of the movement.
- Return to start: Slowly bend your elbows to return to the starting position.
Reps and Sets: Aim for 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions.
Pro Tip: Focus on a slow and controlled movement to fully engage the triceps and avoid using momentum.
5. Plank to Push-Up
Why Plank to Push-Up? This dynamic exercise combines the benefits of planks and push-ups, targeting the entire upper body, including the shoulders, chest, and triceps. It also engages the core, promoting overall muscle tone and skin firmness.
How to Perform Plank to Push-Up:
- Starting position: Begin in a forearm plank position with your elbows directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
- Transition to push-up: Lift your right hand and place it on the ground, followed by your left hand, pushing yourself up into a high plank position.
- Lower back down: Reverse the movement by lowering your right forearm back to the ground, followed by your left, returning to the forearm plank position.
Reps and Sets: Perform 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions on each side.
Pro Tip: Keep your hips level and avoid swaying from side to side to maintain proper form and maximize muscle engagement.
Combining Exercise with Skincare
While these exercises can significantly help tone and firm the skin under your arms, combining them with a targeted skincare routine will yield the best results. At Hygieia Skin, our specially formulated skin creams are designed to work synergistically with your fitness efforts to improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Helps retain skin moisture, keeping it plump and hydrated.
- Retinoids: Boost collagen production, improving skin texture and firmness.
- Antioxidants: Protect the skin from free radical damage and promote skin healing.
Recommended Routine
For optimal results, follow this routine:
- Warm-Up: Always start with a 5-10 minute warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints for exercise.
- Perform the Exercises: Follow the recommended sets and reps for each exercise, adjusting the intensity as needed.
- Cool Down: Finish with a 5-10 minute cool-down, including gentle stretching to aid muscle recovery.
- Apply Hygieia Skin Cream: After your workout, apply our hydrating and firming skin cream to the underarm area. Massage it in using upward, circular motions to enhance absorption and stimulate blood flow.
Staying Consistent
Consistency is key to seeing results. Aim to incorporate these exercises into your routine at least 3-4 times a week. As your strength improves, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Additional Tips for Healthy Skin
In addition to exercise and skincare, consider these tips for maintaining healthy, youthful skin:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Balanced Diet: Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that support skin health, such as vitamins C and E.
- Sun Protection: Protect your skin from UV damage by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough restful sleep to allow your skin to repair and regenerate.
Conclusion
Combating crepey skin under the arms requires a comprehensive approach that includes targeted exercises, effective skincare, and a healthy lifestyle. By incorporating these five exercises into your routine and using Hygieia Skin’s advanced skin creams, you can achieve firmer, smoother skin and feel confident in your appearance. Remember, consistency and dedication are essential, so stay committed to your routine and embrace the journey to healthier, more youthful skin.
For more skincare tips and product information, visit our website at Hygieia Skin. Your path to radiant, beautiful skin starts here.