The 4 best body creams that can help tighten skin, according to skin experts
A few years ago, director M. Night Shyamalan's not-so-subtly titled movie "Old" (about a beach that rapidly ages visitors) came out with a chilling promotional image: A bathing suit-clad woman sitting in the sand with one young side of her body (taut, tan, glowing) and the other, well, old — wizened, dry, sun damaged — and, the most dreaded term in skin care: crepey. Crepey skin, which is often found on aging necks, upper arms and legs, is caused by a number of factors, including sun damage, genetics, weight loss, hormone imbalances, dehydration and collagen loss. It tends to be textured, wrinkled and thin, but its most distinguishing feature is a slack, saggy, appearance. Skin like this looks as if it needs to be tightened back in place, which is, incidentally, exactly how you treat it.
"Skin tightening creams refer to creams that contain ingredients that work to exfoliate and stimulate collagen production," explains Dr. Mina Amin, a Los Angeles–based dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists. Amin points out that while skin-tightening creams won't have the same impact as surgical treatments (like a neck lift) or in-office services like collagen-boosting injectibles, lasers or radiofrequency treatments, they can help skin appear firmer and more hydrated. "There are certain ingredients that can help improve the skin's texture, hydration and improve firmness over time," she says. "Retinol is a key ingredient. It works to boost collagen and improve elasticity. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin and will help the skin appear plumper and firmer. Sunscreen is also a vital part of skin care and should be used at any age as it works to keep the skin protected from UV rays, which can break down collagen and increase wrinkles." In other words, make the entire crepey situation worse.
"A skin-tightening cream is designed to firm, lift, and improve skin elasticity, primarily by boosting collagen and elastin production," says Emme Diane Berg, a longtime esthetician and founder and CEO of her own eponymous skin care line. "That said, it's important to set realistic expectations. These products won't give you an overnight facelift, but they can make the skin look firmer and smoother by deeply hydrating, plumping and reinforcing collagen production."
For longer-lasting results, Berg says she'd seen clinically-backed ingredients like peptides, retinoids and antioxidants like vitamin C smooth skin texture over time.
Peptides: "If you're looking for both instant results and long-term skin benefits, peptides are a must," says Berg. "They immediately hydrate and plump the skin, making fine lines and crepiness less noticeable right away, while also working behind the scenes to boost collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother skin over time. Two of my favorites are Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (often called 'Botox in a bottle'), which helps relax expression lines, and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide, which signals the skin to increase collagen production and prevent collagen breakdown."
Retinol: When it comes to firming the skin, every expert I spoke with agreed that retinol is one of the most powerful ingredients you can use. It works by speeding up cell turnover, which not only smooths fine lines and wrinkles but also stimulates collagen production, keeping the skin plumper and more youthful looking over time.
Hyaluronic Acid: "Hydration is one of the easiest ways to make crepey skin look smoother and more supple and hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients for the job," Berg explains. "It acts like a moisture magnet, pulling water into the skin to provide an instant plumping effect, which helps soften fine lines and improve skin elasticity."
Caffeine: While caffeine won't provide permanent firming, Berg says "it can temporarily tighten the skin by improving circulation and reducing puffiness, which makes the skin look brighter and more toned. This is why it's often used in eye creams and body-firming treatments!"
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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