What Are Skin Firming Products and Which to Try
December 27, 2021
Whether you have mature skin or want to take preventative measures in the anti-aging department, trying products that promise firmer-looking skin seems like a no-brainer. The important thing to know when searching for one is that there are a lot of gimmicks out there, so look at the science.
Dr. Dhaval G. Bhanusali, Skincare.com consulting board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City, is a firm believer in this motto. Below he walks us through some of our favorite firming treatments, along with a few recommendations of his own.
How Skin Loses Firmness
With age can come loose or sagging skin. But why is that? “Over time, collagen, which makes up the infrastructure of the skin, breaks down [as studies show],” says Dr. Bhanusali. “As it breaks down, there is less support of the skin causing sagging or jowling …,” which contributes to many of the visible signs we associate with aging skin. I recommend using tretinoin (a type of prescription retinoid) or bakuchiol from your late 20s on [to help combat this process].”
“Examples include retinols/retinoids — which are the gold standard — and bakuchiol,” says Dr. Bhanusali.
Skin Firming Product Recommendations
Dr. Bhanusali recommends using a Skin Medicinals retinoid daily, primarily because it’s a custom-compounded prescription (e.g., He can add hyaluronic acid to help tolerability, azelaic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, turmeric, niacinamide, and more to fit individual needs).
Not ready for a prescription? Try a hydrating serum or cream formulated to visibly improve signs of aging. See some of our favorites below.
IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream
Clinical results for this quick-absorbing retinol blend show improvements in the feeling of firmness and the look of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, with only 12 weeks of use.
Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Sunscreen SPF 15
This hydrating cream with SPF is anti-aging meets sun protection that visibly lifts, firms and helps correct the appearance of dark spots with eight weeks of use.
SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair
A 16-week clinical study shows Tripeptide-R Neck Repair significantly improved neck skin crepiness by 27% with continued use, as well as improving firmness and smoothness. Powered by 0.2% retinol and a 2.5% tripeptide concentrate, this potent cream also helps to reduce the appearance of horizontal necklines and neck skin sagging.
Photo: Chaunte Vaughn
Read More:
Our Favorite Anti-Aging Creams to Apply on the Neck
Read more
