On their own, topical body-firming creams may not be able to produce the same results that you would get from in-office procedures, but experts agree that a skin care regimen focused on ingredients with collagen-forming components can help improve the skin's appearance.
It is almost impossible for adult skin to make more elastin, even with medical procedures. Most firming creams are a waste of money because the collagen and elastin in these products cannot fuse with the collagen and elastin in your skin to help rebuild or reinforce those structures.
Retinol (vitamin A) is the most frequently used ingredient in anti-aging creams. But tretinoin, another form of vitamin A, may be the most effective ingredient to firm the skin on your neck and face.
Although body-contouring surgery is by far the most common procedure to remove loose skin, less invasive options with a lower risk of complications include: Radiofrequency treatment. Such treatments may use a combination of infrared light, radiofrequency, and massage to reduce loose skin.
One such option is exercising. Any workouts that build muscle mass or tighten muscles — especially around the stomach — can reduce the appearance of loose skin.
How long does it take for tightening cream to work?
Bottom line: Most people have 1 treatment and feel some tightening right away. It takes time for your body to make collagen, so you'll see the best results in about 6 months. Some people benefit from having more than 1 treatment. Results can last 2 to 3 years with the right skin care.
“In general, it can take anywhere from weeks to months—even years,” says Dr. Chen. If after one to two years skin is still loose, it may not get any tighter, she says.
Many people believe that they can tighten sagging skin with a topical collagen cream or serum, but the reality is that the collagen molecules from cream are far too large to actually penetrate the dermis of our skin.
Exfoliation – Exfoliation improves skin cell turnover. As dull, dead layers of skin fall away, fresh, glowing skin is revealed. Improved skin fullness – Retinoids stimulate collagen production, which helps diminish wrinkles and sagging, and leave skin looking fuller and tighter.
Loose or saggy skin can be a result of genetics, but usually, skin laxity is attributed to sun exposure and oxidative stress over time. As we age, the dermis produces less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As a result, strength, elasticity, and hydration are taxed and the skin becomes thinner and laxer.
Of course, you can't reverse the signs of aging completely. You can go the nonsurgical route and add firming creams or facial exercises to your skincare routine. There are also cosmetic procedures that provide quicker results, such as laser surfacing or ultrasound skin tightening.
Applying a vitamin C serum may boost collagen production, resulting in an overall tightening effect, reports a 2017 review . This is true for sagging due to natural aging, oxidative stress damage, or extreme weight loss.
