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When it comes to identifying signs of aging, the loss of collagen and elastin happens slowly and steadily—until one day you notice your skin isn’t as firm as it was before.
Collagen is one of the main components of the skin, and according to Hadley King, a cosmetic and medical dermatologist, it “provides strength and volume giving skin its structure.” She notes that it’s “essential for keeping skin robust and youthful,” and as collagen production decreases, our skin loses its firmness. Along with getting older, another major culprit for loss of collagen in the skin is sun exposure. “Overall loss of collagen in the skin is due to two factors: increased breakdown of collagen and inhibition of collagen production,” she says. “Both are stimulated by UV exposure.”
To combat collagen depletion, there are in-office treatments like Sofwave, which uses “high-intensity, low-divergence, multiple ultrasound beam technology,” or radiofrequency coupled with microneedling. But there are also face moisturizers and body creams on the market that can help firm skin when getting a professional treatment isn’t an option.
According to King, the plus side of using creams is that they can be great for regular maintenance and are typically less expensive than an in-office procedure. However, don’t expect an overnight difference, as results will take longer to see. She suggests looking for options with retinoids (or alternatives like bakuchiol) and anti-aging peptides, which stimulate collagen production, niacinamide to improve skin texture, as well as ingredients like humectants to hydrate, emollients for skin barrier support, and occlusives to lock in all that moisture for a plumper look.
Here, we’ve rounded up 13 creams that tout skin-tightening results for every part of your body.
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