Imagine your skin as an elastic fabric that gradually loses its elasticity. Similarly, our skin ages and loses firmness, especially after pregnancy or significant weight loss, and no longer looks as good and firm as before. That's precisely the right time for firming creams that can tighten loose skin. What's the best firming body cream and how to choose it? You'll learn everything in this article.
What Causes Skin Aging
We age with every moment. It's an inevitable process that awaits everyone. Skin begins to age around the age of thirty because collagen and elastin production decreases with age. Collagen forms the basic building block of skin, providing firmness and structure, while elastin allows skin to stretch and return to its original state.
When the production of these substances naturally decreases, skin begins to lose its elasticity, becomes thinner, drier, and less resistant to external influences. This leads to wrinkle formation, skin sagging, and so-called loose skin. That's when proper care and firming body creams come into play.
Who Should Use Firming Body Cream
The answer is simple – anyone who notices signs of skin aging. Whether you're post-pregnancy, have experienced significant weight loss, or simply feel that your skin isn't as firm as it used to be, firming creams with active ingredients are an excellent way to tighten skin.
How to Choose the Best Firming Body Cream?
Choosing the best firming body cream isn't straightforward. You'll find many cosmetic products on the market, but definitely not all of them will actually work.
How to choose the best one?
- Cream composition: The best firming body cream should contain active ingredients to support collagen production. It should deeply hydrate the skin and provide necessary nutrients.
- Skin type: Every skin is different and may require different care. Choose a firming cream that will be suitable for your skin type (dry, oily, combination, etc.)
- Quality and certification: To ensure product quality, check whether the firming cream has been tested and contains certified ingredients that guarantee its effectiveness.
- Effects: The firming cream should hydrate and soothe the skin, nourish and replenish substances that cause skin to lose elasticity and firmness, and support natural cell regeneration.
What Should the Best Firming Body Cream Contain
- Capsaicin: This substance is extracted from chili and increases blood circulation, improves oxygen and nutrient supply to cells. It also supports fat cell breakdown, excellently firming the skin and helping with cellulite.
- Cinnamon oil and essential oils: Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, improves cell regeneration and protects skin from free radicals.
- Almond oil: Provides deep hydration, increases skin elasticity and supports its regeneration and firmness. Also contains many vitamins such as vitamin E, D, B complex and minerals like zinc.
- Shea butter: Obtained from shea tree seeds and is really an excellent helper with skin hydration. Hydrates, soothes irritated skin and supports its regeneration, which increases firmness and elasticity.
- Vitamin E: Protects skin from free radicals, strengthens the skin barrier and prevents dehydration, which improves skin firmness. Moreover, vitamin E also protects skin from UV damage and prevents skin dehydration.
- Ethyl Ferulate: A powerful antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals and UV radiation, supports cell regeneration and slows premature aging.
- Hop Cone Extract: Soothes skin, has anti-inflammatory properties and supports regeneration and toning of the skin, even problematic skin.
7 Proven Methods for Skin Tightening
Achieving firmer skin requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond topical treatments. A combination of physical activity, proper nutrition, adequate hydration, and targeted treatments creates the most effective strategy for skin tightening. Here's how each element contributes to firmer, more resilient skin.
Regular Exercise and Movement
Regular physical activity and exercise is not only healthy for our body but also helps maintain it in good condition. For skin firming, strength training is ideal as it helps build muscle and reduce fat, leading to firmer and more elastic skin. Focus on exercises like squats, lunges, and core strengthening depending on where you have loose skin.
Healthy and Balanced Diet
A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports healthy skin. Add foods like fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to your diet. A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E also supports collagen production and keeps skin firm.
Drink Enough Water
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and elastic. Monitor your daily fluid intake, especially in summer when it's hot or during sports.
Massages
Did you know that massages improve blood circulation and lymphatic flow, which supports skin firmness? The best combination is massage with firming cream that will help you reduce cellulite on thighs, buttocks, or stomach.
Collagen
Dietary supplements with collagen can significantly support skin firmness and elasticity, even when the skin is already loose. Collagen keeps skin firm and smooth, but its natural production decreases over time. Collagen supplements can significantly slow down skin aging and improve its overall structure and tighten loose skin.
Cold Therapy
A cold shower isn't pleasant, but it has many health benefits. Cold water stimulates blood circulation, which helps better oxygen and nutrient supply to cells. This increases skin elasticity and supports its regeneration. Regular cold therapy helps overall health not only of the skin but also strengthens immunity and body resistance.
Sun Protection
The sun can really trouble our skin, and not just in summer. Whenever the sun shines, we should protect ourselves from UV radiation because exposing skin to sun causes faster skin aging, as UV radiation penetrates deeper skin layers where it damages collagen and elastin fibers. So protect your skin with quality SPF creams.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What helps with loose skin?
For loose skin on the belly, thighs, or generally after weight loss or during aging, firming body cream, exercise, healthy diet, and adequate hydration help. Besides cosmetics, collagen supplements also help tighten and firm skin.
How to improve skin elasticity?
Over time, natural production of collagen and elastin decreases, which keeps skin firm and elastic. You can improve skin elasticity and firmness with firming body cream containing active ingredients, consuming healthy foods like nuts, seeds, legumes, and high-protein foods. Collagen supplements also help.
How to choose the best firming body cream?
Choose firming body cream primarily based on ingredients. It should contain ingredients like shea butter, capsaicin, almond and cinnamon oil, vitamin E, and other active ingredients for healthy and firm skin. The cream should also suit your skin type.
Sources
- Farage, M.A., Miller, K.W., Elsner, P. and Maibach, H.I., 2013. Characteristics of the aging skin. Advances in wound care, 2(1), pp.5-10.
- de Miranda, R.B., Weimer, P. and Rossi, R.C., 2021. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. International journal of dermatology, 60(12), pp.1449-1461.
- Chavoshnejad, P., Foroughi, A.H., Dhandapani, N., German, G.K. and Razavi, M.J., 2021. Effect of collagen degradation on the mechanical behavior and wrinkling of skin. Physical Review E, 104(3), p.034406.
- Kawarkhe, P., Deshmane, S. and Biyani, K., 2016. Natural antioxidant for face cream: a review. Int. J. Res. Cosmet. Sci, 6, pp.1-5.
- Gorouhi, F. and Maibach, H.I., 2009. Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin. International journal of cosmetic science, 31(5), pp.327-345.
