Who hasn’t come across a firming cream that claims miracles? You’ve seen them online, instore and wondered about their results – so do they work?
With firming creams heavily marketed in the beauty industry promising to deliver results on cellulite, stretch marks, loss of tone, and body transformations, it’s no wonder there is uncertainty into whether these are effective or misleading exaggerations.
Like anything, it is always advisable to do your research into a product or service. Whether that be checking out before and after photos, reading reviews, or having a thorough consultation with a professional and have them explain the clinical data behind the product.
Avoid store-bought products and commercial advertisements, to name a few, as these are cosmetic based products (and not prescriptive cosmeceutical grade) that have the delivery systems and potent ingredients required for results.
Firming creams can provide an immediate taught and aesthetic appearance by moisturising and nourishing the skin when used regularly. Some incorporate active ingredients that stimulate our natural collagen and elastin production that promote firmness and youthfulness. However, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, and neither was your body, right? It can take months to rebuild collagen and/or elastin that gives us firmness, so it does require consistency. With technology nowadays, we have unlocked all kinds of powerhouse ingredients that communicate directly with our cell processors and skin.
Naturally, our collagen production and elastin depletes with age and this is what gives the appearance of ‘sagging’ or a reduction in volume and tone. We can help mitigate this by using ingredients such as peptides, amino acids, vitamins, and a variety of actives to awaken our fibroblast activity, lymphatic drainage, and improve circulation, to ultimately improve skin tone and health.
Firming creams can’t achieve what in clinic treatments can, but they do offer the skin vital ingredients for it to stimulate repair and strengthen the skin structure.
It’s important to set your expectations with using firming creams. Results differ from person to person and aren’t always guaranteed either. If you have particular concerns or goals that you are wanting to achieve, it is best to use firming creams in conjunction with your in-clinic treatments like CoolSculpting, Ultraformer, and fat freezing, rather than on its own.
While we’d love a miracle and transformative cream, the reality is there is no such thing. To put the onus on a single cream to tone the dermis in a matter of days or months, this would be unrealistic – even some in clinic treatments can’t always deliver those results. What skin firming creams offer is a boost of ingredients targeted to nourish the skin and improve the appearance of crepiness, loss of tone, stretch marks, and poor circulation. They also offer you self-care and a moment of indulgence too.