Woman with hair wrapped in a towel applying facial product
Youthful skin has a natural elasticity that will expand or tighten with weight fluctuations. As skin ages, it looses its thickness and firmness, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. Advancements in research, skin-care technology and a growing demand for antiaging products have lead to manufacturers offering facial and body lotions with skin-tightening formulas.
Topical Versus Cellular
Topical creams and lotions for the body or face contain hydrating ingredients that plump the skin with moisture, which makes the skin temporarily appear firmer. Advancements now include ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to actually improve and rebuild tissue at the cellular level.
Collagen and Elastin
Effective skin-tightening products contain ingredients proven to build collagen and elastin, the protein-based connective fibers present in virtually all tissue of the human body, especially skin. When skin appears thin, it is due to a lack of collagen. Elastin is what gives skin its elasticity. When skin appears sagging, it has lost its elasticity or firmness. Fortunately, the body is able to rebuild collagen and elastin when the proper nutrients are provided.
Vitamins and Minerals
The vitamins A, B, C, E and K are found in a number of lotions or creams for both the body and face. Each of the vitamins play critical roles in maintaining healthy skin, with vitamin C having a direct effect on collagen renewal. Copper and zinc are the minerals most often included in skin-firming products as they each work with vitamin C to develop elastin.
Firming and Tightening Ingredients
Alpha-lipoic acid: A strong antioxidant that works alone and helps other vitamins be more effective. According to the HerbalVitality website, "some studies show it can repair the damage to the skin's DNA."
Copper peptides: The protein fragments (peptides) of copper have been found to reduce the formation of scar tissue, according to the website SmartSkinCare. It has also been found to promote "the synthesis of elastin, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans and other components of skin matrix."
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): A powerful antioxidant that delivers energy to the mitochondria of cells, according to the website VitaminStuff. CoQ10 easily penetrates into the skin cells to repair damage and increase collagen and elastin.
Gota kola: Listed on the ingredients list as centella asiatica, the extracts from this ancient plant improves circulation to the skin as it strengthens skin. The website NaturalTherapyPages notes that centella asiatica reduces the appearance of scar tissue and stretch marks.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM is a sulfur that is easily used by the body that increases blood flow and makes skin softer and minimizes wrinkles by helping to replace bad cells with new cells with elasticity. The NutriTeam website notes that "MSM is critical to the formation of connective tissue of all types."
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE): DMAE is a compound found naturally in anchovies and sardines and is produced by the human brain. It has been studied for benefits on treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and ADHD but still lacks clinical evidence for skin care. SmartSknCare cites that DMAE is the key ingredient in products claiming to be a "face lift in a jar" and does cause some degree of visible skin tightening.
Stem Cell Activation
Some products in a serum or cream based formula have lipid and peptide ingredients that enhance skin's natural stem cell production. As stem cells are stimulated, the natural process of cell regeneration includes new cells bearing the characteristics and behavior of youthful cells. Young cells are soft, plump and able to expel toxins as opposed to the harder, nonelastic walls of older cells. Prices vary according to manufacturer and ingredients, averaging around $130 for a 30-day supply. One brand sells for as little as $69.95 for a 90-day supply, as of July 2010.
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