Firming creams are the hot new anti-aging project. Although you might want to try one of these creams to firm up your skin and fight wrinkles, many people are overwhelmed by the choices on the shelves and find that the products they try do not fulfill their hopes. Are any firming creams actually effective?
The answer is yes, according to an article recently published by the British newspaper, The Daily Mail. Testers for the newspaper tried a range of products and reported that several of them exceeded expectations, adding firmness and smoothness to the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
But finding the right firming cream can be a challenge. Nobody wants to spend hundreds of dollars on creams that are not-quite-right in their search for the dream wrinkle cream, but how can you narrow it down to a cream that is effective and meets all your hopes and needs without trying them all?
Here are some factors to consider to help you pick out the best cream.
What does the cream do?
There are many firming creams available, and different types cater to different needs. These creams can tighten the skin to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, but they can also serve other functions, such as tightening pores, improving skin elasticity, stimulating blood flow, and boosting collagen to plump up the skin.
Other firming creams are also designed to be preventative rather than a cure for wrinkles. Along with wearing sunscreen and applying moisturizer, some experts now suggest that people in their 20s and 30s use firming cream to fight off wrinkles before they develop, and several creams have been developed to cater to this specific need. If you’re a young firming cream user, it might be worth checking these out.
Find out the exactly how the product aims to improve wrinkles before you buy and consider whether it suits the specific problems you have.
What ingredients are used?
Are they all-natural, or do they contain harmful chemicals and carcinogens? Poisoning your skin is only going to create greater problems in the long run. You can check a product’s toxicity at the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database (http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/). Some great natural ingredients for firming creams include aloe vera, shea butter, green tea and hyaluronic acid.
Does it provide additional protection?
As sun damage exacerbates the problems that firming creams and wrinkle creams attempt to repair, it can be a good idea to look for a cream that provides additional protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for ones that are at least SPF 15.
When should it be applied?
While some creams are designed for day wear, others are designed to soak into your skin and work overnight. Day creams will provide protection from the environment and hydrate the skin more, while night creams work particularly well at boosting skin repair.
