Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Skin-Firming Lotions?

Alyssa Simon
Alyssa Simon

There are several different kinds of skin-firming lotions that may give the skin a more taut appearance, such as lotions containing caffeine, copper or peptides. Peptides are amino acids considered responsible for producing collagen, the protein in skin that creates firm connective tissue and lessens with age. These ingredients can be found in anti-aging creams for the face to give the appearance of firmer facial contours or in skin-firming lotions for the body, such as anti-cellulite lotion used to combat the appearance of slack and dimpled skin. There are also lotions to tone the skin on the stomach after pregnancy or the neck, which is prone to slacken with age or weight fluctuation.

The molecules in most skin-firming lotions are not small enough to pass through the dermis, or skin layers, to affect change in the underlying muscular structure that can slacken with age or lack of exercise. What they are able to do is provide a temporary tightening, which gives the skin a look of increased firmness. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it is able to extract water from human tissue. Most lotions intended to firm skin on the body will contain caffeine, which when applied topically, provides a tighter appearance, because the skin will contain less water.

Skin-firming lotions are often designed to boost the production of collagen, helping to make the skin smoother.
Skin-firming lotions are often designed to boost the production of collagen, helping to make the skin smoother.

Other skin-firming lotions for the body may contain herbs known for their diuretic properties, like fennel or olive leaf. These ingredients also have astringent properties, which can make the skin feel tighter. Seaweed extract is another ingredient commonly used to combat the appearance of cellulite on the stomach and thighs. It is known as both an astringent and a diuretic, making it a popular choice for those looking for natural ingredients in their lotions.

There are skin-firming hand creams available in many stores.
There are skin-firming hand creams available in many stores.

Most lotions used to tone the skin also work as moisturizers. Dry skin may often look more loose than it really is because it can have lines and wrinkles. Inactive ingredients in skin-firming lotions, meaning the ingredients not included to specifically firm the skin, may still work to promote a smoother and younger appearance. Such ingredients may include cocoa butter, petrolatum or plant oils such as jojoba or sesame.

Most lotions used to tone the skin also work as moisturizers.
Most lotions used to tone the skin also work as moisturizers.

Some skin care experts recommend dry brushing, an exfoliation process of gently applying a body brush to dry skin, to exfoliate and increase any lotion's absorption rate. Others recommend applying a skin-firming lotion for the body with vigorous massage strokes. A facial skin-firming lotion should always be applied with gentle motions, especially to the delicate skin under the eyes.

Discussion Comments

BambooForest

I really like skin firming cream that has caffeine or salicylic acid. I've used things with both, and they seem to work well.

My other trick for keeping my sin fresh is just to avoid wearing too much make up, and to wash your face well every morning and night. Even the best skin firming lotions can only do so much if your skin is suffering from build up and other problems due to too much stuff on your face.

Denha

If you are serious about avoiding consuming animals, be aware that collagen is an animal by-product, and the collagen in cream lotion and other facial products often comes from pig or bovine fats, making it not vegetarian or vegan at all. There are animal-free products for skin firming, but collagen is not one of them.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Skin-firming lotions are often designed to boost the production of collagen, helping to make the skin smoother.
      By: Alila
      Skin-firming lotions are often designed to boost the production of collagen, helping to make the skin smoother.
    • There are skin-firming hand creams available in many stores.
      By: Africa Studio
      There are skin-firming hand creams available in many stores.
    • Most lotions used to tone the skin also work as moisturizers.
      By: maska82
      Most lotions used to tone the skin also work as moisturizers.
    • Because fair-skinned people often burn easily, it's important to look for a daytime skin-firming cream that contains adequate suncreen.
      By: Marina Karkalicheva
      Because fair-skinned people often burn easily, it's important to look for a daytime skin-firming cream that contains adequate suncreen.
    • Lotions with copper, caffeine or peptides can give the skin a firmer appearance.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Lotions with copper, caffeine or peptides can give the skin a firmer appearance.
    • Skin-firming lotions are used to give the skin a more taut appearance.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Skin-firming lotions are used to give the skin a more taut appearance.
    • Some anti-aging lotions are focused on re-hydrating the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and firm-up the skin.
      By: Elenathewise
      Some anti-aging lotions are focused on re-hydrating the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and firm-up the skin.