These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (2024)

Table of Contents
Our Top Picks Best Lifting Best for Neck Best for Face Best for Brightening Best for Stimulating Collagen Best for Legs Best Luxury Face Cream Best for Body Best for Chest Best for Mature Skin What ingredients should I look for in skin-tightening creams? Do skin-tightening creams actually work? Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream Skinceuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair Skinceuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Face Tightener Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Face Tightener StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Babor HSR Lifting Anti Wrinkle Cream Babor HSR Lifting Anti Wrinkle Cream Revision Skincare BodiFirm Revision Skincare BodiFirm Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck Chest SPF 25 Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck Chest SPF 25 QMS Medicosmetics Firming Collagen Body Lotion QMS Medicosmetics Firming Collagen Body Lotion Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream with Q10 Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream with Q10 Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment FAQs
These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (1)

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Collagen and elastin are two of the biggest players in achieving healthy-looking skin. They are among the most abundant proteins in the body responsible for strengthening, stretching, and supporting the skin structure. These substances are why skin looks plump, youthful, and healthy when you're younger. Think of collagen as the scaffolding that gives structure to our skin; elastin fibers are like rubber bands wrapped among the scaffolding to help the skin stretch and then snap back quickly.

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Studies have found that collagen production peaks when you're between 24 and 35 years old; after that, you lose about 1 percent of collagen per year, resulting in loose skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. But a healthy lifestyle can help slow down collagen loss: Apply SPF every day, don't smoke, eat a balanced, plant-rich diet, prioritize sleep and stress management—and follow a consistent skincare routine that includes a product that contains ingredients to improve elasticity and collagen production, says Roberta Del Campo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. These formulas help firm, tighten, and smooth the skin. To be clear, tightening creams won't get rid of loose skin, but they can help. They also help prevent further laxity.

Keep reading to learn more about skin-tightening creams, including how they work, what to look for when shopping for them, and the best options to try.

What ingredients should I look for in skin-tightening creams?

The goal of skin-tightening creams is to increase collagen and elastin production, says Howard Sobel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin. One of his favorite ingredients for firming and tightening the skin is retinol, which he says is the "gold standard in skincare" for its ability to increase collagen production.

Another word to to keep an eye out for is peptides; these proteins are the building blocks of collagen and elastin, says Del Campo. "Peptides are tried-and-true ingredients that increase elastin production in particular." Antioxidants, niacinamide, and growth factors are also beneficial in firming and tightening the skin, says Naana Boakye, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bergen Dermatology.

Do skin-tightening creams actually work?

Yes, skin-tightening creams are effective, but they aren't permanent. "Ideally, you want to start using one before there is a significant loss of skin elasticity," Sobel says. "It can help slow down laxity but won't eliminate it." Apply a cream daily and know that it takes about eight weeks to see an increase of collagen production. And remember that lifestyle plays a large role in how your skin ages, says Boakye: "As long as the individual doesn't smoke, obtain an excessive amount of sun, or have a diet rich in sugars and processed foods, then these creams are beneficial."

1

Best Lifting

Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (13)

1

Best Lifting

Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (14)Contouring
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (15)Some buyers say it takes a while to see a difference

Peptides are one of the best anti-aging ingredients because they are the building blocks of collagen and elastin proteins, which promote a smoother, plump, and healthy-looking complexion. This daily cream also helps to firm and contour the face for a more lifted appearance.

2

Best for Neck

Skinceuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (16)

2

Best for Neck

Skinceuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (17)Clinically proven results
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (18)Firming
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (19)It's a splurge

The skin on your neck is thinner than other parts of the body, which is why it's usually one of the first areas to experience signs of aging. Keep the skin below your chin protected with this retinol-based cream that improves the look of sagging, crepiness, fine lines, and wrinkles.

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3

Best for Face

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Face Tightener

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (20)

3

Best for Face

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Face Tightener

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (21)Quickly firms skin
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (22)Lightweight
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (23)Temporary results

This cream recently went viral on TikTok for its ability to transform and tighten loose skin in minutes. It's made with Firm-A-Tite, which is a proprietary blend of skin-tightening ingredients that provide an almost instant firming effect.

4

Best for Brightening

StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (24)

4

Best for Brightening

StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (25)Evens out skin tone
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (26)Reduces look of crepey skin
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (27)Some buyers don't like the scent

Whether your concerns are focused on your arms, legs, or anywhere in between, this body moisturizer is packed with peptides to lift and restore the look of crepey skin. The formula also includes turmeric powder to brighten and even out the skin tone.

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5

Best for Stimulating Collagen

SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (28)

5

Best for Stimulating Collagen

SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (29)Stimulates collagen production
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (30)It's a splurge

This special blend of peptides, shiitake mushroom, lemon balm, and green microalgae extracts work together to stimulate collagen production, which can help offer a more toned, smooth, and tighter appearance.

6

Best for Legs

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (31)

6

Best for Legs

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (32)Moisturizing
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (33)Buttery texture
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (34)If you don't like strong smells, you may not like the sweet-floral scent

This nourishing body cream is made with guaraná, a caffeine-rich plant native to Brazil, cupuaçu butter, and açaí oil to visibly improve skin elasticity and tighten the appearance of loose skin over time.

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7

Best Luxury Face Cream

Babor HSR Lifting Anti Wrinkle Cream

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (35)

7

Best Luxury Face Cream

Babor HSR Lifting Anti Wrinkle Cream

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (36)Rich texture
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (37)Reduces look of wrinkles and fine lines
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (38)Promotes even skin tone
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (39)It's a splurge

The rich creamy texture contains antioxidants, vitamin E, panthenol, essential lipids, and white lupin extract to visibly soften the look of creasing around the nose, eyes, mouth, and facial contours.

8

Best for Body

Revision Skincare BodiFirm

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (40)

8

Best for Body

Revision Skincare BodiFirm

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (41)Lifting
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (42)Restores hydration and skin barrier
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (43)Firming
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (44)It's a splurge

While it's definitely a splurge, the results are worth it. The formula is packed with skin-benefiting ingredients, like peptides, antioxidants, botanical extracts, prebiotics, caffeine, and glucosamine, which all work together to reduce skin-aging concerns in the body.

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9

Best for Chest

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck Chest SPF 25

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (45)

9

Best for Chest

Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck Chest SPF 25

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (46)Protects against sun damage
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (47)Pricey

Packed with peptides, this nourishing cream works by helping to reverse sagging on the neck and chest. It also protects against sun damage and other environmental aggressors thanks to the addition of vitamin C.

10

Best for Mature Skin

QMS Medicosmetics Firming Collagen Body Lotion

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (48)

10

Best for Mature Skin

QMS Medicosmetics Firming Collagen Body Lotion

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (49)Moisturizing
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (50)Pricey

The combination of murumuru butter, marula oil, and shea butter nourishes the skin, while the firming complex helps strengthen and tighten the skin long-term.

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11

Best for Fine Lines

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (51)

11

Best for Fine Lines

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (52)Affordable
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (53)Moisturizing
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (54)Some customers find it takes a bit to dry

Dryness can exacerbate the look of loose skin and fine lines. Luckily, this sculpting cream not only firms the skin but hydrates and strengthens the skin's moisture barrier for a plump, bouncy, and youthful-looking complexion.

12

Best for Sensitive SKin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (55)

12

Best for Sensitive SKin

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (56)Nourishing formula
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (57)Calming
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (58)Might be too rich for oily skin types

If you have very dry or sensitive skin, this soothing formula is packed with healing ingredients. Collodial oatmeal calms, niacinamide restores skin tone, and sodium hyaluronate helps smooth the look of fine lines.

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13

Best Budget-Friendly

Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream with Q10

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (59)

13

Best Budget-Friendly

Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream with Q10

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (60)Lightweight
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (61)Absorbs quickly into skin
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (62)Some customers don't like the scent

Achieving tighter skin doesn't have to break the bank. Case in point? This lightweight gel cream that's available for 15 bucks and has been proven to offer results in just two weeks.

14

Best for Eye

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (63)

14

Best for Eye

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment

Pros
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (64)Firming
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (65)Brightening
Cons
  • These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (66)Pricey

Get rid of two concerns with one formula thanks to this eye cream made with three forms of vitamin C to combat dark under-eye circles and promote healthy collagen production. It also combines lactic acid for a boost of hydration and gentle exfoliation, and tranexamic acid to help even out the skin's tone.

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (67)

Genesis Rivas

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

These Skin-Tightening Creams Can Help Reverse Signs of Aging (2024)

FAQs

Do any skin tightening creams work? ›

Bottom line: If you're looking for facelift-like results from a jar, you'll likely be disappointed. Despite the claims, the results you see from a skin-firming cream will be subtle at best. It's also possible that you won't see any results.

Can you reverse skin aging? ›

Of course, you can't reverse the signs of aging completely. You can go the nonsurgical route and add firming creams or facial exercises to your skincare routine. There are also cosmetic procedures that provide quicker results, such as laser surfacing or ultrasound skin tightening.

What helps tighten aging skin? ›

Skin may loosen or sag as people age due to changes in the molecules that keep it elastic, firm, and hydrated. Ways to help tighten loose skin include exercise, supplements, and laser resurfacing. Most people start to experience skin laxity, or loosening, between the ages of 35 and 40 years .

Is there anything that actually tightens skin? ›

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments

Like ultrasound treatments, RF treatments are effective for smoothing and tightening skin in older patients as well as postponing the need for a surgical lift in younger patients.

What is the strongest skin tightening treatment? ›

Laser and energy-based therapy is the gold standard for non-surgical skin tightening. These devices are proven safe and effective for improving the firmness and smoothness of skin, particularly for boosting collagen production to address skin laxity along with lines and wrinkles.

How to look 20 years younger naturally? ›

8 Ways to Maintain a Youthful Appearance
  1. Stay out of the sun. While it's true that the sun isn't the only factor in the overall appearance of your skin, it does play a huge role. ...
  2. Drink plenty of water. ...
  3. Get some ZZZs. ...
  4. Rub it in. ...
  5. Eat a diet rich in plants. ...
  6. Get moving. ...
  7. Establish a good routine. ...
  8. Limit alcohol and caffeine.

How to reverse age by 10 years? ›

Six ways to age backward and live longer
  1. Prioritize sleep. Sleep is critical for repairing cellular damage and crucial in reversing aging naturally. ...
  2. Maintain healthy sex hormone levels. ...
  3. Incorporate strength training to maintain muscle mass. ...
  4. Eat healthfully for metabolic and heart health. ...
  5. Play brain games. ...
  6. Wear sunscreen.
Apr 6, 2024

How to tighten face skin after 50? ›

How To Tighten Sagging Skin for People Over 50
  1. Using a humidifier during the cold winter months. Our post on Dry vs Dehydrated Skin explained why this is very important.
  2. Drink plenty of water. ...
  3. Protect your skin from sun exposure. ...
  4. Check the ingredients. ...
  5. Use a good hydrating serum to seal in the moisture.
Jan 7, 2022

Is there a cream that works like Botox? ›

Best Budget: The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

The water-based serum's main active ingredient is acetyl hexapeptide-8, or Argireline, which is a peptide quite literally marketed as "Botox in a cream" for its ability to temporarily relax facial muscles.

What is the number one thing for anti-aging? ›

1 You cannot prevent aging, but you might choose to slow or reverse signs of it. Anti-aging strategies include drinking plenty of water each day, moisturizing your skin, and wearing sunscreen. It's essential to focus on keeping yourself healthy as you age with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

What is the best anti-aging over the counter? ›

Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Moisturizing Cream

The best anti-aging moisturizer doesn't necessarily need to cost a lot. Case in point: The Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Moisturizing Cream is one of the best face moisturizers with anti-aging benefits we've ever tried.

What tightens skin naturally? ›

Natural Skin Tightening
  • 7 Natural skin tightening treatments to do at home. Over time, our skin starts to lose its elasticity and with it, its plump youthfulness. ...
  • Aloe Vera. ...
  • Coconut Oil. ...
  • Cocoa butter. ...
  • Olive oil. ...
  • Avocado oil. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Cucumber.

What is the fastest way to tighten skin? ›

How to tighten skin after weight loss
  1. Consume nutrients such as protein, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and water.
  2. Use firming creams.
  3. Radiofrequency treatment.
  4. Consistent exercising.
  5. Collagen supplements.
Apr 26, 2022

Is there a vitamin that tightens skin? ›

Boosts collagen production: Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure and firmness to the skin. Collagen production declines with age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Is there a cream that will tighten loose skin? ›

No cream can penetrate the skin deep enough to lift sagging skin, according to the AADA (you need medical procedures for lifting skin). However, with continuous use every day you can plump up with the skin with a good moisturizer, which can offer temporary results for loose skin.

Is there any way to tighten loose skin without surgery? ›

Yes, you can tighten your skin without surgery because there is a range of non-invasive skin tightening modalities to choose from. These energy-based devices use radiofrequency, ultrasound, or laser energy to tighten loose skin.

Do any neck tightening creams really work? ›

Experts agree that firming creams do work, but some may offer more results than others. “I do find value in using a neck cream for the neck,” says Day.

Will loose skin ever tighten? ›

For small to moderate amounts of weight loss, your skin will likely retract on its own. Natural home remedies may help too. However, more significant weight loss may need body-contouring surgery or other medical procedures to tighten or get rid of loose skin.

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