Aging is a gradual process: Loss of collagen and elastin typically happens slowly and steadily until one day you may notice that your skin isn’t as taut before. In addition to a professional-grade solution to firm and lift, using one of the best skin tightening creams is an easy and cost-effective way to minimize signs of aging.
According to cosmetic and medical dermatologist Hadley King, the plus side of using these creams is that they're great for regular skin maintenance, and are especially ideal when an in-office procedure isn't in the cards. However, don’t expect an overnight difference, as results will take longer to see. She suggests looking for options with retinoids (or alternatives like bakuchiol) and anti-aging peptides, which stimulate collagen production, niacinamide to improve skin texture, as well as ingredients like humectants to hydrate, emollients for skin barrier support, and occlusives to lock in all that moisture for a plumper look.
Shop the Best Skin Tightening Creams
Best for Barrier Repair
Pür Minerals Get a Lift Firming Facial Cream Moisturizer
Collagen is one of the main components of the skin, since it provides strength and volume giving skin its structure. “It's essential for keeping skin robust and youthful,” King says, and as its production decreases, our skin loses its firmness. Along with getting older, another major culprit for loss of collagen in the skin is sun exposure. “Overall loss of collagen in the skin is due to two factors: increased breakdown of collagen and inhibition of collagen production,” she notes. “Both are stimulated by UV exposure.”
Here, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best skin-tightening creams that experts and beauty enthusiasts swear by, which tout results for just about every area of your body.
Best for Barrier Repair
Pür Minerals Get a Lift Firming Facial Cream Moisturizer
Best for Barrier Repair
Pür Minerals Get a Lift Firming Facial Cream Moisturizer
One of the firming moisturizers that King recommends both protects the skin's barrier and fights free radical damage. "Emollients like ceramides and fatty acids [in this moisturizer] support the skin barrier, helping to make the skin more smooth and plump," she says. "Antioxidants like alfalfa extract help to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by pollution and UV rays that can accelerate collagen degradation."
Natural cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids in this treatment help to restore elasticity and boost hydration, while vitamin E helps fight environmental damage.
One satisfied customer writes:
"Bought the Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 cream for my mom who is 81. She loves it! Her skin looks and feels wonderful." —Cassandra P.
This body lotion is packed with vitamins and absorbs fast to help improve the look and feel of skin over time while increasing firmness.
One satisfied customer writes:
"This is a fantastic lotion! I have very dry skin in general and also live in a very dry climate. This lotion is not greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin. You can apply it and put your clothes on right after. For me, the true test is if it keeps the ashy dry skin away all day without reapplying, and this lotion does it well. I’ll put it on after my morning shower and by night time my skin is still soft and hydrated." —Nikoru
Key ingredients:
Niacinamide, marula, cacay, and meadowfoam oils
Best for:
Body
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Best for Neck and Chest
Cosmedix Illuminate & Lift Neck and Decollete Treatment
Best for Neck and Chest
Cosmedix Illuminate & Lift Neck and Decollete Treatment
"Cosmedix's Illuminate and Lift Neck and Decollete Treatment contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a potent form of vitamin C that has antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from damage from free radicals from pollution and UV rays that can accelerate collagen degradation," King adds. "It also contains edelweiss stem cell extract, another potent antioxidant, and anti-aging peptides that help to lift and smooth the skin."
This luxe body cream includes hyaluronic acid to both soften and plump the skin, while its Bio-Renewal and Bio-Firming proteins help tighten and even skin tone.
This cult-favorite cream is known for its tropical scent and skin-smoothing abilities. The thick, smooth cream is great for those who also have drier skin, and it features guaraná, a Brazilian plant known for its caffeine-rich properties that help stimulate skin.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I honestly never leave reviews on items but this has got to be hands down the best body cream/lotion I have ever bought! I hate creams/lotions because of the texture, however this absorbs in your skin so quickly and smoothly. And the smell lasts forever without bothering you if you have sensitive skin, which I do. I just want to make note it is small size but I plan on buying a bigger one once it’s finished !!! LOVE IT! BUY IT! Don’t hesitate." —Sarah S.
"Pond's Rejuveness Advanced Hydrating Night Cream, which moisturizes while also delivering anti-aging benefits, contains niacinamide to improve skin texture and retinol to stimulate collagen production," King says. "It also hydrates with glycerin and supports the skin barrier with pro-ceramides."
This hydrating cream is a drugstore staple, because it's packed with a proven amino-peptide complex to plump skin and smooth over fine lines.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I have been purchasing Regenerist for years. I love that it goes on smoothly without a greasy feel. I don’t wear makeup, I feel that this product has helped me control the finer lines, and gives my complexion a brighter look." —Jbug
King notes that a decrease in collagen and elastin is one of the major reasons why body skin can lose firmness. This fragrance-free cream not only treat dry skin, but also helps support its natural elastin production.
One satisfied customer writes:
"This stuff is amazing. I have been using it for a couple of years now and I love it. I recommend it to all my friends. My dermatologist commented on how "well hydrated" my skin is. I am 65 years old. It has especially helped my neck décolletage. Wrinkles are greatly reduced. I use it everyday (after my shower) on my neck, chest and arms." —Linda
Key ingredients:
Salicylic acid, olive oil, grapeseed oil
Best for:
Body
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Best for Arms and Legs
StriVectin Tighten & Lift Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream
Best for Arms and Legs
StriVectin Tighten & Lift Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream
The tripeptides in this popular body cream—which over 1,000 Amazon customers are raving about—aim to improve skin elasticity, while its murumuru seed butter seamlessly revitalizes dry, rough skin.
One satisfied customer writes:
"This product is reasonably priced and actually works to tighten crepe skin. Have used it for several months and can see a visible difference." —Anonymous
Augustinus Bader is a cult favorite for a reason. This body cream helps jump-start the skin's natural repairing process and also features a combo of amino acids and vitamins to firm skin, fight sun damage, and even fade stretch marks.
One satisfied customer writes:
"The best body cream I have ever used—skin is smoother and tighter. I don’t have many problems with stretch marks, but my cellulite is less visible." —Ilijana R.
One of the ways King says people can decrease their chances of experiencing degradation of their body's collagen and elastin is by practicing, "sun-smart behavior, including sun protection, on an everyday basis." This cream for the neck and chest, which includes broad spectrum SPF 25, is a great start.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I love Perricone Plasma Plus Neck Chest SPF +25 and swear by it. It has made a huge difference in the appearance of signs of aging, the wrinkles and loose skin under my jawline. This alone when treated with Perricone Plasma Plus Neck/Chest moisturizer will take years of your appearance, at least it has mine." —Christine
If loose stomach skin is an issue for you, this pick is a definite add to cart. Ingredients like Pink Pepperslim, a plant extract, smooth skin, while avocado extract improves the look of stretch marks and shea butter and hyaluronic acid keep skin hydrated and moisturized.
One satisfied customer writes:
"If you can get through the warm sensation with a little itching feeling, this stuff works wonders! The warm sensation only lasts about 10 to 15 minutes then goes away completely. I see a difference in my stomach's appearance and the texture. Highly recommend this product." —Tara A.
Yes, but there's a caveat. "They need to be used regularly. Prevention and maintenance are key," King adds. And again, don't expect results overnight.
What are some other options available to make your skin tighter?
"Sun-smart behavior, including sun protection, on an everyday basis, in-office treatments that stimulate collagen, and topical products that stimulate collagen and/or decrease loss of collagen," King says. "I also recommend an anti-inflammatory diet. This means a diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy grains, and low in sugar and other refined carbohydrates and processed foods."
Why? It all comes down to sugar. "Excess sugar molecules bond to collagen and elastin through a process named glycation, which ultimately causes the collagen and elastin fibers to lose their strength and flexibility," the dermatologist says.
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How long does it take to notice results from creams?
Prepare to wait at least a month to see noticeable skin firming results, but with frequent use you can see changes overtime.
How long do tightening results typically last?
Topical products must be used continuously for best results, otherwise the effects will be short-lived. Experts recommend using these creams on a daily or weekly basis for longer-term and more visible skin firming.
Meet the Experts
Hadley King M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist based in New York City.
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