A youthful skin is notably recognized by its elastic strength and firmness. However, over the years, it naturally and gradually loses its firmness and elasticity, these are the first signs of aging. This skin sagging is particularly due to a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin fibers. To counteract this natural aging and maintain firm and toned skin, the application of a face cream specifically designed to firm the epidermis is among the suitable solutions. Let's focus on its benefits.
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Firming Cream: What are its benefits?
Summary
Published June 8, 2021,
updated on August 2, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
6 min read
The signs and causes of skin sagging.
The skin is constantly under attack and weakened by various elements, primarily by internal factors such as hormonal changes, lack of hydration, and oxidative stress, but also by external factors such as sun exposure, smoking, pollution, lifestyle habits, etc., thus promoting skin aging and the appearance of skin sagging. This phenomenon begins as early as the age of 30 and manifests itself through various signs:
Loss of definition in the facial oval;
Sagging of features;
Loss of skin firmness;
Loss of cheek bounce.
One of the causes of this skin laxity is the slowing down of the cellular renewal rate. Indeed, the fibroblasts in the dermis become less efficient and synthesize collagen and elastin less effectively, two proteins ensuring the firmness and elasticity of the skin. With age, the content of collagen fibers decreases by about 1% each year, starting as early as in our thirties. This significant decrease intensifies during menopause, promoting skin sagging (a decline of 30% in the first 4 years then 2% per year on average). Additionally, collagen is sensitive to certain enzymes (metalloproteinases) activated by UV rays or by the glycation phenomenon (rigidification of fibers), causing the collagen to deteriorate and its content in the dermis to gradually diminish. As a result, the skin progressively loses firmness and wrinkles deepen. Elastin fibers are also affected by the glycation phenomenon. Thus, over time, elastin and collagen fibers become scarce. Similarly, the content of hyaluronic acid, one of the main components of the dermal extracellular matrix whose primary role is to ensure tissue hydration, becomes rarer. Its progressive loss contributes to a loss of tissue volume, and consequently to skin sagging. Therefore, the skin dries out, loses its radiance and tone.
Which cream should be chosen to correct facial skin sagging?
To tone and maintain the elasticity of facial skin, opt for a daily application of a so-called "firming" face cream. Formulated with tensing active ingredients, it helps combat skin sagging and reduce wrinkles by boosting collagen production, promoting cellular renewal, and stimulating tissue oxygenation through massage. It thus helps to restore firmness, radiance, and elasticity to the facial skin. Moreover, this type of cream also contributes to skin hydration, making it soft and smooth to the touch. At Typology, we have designed a moisturizing and firming cream for the face based on 0.2% retinol and tsubaki oil.
The benefits of firming cream.
Thanks to a combination of ingredients, the firming cream provides a visible tightening effect on the epidermis that can be seen with the naked eye, thus helping to maintain the skin's suppleness and elasticity. It combines the toning and reshaping action of retinol, the moisturizing and nourishing action of vegetable glycerin and tsubaki oil, and the antioxidant action of tocopherol (vitamin E).
Present at a concentration of 0.2%, retinol stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin, resulting in firmer skin. It also activates cellular renewal, thereby promoting the removal of dead cells to make way for the growth of new ones. Consequently, retinol helps achieve a more youthful-looking skin, meaning firmer skin with reduced wrinkles and pigment spots. Lastly, retinol prevents cell oxidation (antioxidant properties) by combating the harmful effects of free radicals generated by UV rays, which can lead to premature aging of your skin. Retinol thus inhibits the increase of metalloproteinases, enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin fibers produced following UV exposure.
Tsubaki oil, derived from camellia seeds, possesses softening, protective, pliable, and nourishing properties. Indeed, this vegetable oil lays a protective film on the skin's surface, thereby preventing its dryness and providing a soft touch. It also makes the skin more elastic and nourished.
How to apply the firming cream?
In order to enhance the active power of the firming cream, it is crucial to perform the right daily actions. To use this retinol cream, apply a small amount evenly across the entire face, as well as the neck and décolletage, on clean, dry skin, after your usual serum. It is recommended to apply the treatments by performing upward massages to allow the cream to penetrate the skin. Skin massage is also beneficial for stimulating skin cells. Regular and gentle face massage should be performed by tapping the skin with the fingertips and making circular movements to stimulate blood microcirculation and oxygenate the tissues. For satisfactory results, it is also recommended to use the treatment morning and evening, twice a day, for maximum effect.
Suitable for mature skin, this treatment is however not recommended for sensitive and reactive skin types. Indeed, retinol can cause irritations and skin sensitization, which can lead to redness and highly reactive skin that may start to peel. It should also not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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