How to increase skin firmness: does sagging cream work?

Although it is tempting to buy a cream that promises miracles, there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness.

A quick browse through the pharmacy shelves or on Google, the handy digital pharmacy, and you will see a series of creams with strong promises to stimulate collagen and combat sagging skin. But after all, do they really work?

“Unfortunately, there is not yet a cream that can reduce sagging skin, eliminate existing wrinkles, significantly stimulate collagen production or reverse ‘Chinese whiskers’. Miracle creams that promise to eliminate wrinkles, firm the skin and restore radiance, unfortunately do not give the expected results,” says dermatologist Paola Pomerantzeff, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

“It is essential that the patient understands that no cream will be able to treat sagging skin. To increase firmness it is necessary to stimulate collagen and act more deeply, also reaching the muscle – in the case of microfocused ultrasound – to “glue” the skin layers and make it more compact. No cream has this ability,” says Lilian Brasileiro, doctor specialist in dermatology and member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

Collagen stimulation

To combat sagging skin – it is worth noting that in some cases not even equipment can achieve the desired result – it is necessary to stimulate collagen through technologies or injectable collagen biostimulators (dermatological procedures carried out in the clinic), explains Paola Pomerantzeff.

“Anyone who has already undergone surgery knows the difference between the results obtained and the use of a cream. Some substances such as caviar, gold or silk extract, present in very expensive cosmetics, are not absorbed by the skin; This is all pure marketing. Therefore, visiting a dermatologist is important. An expert professional, after a dermatological skin examination, will be able to recommend treatments that will really make a difference for every skin”, explains Paola.

According to Lilian Brasileiro, creams work well as prevention when they contain antioxidants. According to her, between the 20s and 30s, the skin slowly begins to lose collagen and, physiologically, we witness the first aging process, with the decline in the natural production of antioxidants.

“The first step, therefore, to reduce the signs of premature aging, is the daily use of sunscreen. Sun exposure contributes significantly to the skin aging process. You need to use a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher and moisturize daily with active antioxidants such as stabilized vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea extract and ferulic acid,” he says.

Treatment for sagging

There are numerous dermatological treatments for sagging skin. “However, we are increasingly observing that the ideal is to combine different techniques. The more techniques we combine, the better and more natural the result will be. In this way the patient seems to improve significantly without losing his individuality”, says Paola.

“A widely used association, which also includes scientific publications, is that of microfocused ultrasound and injectable collagen biostimulators. Microfocused ultrasound stimulates the production of new collagen fibers through heating in the deeper layers of the skin and in the muscle fascia of the face. Internally the ‘layers’ of the face are “reorganized”. Collagen biostimulators – calcium hydroxyapatite or L Polylactic acid – are applied to the skin via injections and, in addition to improving the quality of existing collagen, they also stimulate the formation of new fibers If we carry out the two associated procedures, a synergism is created in which 2+2 will not be equal to 4, it will be 6 or 7. The beneficial effect is enhanced”, adds Paola.

“We use technologies and injectables in facial rejuvenation so that the skin responds physiologically to collagen stimulation, which can be chemical – in the case of injectable biostimulators – or physical – in the case of technologies”, underlines Cláudia Merlo, medical specialist in Cosmetology at the BWS Institute.

Skin tightening

Another advantage of microfocused ultrasound, according to Cláudia, is that it can act deeper, in the muscle, causing skin tightening.

“We call the tightening that occurs between the layers of skin and muscles a skin lift. It is like a glue between these layers, which become more adherent, closer together, improving the appearance of facial compactness”, explains the doctor.

In this sense, another technique that can be used to improve sagging skin is the intraoral laser. “Fotona laser’s unique Inside-Out technology delivers heat within the oral mucosa to help lift and support skin muscles. There are several benefits such as strengthening the muscles that support the upper lip, improving Chinese whiskers, drooping corners of the lips and drooping upper lip. Furthermore, it is a treatment that integrates the supporting action of microfocused ultrasound. Works at SMAS [sistema aponeurótico muscular superficial] and since there is a strong retraction of the tissues, it also helps to ‘glue’ this connection between the muscles and the skin,” says the doctor.

How to increase skin firmness

According to dermatologist Renato Soriani, an expert in dermatological technologies and creator of the MD Morpheus technique, used throughout the world, the radiofrequency procedure with Morpheus8 microneedles can be performed with the aim of increasing the firmness of the skin.

“Morpheus is a high-performance microneedle radio frequency. It works through collagen remodeling. During the procedure, the microneedles ‘puncture’ the superficial tissue of the skin and release radiofrequency into the deeper layers, helping to stimulate collagen,” explains Renato.

Lilian Brasileiro says that an additional strategy is to perform the LPG Endermologie procedure. “This is a completely natural, non-invasive technology that features an advanced system that combines mechanical massage, suction and rolling to stimulate cellular activity in the skin and other underlying tissues. In this way the procedure is able to improve lymphatic flow and microcirculation, eliminating toxins and stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin”, explains the doctor.

Opt for plastic surgery

In cases where there is strong sagging skin, plastic surgery is recommended, according to Paolo Rubez, plastic surgeon, member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and Master in Plastic Surgery of the Escola Paulista de Medicina da Unifesp.

“The Deep Plane Facelift technique allows for a very broad and natural rejuvenation of the face, as it specifically treats all the aged layers. Another important point is that the result lasts longer since the face has been treated comprehensively,” says the doctor.

“The facelift initially treated only the skin layer of the face, tightening it and removing excess skin. This promoted very artificial and stigmatized outcomes. Its evolution was to start treating the deeper layers such as the SMAS, the tissue that covers the muscles, using stitches to reposition them. Deep Plane differs in the way it treats the SMAS, more deeply and providing a better and longer lasting repositioning of the anatomy that age has altered. It is a technique recommended especially for patients with an average age over 45, and who already show signs of aging such as sagging skin and loss of facial volume”, concludes Paolo.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.