Neither proper nutrition nor strict diets guarantee ideal body quality if a person is trying to get rid of excess weight. Sagging of those areas that had large volumes of subcutaneous fat is a normal situation, but unsightly. For this reason, a cream for tightening the skin of the abdomen is an important part of body care during the period of weight loss, but the average buyer has no idea how to predict the final result just by studying the composition. Is it possible to find out in the store what effect the chosen product will give and whether it is worth using such creams?
Skin tightening cream
The essence of any cosmetic product of this type (regardless of the area for which the cream is intended) is toning: the active substances cause the fibers inside the tissues to contract in order to maintain skin elasticity. It is possible to achieve tightening of problem areas if the composition of the product is good, but the weight loss process itself will not be helped, no matter what promises the manufacturer makes. The effect that girls get from such a cream is exclusively cosmetic and is noticeable only in terms of skin quality. Fat will not burn.
However, there is a difference between products designed to tighten the skin:
- some are focused on restoring natural turgor;
- others help increase blood circulation to remove fluid.
After losing weight
Caffeine, pepper extract, algae (mostly badyaga) - this is just a short list of components present in creams that work to tighten the skin during and after weight loss. Experts advise starting to use this cosmetic product at the same time as losing weight to prevent severe sagging. The product often contains locally irritating substances, which trigger an increase in intracellular temperature and accelerate metabolic processes. In addition to them, the following may be observed:
- AHA acids that remove dead cells, which provokes regeneration of the dermis;
- citric or tartaric acid - help increase the hygroscopicity of the skin;
- enzymes - their deficiency causes the loss of natural skin turgor, the inability to produce collagen fibers in the body;
- retinol is a stimulator of cellular renewal, also helping to synthesize collagen.
After childbirth
A woman who has undergone pregnancy, even if she has not gained excess weight, faces the problem of sagging abdominal skin and stretch marks. There is little physical activity in this situation: the appearance of the body is much worse than even after losing 25-30 kg. A product that is used for women after childbirth must have a moisturizing function. Anti-cellulite and other products that have a thermogenic effect should not be taken, because They will not help reduce the amount of excess skin. If collagen is present in the composition, the effectiveness of the product increases.
Additionally, you should pay attention to the presence of:
- base oils (almond, wheat germ, avocado, etc.);
- royal jelly;
- vitamin C;
- mumiyo.
Belly cream
The number of products that promise to quickly tighten contours and rid a woman of fat and the appearance of cellulite is large: every major cosmetic company considers it its duty to produce such a cream. However, whether the product will be effective, whether its use will reveal the desired tightening of the skin after losing weight, depends on the composition. We have already listed above the components whose presence makes sense in products aimed at improving the condition of the skin (stomach and not only). Below is a detailed analysis of the most popular ingredients.
With oils
If you see essential oils in the product, especially lemon, bergamot, anise, you can rest assured that the product will be effective. These components in skin tightening products have a good warming effect, have a positive effect on the water-fat balance, and can even help reduce the severity of stretch marks. Manufacturers practice adding essential oils to anti-cellulite products, because... Some of them give a good warming effect. During use, redness appears, indicating local irritation.
It is not advisable to use a tightening product that contains essential oils:
- for problems with blood vessels;
- during the menstrual cycle;
- in areas with wounds, abrasions, inflammation, dermatitis.
Products containing vegetable oils will also be effective, i.e. fatty – almond, cocoa, jojoba, etc. They will moisturize the skin, which will make it smooth. This component is mainly needed to combat stretch marks after pregnancy. On young skin, according to experts, products based on oils perform a tummy tuck no worse than products with a more complex composition, because sagging is not aggravated by third-party physiological causes.
With glycerin
Glycerin has been used as a component of body care cosmetics for a long time, but it is mainly found in creams intended to protect the skin of the hands. However, this substance has benefits. Glycerin helps normalize the water balance in the epidermal cells, as a result of which it becomes more elastic. In some products that model body contours, this substance is necessary to soften the aggressive effects of other components. Glycerin does not affect subcutaneous fat.
Silicone based
The group of products containing silicone is assessed by experts as relatively safe. The reason lies in the main property of this substance: silicone does not allow moisture to evaporate, because covers the dermis with a dense, impenetrable layer. The general principle of action is almost the same as that of glycerin, except that you cannot expect absorption from silicone. Alone, it does not provide any benefit to the skin, especially in terms of tightening, but if the product contains valuable microelements that provoke collagen synthesis, silicone will provide its fibers with moisture saturation.
A couple of important points regarding this category:
- It is not advisable to use such body care products every day: you won’t be able to achieve a beautiful figure faster, and you will harm the dermis (the easiest consequence is clogged pores).
- Choose a product with silicone, where this element is in the middle of the list of ingredients or closer to the end, otherwise smoothness, elasticity, etc. visual results will be only a cosmetic effect that lasts until you take a shower.
With vitamins
Dermatologists say that the skin will benefit from a group of B vitamins, which increases the protective functions of cells, stimulates their renewal, nourishes, and improves blood circulation. You can also take a closer look at products with retinol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and vitamin D, which are fat-soluble. Even a high percentage of these substances in the cream will not harm the body, because the impact will be external. However, lubricating the body with cream with vitamins will not give the same strong result as taking them orally.
On hyaluronic acid
Experts continue to dispute the meaning of the presence of hyaluronic acid in products intended for skin elasticity. An argument in its favor is the ability of hyaluronic acid to absorb water if it is high molecular weight, and to moisturize the dermis if it is low molecular weight. However, the effect of using this substance is short-lived, so it must be supported by the use of amino acids.
Top 6. Natura Siberica Taiga juice Natura Kamchatka
Rating (2021): 4.56
294 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, IRecommend, Ozon, Wildberries
- Characteristics
Average price: 188 rub.
- Country Russia
- Volume: 200 ml
- Skin type: for all types
- Effect: moisturizing, lifting, nutrition, toning
- Shelf life: 3 years
Natura Siberica Taiga Juice cream attracts customers with its affordable price and natural ingredients in its composition. Cranberry, rowan and lingonberry juices are rich in nutrients and have a beneficial effect on the quality of the skin. With regular use, the lifting effect is noticeable, but not as strong as expected, users write in reviews. They also note the light texture, the cream is easy to spread over the skin, it is applied evenly and quickly absorbed, without leaving stickiness or film. The pleasant aroma of taiga berries is unobtrusive, but quite persistent. The cream is based on thermal water from Kamchatka geysers; it is saturated with minerals, which, in turn, have a slight anti-aging effect.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Lots of natural ingredients
- Based on thermal water
- Light texture, evenly distributed
- Pleasant unobtrusive aroma
- Weak tightening effect
- Consumes quickly
How to use firming cream correctly
A flat stomach means regular workouts in the gym or at home, plus good nutrition. If you decide to add cosmetic procedures to this program, you need to perform them competently. To tighten the abdomen, warming agents can be used 2 times a week, tightening agents - every other day. The duration of the course is determined by the specific product.
A few general nuances that will help you get positive results from using body products that ensure skin firmness:
- Take a shower before the procedure - the product will better penetrate the layers of the dermis.
- Distribute the product along the massage arrows, lightly rubbing it.
- It is advisable to apply warming (mainly anti-cellulite) products in the evening.
- Products that stimulate skin tightening through hydration and collagen production can be used morning and night.
- The effectiveness of using such creams and lotions will increase if you massage your abdomen after applying them. The manipulations are simple: pinching, tapping, stroking, rubbing. Duration – up to 5 minutes or until there is a clear reaction of the skin in the form of redness.
- If you are worried about your abdominal tightness after childbirth, you should start using the cream during pregnancy: this will reduce the severity of stretch marks and the degree of sagging.
- Don't expect immediate results: it will take several weeks to see the effect that the dermis firming product does (or doesn't give) after losing weight or giving birth. Only your doctor can tell you exactly how long to wait. Often the course of use of such a product is 2-3 months with daily use.
Top 3. Dr. Sea with olive oil, papaya and green tea extracts
Rating (2021): 4.68
436 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, IRecommend, Ozon, Wildberries
Most Popular Firming Cream This product is popular among customers. It is most often recommended by both ordinary people and professionals. We also found the largest number of reviews for this cream.
- Characteristics
Average price: 589 rub.
- Country: Israel
- Volume: 200 ml
- Skin type: for all types
- Effect: lifting, increasing elasticity, smoothing
- Shelf life: 1 year
It is believed that Israeli cosmetics are the standard of quality and effectiveness. Body firming cream Dr. Sea confirms this opinion. The product has a very rich composition, the active ingredients have a comprehensive effect on the skin, starting the regeneration process, activating blood flow, tightening it and making it more elastic. Professionals recommend using this cream in conjunction with a weight loss program to enhance the results. Users in reviews note not only effectiveness, but also a pleasant aroma, delicate consistency, and easy application. The product is perfectly absorbed and does not leave stickiness or film. We did not find any critical deficiencies. The only thing is that the cream is difficult to find on sale.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Large range of active ingredients
- Perfectly complements weight loss programs
- No parabens
- Suitable for daily use
- Rarely found on sale
See also:
- 10 best oils for facial massage
Popular brands
You can find a product that promises to help tighten the skin from online brands (Oriflame, Faberlic, etc.), and from brands presented in pharmacies, and in standard perfume and cosmetic chains. It makes sense to consider some products in detail:
- Guam is famous for its good skin care cosmetics, and Firming Cream for the body with a contour tightening effect is especially popular. Contains seaweed extract. The product can be used not only for the stomach, but also for the chest.
- Collistar is also among the popular brands. All skin tightening products have received a lot of rave reviews due to the pronounced effect obtained in 3-4 weeks, convenient packaging and the absence of allergic reactions.
- Nip + Fab is a little-known brand, but loved by women for its cream with bee venom. It gives a pronounced skin tightening effect, quickly helping you get into shape. A bonus is the low price for such creams.
Top 10. Grandmother Agafya Moroshkovy's recipes
Rating (2021): 4.36
174 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, IRecommend, Ozon, Wildberries
Best price You can buy the cream “Granny Agafya’s Recipes” for 120 rubles. Considering the volume of 300 ml, this is one of the best deals among competitors.
- Characteristics
Average price: 119 rub.
- Country Russia
- Volume: 300 ml
- Skin type: dry, normal
- Effect: lifting, tightening, moisturizing
- Shelf life: 2 years
“Granny Agafya’s Recipes” is a brand of budget but effective cosmetics. Firming cream with wild Arctic cloudberry juice has an anti-aging, regenerating and toning effect. One of the active ingredients is Daurian rose oil, which is famous for its rejuvenating properties. In reviews, users note the pleasant texture and aroma; they write that with regular use, the skin actually becomes softer and more elastic. The cream, at a very affordable price, also has a large volume, it lasts for a long time. The product can be used daily, there are no age restrictions. As a disadvantage, the girls note that moisturizing is not enough for dry skin, although the cream is designed specifically for this type.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Pleasant moderately thick texture
- Moderate unobtrusive aroma
- Good volume
- Profitable price
- For very dry skin, moisturizing is not enough
Price
The cost of a product that gives a noticeable effect (for stretch marks, folds, and other imperfections) ranges from 500-3000 rubles. Among cheap products (i.e. 100-200 rubles), there is no point in trying to choose something effective, according to reviews from women. The current price for such creams in Moscow can be seen in the table:
Name | Packaging volume | Price |
Guam Firming Cream | 250 ml | 2390 rub. |
Nip + Fab Bee Sting Deluxe Body Souffle | 200 ml | 662 rub. |
Collistar Anti-age lifting body cream | 400 ml | 2690 rub. |
Shiseido Firming Body Cream | 200 ml | 4499 rub. |
Garnier Body Ultra Firmness | 250 ml | 380 rub. |
Top 4. Vitex Luxury care – 7 beauty oils
Rating (2021): 4.67
242 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, IRecommend, Ozon, Wildberries
- Characteristics
Average price: 165 rub.
- Country: Belarus
- Volume: 200 ml
- Skin type: for all skin types
- Effect: moisturizing, lifting, increasing elasticity, smoothing
- Shelf life: 3 years
Belorussky offers users an excellent and inexpensive firming body cream “Luxury Care - 7 Beauty Oils”. The product pleases professionals with its good composition, and ordinary people with a very attractive price. The leading active component was a complex of seven oils: argan, macadamia, avocado, almond, shea butter, coconut and camellia. It allows you to especially effectively moisturize the skin and has a tightening effect. The texture of the cream is very delicate and airy, it is evenly distributed and forms a trail of pleasant aroma. However, in addition to this, a light oily film also appears on the skin - the only drawback of the presented product.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Good effective composition
- Delicate texture, evenly distributed
- Affordable price
- Well presented on sale
- Forms a light oily film
See also:
- 10 best professional face creams