Do quick-fix firming creams really work?

by LIZ STOUT, femail.co.uk

Are the latest firming creams a waste of money, or can they really give your skin a noticeable lift? We put five top brands to the test

Some experts advise you don't wait for the signs of ageing skin to appear before using one of the many skin firming creams. And some women start using firming products as early as their late twenties and thirties.

In response to this growing market, Kanebo launched their Sensai Cellular Performance Cream last year.

'The Sensai cream was launched last year to specifically cater for women in their late twenties', says Marketing Manager, Elaine Mills.

'We found that more and more women were looking to use a firming product as a preventative measure against the signs of ageing and not wait until the symtoms had set in.'

Like Kanebo's popular firming treatment, many of the popular firming creams and lotions are suitable for both mature and younger skins - although if you have a complexion that's already very soft and hydrated, you may find some of the ultra-moisturising cream versions too rich.

Different firming creams use different ingredients to improve the tone of the skin. Some tighten the outer layers of the skin surface, while others plump up these layers, so that the skin appears much smoother.

Others use special skin-stimulating ingredients to kick-start the lymph and blood flow, which can also help to achieve a firmer-looking complexion.

Scientific Skincare Advisor for Boots, Steve Barton, believes they generally do work.

'Some firming creams are designed to produce short term quick-fix effects, while others can have longer term benefits when used over long periods', says Barton.

'In our experience, the overall answer is yes, firming creams do have a positive effect on the skin.'

But be sure that you are clear about exactly what it's promising to do.

'Different treatments may offer different benefits', he says, 'and by taking into account these factors, each product manufacturer will have ensured that their specific claims are supported.'

We gave five testers a product to apply regularly for one week.

Here are their verdicts...

Clinique Anti-Gravity Firming Lift Cream (£25/30ml) - apply every morning

Claims: In the short term, skin feels firmed, tightened and toned, in the long term skin will have improved firmness and elasticity. Contains a blend of moisturising ingredients to leave skin smoother and more comfortable, plus whey protein and heather extract to strengthen the skin's natural collagen support structure long term.

We say: This cream smells very rich and is very thick. When first applied it felt like it was sitting on the surface of the skin but after less than a minute it was absorbed. After three days of use, our testers skin was noticeably firmer and fine lines appeared to have benefited from the xtra moisture boost.

Verdict: Very impressive. Despite never having considered using a firming cream up until now, our tester was impressed and intends to continue using it.

Elizabeth Arden Firm Lift Intensive Lotion for Face & Throat (£36/30ml) - apply once daily, morning or night.

Claims: The patented Ceramide Retinyl Complex acts to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and improves skin colour and tone with both short and longer-term results.
We say: This lotion is very light and the fragrance is refreshing without being. Immediately after application the skin felt much smoother and hydrated. After a week skin was feeling much more toned.

Verdict: Impressed. Providing continued use sees a consistent improvement in skin tone, this is a product our tester will be splashing out on.

Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream (£36.50/50ml)- apply every morning.

Claims: Recommended for more mature skins - women over 40 - it gently hydrates, firms and promotes visibly younger-looking skin in the short term, while protecting the skin against the effects of pollution. Prolonged use will help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

We say: Our mature tester loved the light fragrance of this particular firming cream but thought it mght be too rich. However once the formula had absorbed into the skin properly, she was left with an ultra-moisturised complexion that felt subtly firmer and more toned. After a week's use, there wasn't a breathtaking improvement in skintone but the complexion felt fresher and silky -smooth.

Verdict:Good results - but our tester still felt that this cream would be too heavy to use every day.

Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream (£82.95/40ml) - apply morning and evening.

br>Claims: Enhances the production of skin cells both short term and long term. In tests, really significant improvement in overall skintone showed after fourteen days. Short term, it deeply penetrates and gives the skin long lasting, extra rich moisture so that it feels smoother and visibly more refined.

We say: This luxuriously thick face cream has quite an old-fashioned scent and sumptuous packaging. Despite being thick in texture, it absorbs very quickly into the skin, making it feel fresh and rehydrated, without leaving a greasy residue. Skin felt smoother after one application and tighter and toned by the end of the week.

Verdict: Impressive - but is it really better than it's much less-expensive rivals? Our tester wasn't prepared for the hefty £82.95 price tag.

Yves Saint Laurent Firm Effects Creme (£29.50/30ml) - apply morning and/or evening

Claims: Ideal for women aged 35 and over. Long term, the active ingredients help re-establish the skin's natural firming process, encouraging cellular renewal and collagen and elastin production. It also encourages maximum moisturisation short term and protects the skin against free-radicals, the main cause of skin ageing.

We say: Our tester liked the light refreshing fragrance of this particular cream and her skin felt clean and invigorated immediately after the first use. At the end of the week, skin looked and felt much smoother.

Verdict: Our tester would be reluctant to spend almost £30 on a firming cream but she was pleased with the initial results. She was keen to continue using it, optimistic that continued use could further improve the look and feel of her skin.