Our 4 Favorite Face Firming Creams

As we get older our skin slows its natural production of the structural elements it needs—read: collagen and elastin—to support a firm appearance. Over time this leads to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Thankfully, we’ve found four face firming creams that can help to diminish the appearance of these signs of aging skin when used regularly as part of your skin care routine­.

Retinol is a powerful tool in any anti-wrinkle skin care arsenal. An over-the-counter derivative of vitamin A, retinol is known to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Introduce it into your nightly routine—the ingredient is photosensitizing, so it must be used before bedtime—by trying SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5. This treatment contains a concentrated amount of .5 percent pure retinol. Since you’ll need to train your skin to get used to retinol, you’ll start by using it once a week, gradually increasing use to every other night, and eventually to each night—if your skin can tolerate it. Since retinol can be irritating, the formula contains chamomile-derived bisabolol to help soothe the skin. Remember: When using retinol in your nightly skin care routine, follow up each morning with an SPF. 

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5, $57

If you’re after a rich, creamy 24-hour moisturizer, that also helps reduce the signs of aging, look no further. Vichy's LiftActiv Night features rhamnose—a naturally-derived plant sugar—and helps to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The cream also contains a gentle exfoliating agent for softer, smoother, and more radiant-looking skin.

Vichy LiftActiv Night, $50

Lancôme High Résolution Refill-3X

Another great moisturizer—plus anti-wrinkle cream—is Lancôme’s High Résolution Refill-3X. It features the brand’s Refill-3x complex to help visibly reduce the number, depth, and size of wrinkles while leaving skin noticeably more plump and supple over time.

Lancôme High Résolution Refill-3X, $89

Using fragmented hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and mannose, La Roche-Posay’s REDERMIC [C] visibly plumps the look of skin, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the surface. The velvety moisturizer can be used morning and night.

La Roche-Posay REDERMIC [C], $54.99