The Best Body Firming Creams

As you get older, your face and the rest of your body may begin to lose their youthful elasticity and firm tone. This sagging can result in a poor complexion and wrinkles. Your dermatologist can help with a surgical skin lifting and tightening procedure, but such treatments are often expensive and potentially painful. Over-the-counter firming creams can provide an inexpensive alternative.

Clinique Turnaround Body Smoothing Cream

The beauty editors of Marie Claire magazine recommend Clinique's anti-aging body moisturizer, saying it can help fight aging symptoms from head to toe. They praised its use of exfoliating acids, which help slough off dead skin cells to even out your skin tone. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that such acids can help improve collagen levels in the skin, which may improve firmness. Additional beneficial ingredients include sodium hyaluronate--a potent moisturizer--and glucosamine, plus skin-protecting antioxidants.

Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Intensive 3-in-1 Eye Cream

For sagging skin on your face, skincare expert Paula Begoun notes that Patricia Wexler's firming cream--designed for the eyes but applicable for general facial use--may help. Begoun says it contains shea butter and glycerin that work as "intensive" moisturizers. These help improve and firm the skin by plumping it with moisture. Begoun also reports that it contains "cell-communicating ingredients," which help enhance general skin health, and potential wrinkle-fighting peptides.

Nivea Good-Bye Cellulite

Shape magazine's beauty editors picked Nivea's anti-cellulite cream as one of the best body-firming beauty products on the market. It's formulated with firming moisturizers and L-carnitine, which may help metabolize surface fat for tighter skin. The cream works so well that it's been featured on several television shows, including the talk show hosted by former model Tyra Banks.

Nivea Body Skin Firming Moisturizer with Q10 Complex

Nivea's coenzyme Q10-enhanced body moisturizer was named one of the best budget-friendly firming lotions available in drugstores, according to Real Simple magazine. The magazine reports that it can improve tone and elasticity. CoQ10 works as a potent antioxidant to help limit signs of skin damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additional skin-nourishing and -firming ingredients include creatine and moisturizing glycerin.