There is a huge gamut of products already available for pigmentation elimination but very few for firming and restoring suppleness. I am happy to report that Lancome has further improved its Rénergie line for people whose main concern is lack of firmness, and wrinkles. The line is  designed for women in their mid-40s (for prevention) and above (for reversal).

 

Cosmetic lifting

 

Lancome has pushed the boundaries of beauty even further and invented a new approach to cosmetic lifting. Thanks to Structural Biology, its research teams present a new interpretation of cutaneous architecture. For the first time ever, the skin is recognized for its five interconnected and interacting layers: epidermis, dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ), papillary dermis, reticular dermis and hypodermis. The usual studies only tackle three.

 

In this architecture, research has highlighted 10 key connectors—including five that had never before been targeted by Lancome—essential to tightening the skin. Multi-Tension technology is introduced at the heart of the formulas from the Rénergie Multi-Lift range to stimulate these 10 key connectors. These are the two new products of the line I have tried.

 

Rénergie Multi-Lift Serum Lifting Firming Anti-Wrinkle Serum – Smooth and Fresh has a surprising  texture that transforms from an emulsion into an ultra-light fluid, literally melting into the skin. Immediately, skin  feels more supple and smoother.

 

Rénergie CC Multi-Lift -Tinted Multi-Action Skincare for an Illuminating + Lifting Effect is a hybrid product. This innovative “skin lifting + light-enhancing” treatment is formulated to tighten and even out  skintone, and restores freshness and luminosity with “barely-there” coverage. This is a bit greasy for those with normal to oily skin so they may stick to their own foundation and sunblock for now.

 

In a four-week test period on women ages 45-66, subjects saw the following improvements: radiance/luminosity 72 percent immediately and 84 percent after four weeks; smoother appearance 73 percent then 90 percent after four weeks; reflects light 67 percent then 84 percent after four weeks; suppleness 70 percent then 87 percent after four weeks; highlighted facial volumes under light 67 percent then 81 percent after four weeks. Sixty-nine percent also reported minimized fine lines, and 75 percent saw improved firmness after four weeks.

 

Other products to try for firmness include Clinique Repairwear line and Clarins Extra Firming.

 

Laser treatments

 

Those with severe sagging may achieve better results with a facelift. But other alternatives to a facelift (or which may be used with the Rénergie line to boost firmness) are laser treatments such as Refirme, a totally painless 45-minute procedure. This requires monthly visits for the first five sessions and maintenance every three or six months.

 

Meanwhile, Ultherapy is done once a year only and progressively tightens skin noticeably up to six months post-treatment.  Anesthesia is needed as it is more painful, but cost will come out cheaper than a facelift and possibly even Refirme.

 

For inquiries, please e-mail me at [email protected]