Keeping Firm

Skin care line tightens the skin on the face, neck and under the eyes.
By Lauren Constance Everingham

Shelves of skin creams and lotions dazzle consumers with promising claims. Unfortunately, these promises sometimes fall short of the expense and the expectation.

Patients often turn to their physicians to choose skin care products that deliver on their claims. "If a product says it's going to help firm the skin, you want to be sure the ingredients are in there [to do just that]," says Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, a practicing dermatologist and clinical professor or dermatology at the University of Miami in Florida.

Peptide Power

Dr. Ciraldo is the founder of CosMedical Technologies, which offers the Ultra Firming product line exclusively to physicians and skin care professionals. The product line, which contains botanicals, antioxidants and peptides, all share a common ingredient — marine algae peptides — which protects the skin from oxidative stress and prevents damage with consistent use. As a result, the skin has more elasticity, firmness and youthfulness, says Dr. Ciraldo. Most recently, clinical tests showed that the Ultra Firming Marine face cream increased skin smoothness by 62 percent and firmness by 32 percent.

The company uses active peptides in its products, which promote healing and bring botanicals straight to the skin cell. These peptides, for example, firm the eye area and improve lymphatic circulation by constricting the tiny capillaries that swell and lead to puffiness around the eyes.

"More and more doctors are realizing peptides have an instant perceivable effect on the skin," says CosMedical Technologies' marketing director Holly Becker, who is also a licensed medical esthetician.

The backgrounds of Becker and Dr. Ciraldo allow them to understand and treat the subtle nuances of skin, they say. For example, the Ultra Firming Neck and Chest cream contains specialized ingredients to enhance the delicate decollete area, says Becker. Specifically, the neck and chest cream contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin without irritation. Ceramides, which help skin maintain moisture levels by decreasing transepidermal water loss, also replenish the skin's lipid barrier.

Results without Irritation

Ultra Firming's natural ingredients are less likely to irritate the skin, says Dr. Ciraldo. A patient who selects an over-the-counter product may be courting a problem — particularly if it contains synthetic fragrance.

CosMedical Technologies balances the necessary aggressive ingredients with soothing, natural botanicals, such as evening primrose extract and Indian gooseberry extract. These botanicals counteract potential irritants, says Dr. Ciraldo, and don't overwork the skin.

Dr. Ciraldo stresses the products are also comfortable to use. Scent is important, too. If people don't like the fragrance of a cream, they won't use it, she says.

Skin care should begin at a young age and requires consistent follow-up, Dr. Ciraldo explains. Therefore, the products can be used at any age. People realize it's important to take care of their skin at younger ages. Nevertheless, people in their 70s can use the products and experience their benefits.