The Truth About Tightening Serums

This column features weekly tips and advice from a revolving cast of industry leaders, on hand to discuss your beauty dilemmas, from blemishes to Botox.

Do any firming skincare lotions really work and if so, are there specific ingredients I should be looking for that will actually tighten my skin and minimize my pores?

When it comes to firming and improving the overall tone and elasticity of the skin, there are many botanical ingredients that provide these benefits while healing and enhancing vibrancy. Chamomile, helichrysum, neroli, and vitamins A, E, and C, can work to tighten the connective tissue, increase the production and formation of collagen and elastin fibers, and offer vasoconstricting properties to your skin. As the skin is a transdermal organ, meaning all that is applied externally quickly absorbs to feed and nourish the body at a cellular level, you can also double the effects of these ingredients by consuming nutrient-rich foods that contain similar vitamins and minerals to achieve rapid results that will reveal visible improvements to your complexion.


A psychology major turned renowned facialist, Tammy Fender has become one of the most sought-after holistic skincare experts in the country for her unique approach, which targets the "whole person." Relying on the healing properties of essential oils, she has created a successful custom-blended product line and operates a treatment studio in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Get more advice for your beauty dilemmas in The Doctor Is In


Photo: Getty Images

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