As we age, it’s natural for skin to lose some of its firmness and bounce—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless against sagging. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, targeted skincare ingredients can go a long way in improving skin elasticity, boosting collagen, and giving the skin a more lifted appearance—especially for those in their 40s and beyond.
In a recent video, Dr. Idriss breaks down four powerhouse ingredients she recommends for tightening and toning aging skin. Each one works in its own way to support the skin’s structural integrity and resilience.
“Here are four effective tightening products for the 40-plus range,” says Dr. Idriss.
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1. Retinol
A longtime dermatologist favorite, retinol tops Dr. Idriss’ list for good reason.
“It will help stimulate your activity within your fibroblasts to help boost your collagen production,” she explains. By encouraging skin cell turnover and collagen synthesis, retinol helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and sagging over time.
2. Peptides
These small-chain amino acids act as messengers in the skin, triggering a variety of youth-preserving functions.
“They signal our skin in different ways,” says Dr. Idriss. “Ranging from collagen production to even muscle relaxation to a certain extent.” Depending on the peptide, they can smooth wrinkles, firm the skin, or enhance hydration.
3. Growth Factors
Though lesser-known, growth factors are gaining popularity for their powerful rejuvenating abilities.
“They are similar to both retinols and peptides,” says Dr. Idriss, “but they have the added benefit of aligning your collagen fibers so your skin has extra elasticity.” This makes them especially useful for improving texture and restoring that youthful bounce.
4. Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
Last but not least, CoQ10 is an antioxidant that shields the skin from environmental stressors.
“It protects your skin from degradation from environmental stress while also promoting the synthesis of elastin—and of course, collagen,” Dr. Idriss explains. As skin becomes more vulnerable to oxidative damage with age, CoQ10 offers both protection and restorative benefits.
Whether you're just starting to see early signs of sagging or want to enhance your current anti-aging routine, incorporating these ingredients—retinol, peptides, growth factors, and CoQ10—can help restore firmness and support long-term skin health.
