It sounds too good to be true: Bathe with a firming body wash and, like a miracle, you’ll stop that skin sagging and look more youthful. You won’t have to use some pesky moisturizer every time you wash! Sound tempting?

Well, unfortunately it is too good to be true. Any so-called firming body wash that you apply under the shower and then immediately rinse away is not going to firm your skin. It might moisturize it, but it won’t stay on your body for long enough to have any real, long-term effect on the structure of your skin cells.

When we talk about ‘firming’, we’re talking about improving cell structure. Loss of structure means sagging, lines and an aged appearance. It’s caused by:

loss of collagen and elastin low levels of hyaluronic acid, and oxidation through the action of free radicals, which damage cells.

Unfortunately, you’re not going to have an effect on these three problems with something you just apply for a few minutes and then wash away. Any product that is going to have a noticeable effect on cell structure is going to need to remain on for a reasonable time – say, several hours.

Fortunately, there are excellent natural firming body cream products that will have a noticeable effect on cell structure. Of course, you’ll have to apply them after your shower and leave them on for best results.

But, as with most things in life, maintaining a youthful complexion and good skin structure is going to take a little effort.

A firming body wash is unlikely to do more than just moisturize your body, and you can get good soap-free shower gels that will do that. You don’t have to pay extra for any ‘firming’ claims that can’t be substantiated.

If you would like more information about natural skin care, feel free to visit my website and read the results of my research into the subject.

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