What is Nectifirm?
Nectifirm is an anti-aging neck cream that was developed by Revision Skincare, a brand that believes youthful-looking skin can be accomplished without ever compromising skin’s long-term health. Nectfirm is claimed to firm the appearance of the neck and décolletage, reduce the appearance of rough, crepey skin, and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In this review, we’ll cover the key ingredients in the formula, how to use this neck cream, Nectifirm reviews from real customers, and more.
What Are The Key Nectifirm Ingredients?
In order to determine whether or not Nectifirm will provide all of the claims stated above, we must evaluate the key ingredients in the formula. Let’s start by talking about a few of the different peptides used in this formula, including palmitoyl tripeptide-5, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.
In simple terms, peptides are fragments of proteins. They are formed when amino acids bond together. For example, when two amino acids are joined together by a single bond it is called a dipeptide. Three linked amino acids are a tripeptide, followed by tetrapeptides, etc. Peptides are actually too large to be absorbed by the skin. So how can they provide any effect? It turns out that peptides work by sending signals to other cells. The peptides in Nectifirm work by signalling to cells in your skin called fibroblasts to increase collagen production.
Collagen is the protein that gives your skin a firm, smooth, youthful appearance. Natural and environmental factors, like sun exposure and free radicals, cause collagen to degrade over time. The result? Lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Therefore, the peptides in Nectifirm may be able to minimize these signs of aging by increasing the production of collagen in your skin.
Nectifirm may also help to fade hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on the neck thanks to the inclusion of glucosamine in the formulation. Glucosamine provides skin exfoliating properties similar to alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Exfoliating speeds up the skin’s shedding process and helps to reveal a layer of new, healthy skin cells.
According to a publication in the journal Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, glucosamine reduces the production of melanin through several mechanisms. It is involved in the up-regulation of epidermal turnover genes and antioxidant-related genes, as well as the down-regulation of the cytoskeleton genes involved in melanosome transport. These changes are believed to be associated with pigment reduction, leading to a brighter, more even complexion.
Additional ingredients in the Nectifirm formula that may help to fade hyperpigmentation include vitamins C and E, which are both powerful antioxidants. Vitamin C is well known to help stimulate collagen production in the skin while also reducing the appearance of dark spots. What’s interesting is that the antioxidant activity of vitamin E can actually become more powerful when combined with vitamin C. For this reason, vitamins C and E are referred to as “network antioxidants”. A publication in the journal Dermatologic Therapy explains, “because vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E, the combination in a cosmeceutical formulation is synergistic – particularly in UV protection.” Lastly, vitamin E is known to strengthen the skin’s barrier function and helps to reduce transepidermal water loss.
There are quite a few ingredients in the Nectifirm formula that can help to replenish hydration, for example, ceramide 2. Ceramide 2 is just one of the many different ceramides, a family of waxy lipid molecules that are naturally produced by the skin and are vital in supporting the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outer layer of skin, which can be thought of as a “brick and mortar” system. The bricks are the corneocytes (dead skin cells) and the intercellular lipids (ceramides) represent the mortar. Without ceramides, the skin barrier is weakened, just like without mortar a brick wall would be weak and unstable. The result is skin that can easily become dry, itchy, or irritated.
A properly functioning stratum corneum is essential for healthy skin as it maintains epidermal hydration and serves as a barrier that responds to environmental stressors, infections, irritants, and allergens. Therefore, the inclusion of ceramide 2 in the Nectifirm formula can help to restore the skin’s natural barrier and increase hydration. Other ingredients in Nectifirm that help with hydration include algae extract, squalane, glycerin, tricaprylin, and many others.
How to Use Nectifirm
Using upward strokes, gently apply a dime-sized amount of Nectifirm onto décolletage, working your way up the neck to the jawline. Revision Skincare recommends applying Nectifirm twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Where is Nectifirm Sold?
Nectifirm is sold on the Revision Skincare website. In addition, Revision Skincare products are sold by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other skin care professionals in their offices. Revision Skincare does not offer its products through individuals, street vendors, internet auctions or unauthorized online retailers. When a product is purchased from an unauthorized retailer, Revision Skincare cannot guarantee the authenticity, safety, quality and efficacy of the product. Revision Skincare has a list of unauthorized retailers on their website.
Is Revision Skincare Cruelty Free?
The company states on its website, “Revision Skincare products are NOT tested on animals unless required by law and/or a specific regulation.”
References:
1. Dermatol Ther. Sep-Oct 2007;20(5):314-21.
2. Res Pharm Sci. 2018 Apr; 13(2): 121–129.
