Of all the places where skin can start to show signs of aging, the upper arms might be one of the most frustrating. They're not exactly an area you can hide with a little concealer. Then one day you put on a tank top and notice it: The skin that used to look taut now looks a little thinner, softer, and perhaps most annoyingly, crepey.
It's a complaint I hear from women all the time, and one that can be particularly difficult to treat—a standard body lotion doesn't feel like enough. That's what caught my attention about Perlier Pomegranate 5-in-1 Arm Lift Express ($60), a multitasking treatment that’s specifically designed to target the look of aging skin on the upper arms. If you remember the brand's original 3-in-1 formula, consider this the advanced version.
The Benefits of Perlier Pomegranate 5-in-1 Arm Lift Express for the Upper Arms
The upper arms are a tricky area for a few reasons. The skin here can become thinner and less elastic with age, and while building muscle can certainly change the shape of the arms, it doesn't necessarily address the surface-level crepiness that can still be visible. Perlier’s Arm Lift Express targets five different aspects of the appearance of the arms, with a focus on concerns including loss of firmness, wrinkles and crepey skin. The idea is not simply to moisturize the area, but to create a smoother, more toned-looking appearance.
The standout in this formula is the brand’s proprietary, 100-percent certified-organic Pomegranate-P Active Complex, which includes the active water, pulp, seed oil and sterols from the fruit, all put through a hyper-fermentation process to boost their benefits.
The cream has a pomegranate scent and a plush texture. I like to apply it after showering; my skin feels instantly softer and more moisturized. And while I would never expect a topical cream to literally "lift" loose skin in the way a surgical procedure can, I do think there is something to be said for improving the way crepey skin looks. When skin is properly moisturized, those tiny lines and crinkles can appear less pronounced, and the overall surface looks healthier and more refined.
The Clinical Testing
In a clinical study of 30 participants, skin hydration increased 69 percent after one hour, and the appearance of skin firmness improved 23 percent after four hours. The appearance of skin crepiness (measured with instrumental testing) improved 21 percent after 14 days, and after 28 days, that number rose to 33 percent.
The Bottom Line
For me, Perlier’s Arm Lift Express is worth it because it addresses a problem that so many women experience, but that doesn't always get much attention in the beauty conversation. Is it going to turn back the clock on your arms overnight? No, and I don't think any skin-care product should promise that. But if your primary concern is crepey-looking skin on your upper arms, why shouldn't you have a product specifically designed to address it?
