A water swellable cross-linked elastomer and method of preparation is provided. The elastomer can advantageously be included in skin treatment compositions. Swellable elastomers in accordance with the invention are particularly well suited for inclusion in skin tightening cosmetic products. The elastomers can be formulated to form a film. When applied to skin, an elastomer in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention can adhere to the skin and shrink as it dries. This can provide a skin tightening, lifting and wrinkle smoothening effect upon drying. This effect can temporarily mask the appearance of wrinkles.
