As we age, our skin (sadly) begins to show it. But who says added life experience needs to equate to less-than-radiant skin? If you're feeling a bit down about your less-than-supple complexion, it's time to add a collagen cream to your collection.
"Collagen is a structural protein that is found throughout the body," explains Dr. Sejal Shah of SmarterSkin Dermatology."It provides structure, strength, firmness, suppleness and elasticity, as well as playing a role in repair and restoration." Since collagen declines with age and exposure to external factors (think: UV rays, free radicals, high glycemic diets and smoking) your skin can use any help it can get in the collagen department.
So, all we need is a good collagen cream, right? According to Shah, it's not that simple: "Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, so rather than looking for collagen-containing topical products, I advise looking for ingredients that boost collagen synthesis." Look for labels containing retinoids, vitamin C, peptides and/or growth factors and you'll be well on your way to the supple, younger-looking skin of your dreams.
To help you achieve that complexion, read on for 13 of the best collagen-boosting skin care products.
Everyone's favorite colorful skin care brand launched what can only be considered a protein shake for your skin. Formulated with a proprietary blend of proteins, peptides, growth factors, amino acids and pygmy waterlily, this teal-topped cream works to replenish and restore your complexion, addressing everything from sun damage and uneven texture to fine lines and wrinkles. Use it on its own or mix it with a pump of the brand's Lala Retro Whipped Cream for an extra hydrated boost.
It's no secret that IT Cosmetics has a handle on this whole complexion-perfecting thing. With cult favorites like Your Skin But Better CC Cream and Bye Bye Undereye, we had high hopes for the launch of the brand's collagen-boosting Secret Sauce back in 2017. Sure enough, we fell in love — and we're fairly sure you will too. Developed with plastic surgeons, Secret Sauce immediately hydrates and transforms skin with seven fermented ingredients that work to increase absorbency and maximize the hydrating, anti-aging properties of the cream. And that's not even including the hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and licorice root that work to make this product the ultimate anti-aging dream.
Recommended to us by a dermatologist, this collagen-boosting face cream is formulated with a proprietary ceramide blend, specialized herbal extracts and a unique combination of peptides to do exactly what the brand's tagline insinuates — it truly turns back the clock with intense moisture and texture repair.
If you're a vegan and prefer that your skin care products are too, or you simply want to try something new, look no further than this first-ever, plant-based collagen formula from Algenist. Created with the highest concentration of active collagen, this serum formula will both help condition skin and visibly improve resiliency, radiance and bounce.
