Collagen is a buzzy word in the cosmetics industry. But do you know what it actually is?
It’s a crucial protein that supports the skin’s structure and keeps it looking youthful. As we age, our natural collagen production slows down drastically.
Fortunately, certain skincare products can help combat the issue. Some products contain collagen, while others call on collagen-stimulating ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide.
Best Overall: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. This cult-favorite marine cream is tough to beat.
It leans on multiple marine extracts to deliver immediate hydration while boosting firmness and elasticity. It minimizes the look of fine lines over time.
Marine Cream also contains nourishing shea butter, calming vitamin E, and the fan-favorite antioxidant vitamin C to help brighten and even skin tone. We just wish it was more affordable.
Best Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer. Drugstore collagen moisturizers don’t get much better than this wallet-friendly favorite.
It is rich in skin-firming ingredients like collagen peptides and tremella (snow mushroom) extract. The texture is actually quite light, but if you have extremely oily skin, you might want to skip this one.
Best with SPF: StriVectin Super-C SPF 30. You’re wise to wear sunscreen during the day, every single day.
StriVectin Super-C offers SPF 30 protection against photoaging and dark spots. Sunscreen and vitamin C are a powerhouse pair against sun damage and wrinkles.
This cream is your one-and-done morning skincare step.
Best with Retinol: Retinoids, including over-the-counter retinol, are the gold standard for their ability to stimulate collagen production.
This affordable face cream combines retinol with hyaluronic acid. It works to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines while you sleep.
Best with Vitamin C: Dewy Deep Cream. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that not only protects collagen breakdown from UV damage but also stimulates collagen production.
This cream combines vitamin C with its antioxidant buddy niacinamide. It also utilizes lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and squalane to moisturize and replenish the skin barrier.
Best for Glowing Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream. This famous formula is full of nourishing oils.
There’s also hyaluronic acid plus vitamins C and E to boost the skin’s natural collagen formation. We love applying this one during the daytime.
It gives base products like foundation and concealer a beautiful, luminescent sheen.
Best Vegan Option: Before bed, slather on this ultra-moisturizing face cream. It contains vegan collagen in the form of peptides, along with vitamins C and E to repair your skin barrier.
Best Firming: Murad Youth Renewal Night Cream. If it’s firmer skin you’re after, this night cream is your absolute best bet.
It combines collagen-stimulating niacinamide with multiple retinoids for maximum anti-aging benefits.
Best for Dry Skin: This cream is a great pick because it contains a slew of skin-clearing and firming ingredients. It’s rich and nourishing, making it a wonderful option for dry, irritated, or lackluster skin.
Best for Neck: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream. You don’t necessarily need a separate product for your neck, but this specific cream works wonders.
It calls on targeted amino acids to tighten sagging skin. It also contains Neocitriate, NeoStrata’s patented molecule for lifting the neck area.
Best for Body: Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream. For below-the-neck care, go with Sol de Janeiro.
This super-rich and luxurious body cream is formulated with collagen from amino acids, squalane, and cacay oil. The brand’s signature fruity-floral scent doesn’t hurt, either.
Best Hydration: L’Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Facial Moisturizer. Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are excellent boosters when paired with collagen creams.
That’s why we’re fans of this daily moisturizer that delivers intense hydration without breaking the bank.
What to Know About Collagen
It’s important to understand how collagen functions in topical skincare products. Skincare formulated with collagen plumps, hydrates, and conditions the skin, though they definitely don’t increase our collagen levels internally.
Dermatologists suggest looking out for other ingredients like retinol and vitamin C to prevent collagen degradation. Incorporate a retinol serum into your nighttime routine for the best results.
For daytime, it’s key to either layer a vitamin C serum underneath your SPF or pick a collagen cream that’s infused with vitamin C.
Our skin loses collagen over time, which can cause sagging and wrinkles. The biggest symptoms of a lack of collagen are wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging jowls.
A lack of collagen might also lead to brittle nails and thinning hair.
Lifestyle choices can also contribute to the depletion of collagen. Smoking, drinking, and a diet that isn’t nutrient-rich can cause the collagen and elastin in our skin to decrease. Eating less sugar, quitting smoking, and using sunscreen regularly all may be beneficial to save your skin.