The Best Collagen Cream

Buying Guide

Collagen production is an important part of prenatal development, and it continues long after a baby has left the womb. Throughout your childhood, teens and early adulthood, your skin makes collagen, gradually slowing down until later in life, when it picks up again to make up for a loss of protein in the skin and bones.

Even with production accelerating, though, older skin has a collagen deficiency. This loss is why you see more wrinkles and fine lines as you age. Collagen production begins its decline in your thirties, gradually decreasing until your seventies, at which point collagen production hits a noticeable low.

As with other skin-related aging effects, collagen supplements can help offset some of this slowdown. You can find pills, powders and liquids, but the science is still unclear on whether collagen can be absorbed into the bloodstream when taken this way.

That’s where creams and lotions come in. Retinoids have been shown in studies to protect the skin against collagen loss, but there is no proof that they increase collagen production. Still, reducing the loss can help keep your skin looking more youthful, longer.

As you start shopping around for collagen creams, though, you’ll likely find there are far more choices than you’d expect. You’ll find quite a few creams with retinoids as one of the ingredients, typically listed as retinol. It’s important to note, though, that retinol can dry out the skin. For that, you may want to look for a product with moisturizers that will help counteract those side effects.

Also pay close attention to whether a collagen cream is designed for daytime or nighttime use. Some creams can be heavier and not as easily absorbed into your skin, making them best for wearing overnight. It’s also important to stay out of the sun when using products with retinoids, so products containing retinol should be used only at night and ideally combined with a daytime moisturizing routine that includes a cream with a sun protection factor.

• Collagen can be found in certain foods. Look for foods rich in vitamin C, which helps in the production of collagen. Citrusy fruits and juices are rich in vitamin C, as are peppers and broccoli.
• UV rays not only increase the risk of skin cancer, but they can also damage collagen fibers. Wearing sunscreen when you’re in the sun for extended periods of time is especially important for reducing aging. You can also find daytime moisturizers with SPF 15 or greater to give you everyday protection.
• Retinol can be harsh on the skin. For best results, start out using every other day, stepping up to every day once you’ve determined your skin is handling the new product well.
• For daytime creams, you’ll likely want a formula that soaks in quickly and leaves no residue behind. This is especially important if you wear it beneath your makeup.
• Collagen creams come in a variety of formats, including lidded jars. For collagen that you’re applying in larger areas, like arms and legs, you might want to go with a cream that comes in a larger bottle with a hand pump.
• If you take your collagen cream on the road with you, make sure you have a format that’s portable and easy to store without causing a mess in your suitcase or overnight bag.
• Many creams incorporate ingredients like aloe, chamomile and green tea for natural moisturizing and soothing effects. This can help offset the harshness of plumping ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid.
• Many face creams and body lotions are scented, and the scent can prove distracting. If you’re sensitive to this, pay attention to the scent of any cream you’re considering. This can be especially important if you’re wearing your cream at the office or while out with friends, since some people are sensitive to scents.