Key Points
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Collagen is a primary component of human skin and one of the body's most abundant proteins.
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The body produces collagen independently, but natural production slows as we age.
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Collagen supplementation and topical products help restart an aging body's collagen engines.
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The collagen products discussed here encompass 10 of the top products available and include peptides, which are the building blocks of collagen.
The human body comprises a whole lot of proteins. How many? Nathan Ahlgren, Assistant Professor of Biology at Clark University, writes in The Conversation that most scientists "[a]gree there are around 20,000 different proteins in our body. They carry out a variety of functions from doing some metabolic conversions to holding your cells together to causing your muscles to work."
Of all those proteins, collagen is by far the most prevalent. It makes up about 25-35 percent of all proteins in the human body. What's more, when it comes to skin, collagen is the most critical ingredient. Your skin's collagen count is between 70-80 percent. It's responsible for maintaining elasticity and firmness.
As you age, however, the amount of collagen your body produces declines. When you think about skincare, ingredients, and products that support healthy collagen production and function are essential. This article considers some of the top collagen products available for younger, more youthful skin.
Top Collagen Moisturizers for Aging Skin
The products in this section combine collagen with hydrating ingredients to give skin a liquid boost. The collagen moisturizers on this list are a powerful addition to any skincare routine.
by Advanced Clinicals
Advanced Clinicals Collagen Skin Rescue Lotion
Advanced Clinicals Collagen Skin Rescue Lotion is formulated with a blend of powerful ingredients such as collagen, shea butter, and green tea extract, which work synergistically to provide intense hydration and improve the appearance of aging skin. This lightweight lotion absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling smooth and nourished. While this lotion is highly moisturizing, it's not greasy, making it suitable for all skin types.
Apply this lotion twice daily — once in the morning and again in the evening — to achieve optimal results. Expert analysis indicates that this product is particularly effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it an excellent choice for those looking to combat signs of aging.
by Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream is a cult-favorite moisturizer containing a potent blend of peptides, growth factors, and amino acids packed into a luxurious, fast-absorbing formula. This cream provides deep hydration and supports the skin's natural collagen production, promoting a firmer and more youthful complexion. It's also free of potentially harmful ingredients such as silicones, fragrances, and essential oils, making it gentle yet effective for even the most sensitive skin.
Apply this cream as the last step in your skincare routine, both in the morning and at night, to maximize its benefits. After consistent use, users have reported visible skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance improvements.
by ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is a luxurious, indulgent moisturizer that harnesses the power of marine ingredients to support collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Its unique formula, enriched with Mediterranean algae and mimosa, provides deep hydration and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This cream has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without leaving any residue, making your skin feel nourished and supple.
For optimal results, apply this cream in the morning and evening, gently massaging it into the skin in upward motions. Dermatologists often recommend this cream to individuals who target specific signs of aging, such as sagging skin and loss of firmness.
by Murad
Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion
Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion is a potent moisturizer that delivers a high concentration of collagen-stimulating ingredients directly to the skin, helping boost collagen production and restore a youthful appearance to the skin. This fast-acting formula absorbs quickly and provides immediate hydration, making it ideal for those seeking instant results. Key ingredients like glucosamine, amino acids, and winged kelp extract are all known to support collagen synthesis, which enriches this product infusion.
Apply Rapid Collagen Infusion twice daily, morning and evening, on clean skin. Users have reported improved skin texture, reduced appearance of wrinkles, and a more youthful glow after using this product.
by Olay Regenerist
Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Hydrating Moisturizer
The Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Hydrating Moisturizer is a nourishing cream that combines collagen peptides with potent hydrating ingredients to improve skin's moisture levels and restore its natural radiance. This moisturizer delivers results within 24 hours. The lightweight and non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Key ingredients include collagen peptides, vitamin B3, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and promote a plump and youthful complexion. Dermatologists recommend using this moisturizer twice daily, morning and evening, as part of your skincare routine.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter
The SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter is a targeted treatment that combines the signs of advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.). This process contributes to collagen breakdown and skin aging. It's formulated with a unique combination of plant extracts and peptides specifically designed to restore firmness and elasticity to the skin.
By inhibiting A.G.E., the A.G.E. Interrupter works to prevent the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin caused by collagen degradation. Dermatologists suggest applying this treatment twice daily, morning and evening, on cleansed skin to achieve the best results.
Collagen Peptides and Oral Supplements
The answer is peptides if you're wondering about the protein makeup or, more specifically, what collagen is made of on a molecular level. While collagen is the primary building block of skin, peptides are short-chain amino acids that are the primary building block of collagen. Peptides signal collagen cells in the skin to produce or stop producing collagen. This ability makes peptides critical to maintaining youthful-looking skin.
The Cleveland Clinic writes, regarding the efficacy of peptide supplements to enhance collagen production in the skin: "The few such studies that have been done have found that collagen peptides are possibly effective for improving skin hydration and skin elasticity."
Katie McCallum of Houston Methodist Hospital adds, "[s]tudies show that taking them [peptides] typically doesn't cause any harm."
The body makes peptides naturally, but production slows markedly with age. Peptide supplementation delivers the building blocks your body needs to stimulate and produce new collagen. This section examines a peptide collagen skincare serum and two oral supplements with peptides and collagen.
by The Ordinary
The Ordinary's Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
The Ordinary's Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% is a multifunctional serum that delivers a concentrated blend of copper peptides and various amino acids, including hyaluronic acid, to promote collagen production and repair damaged skin. This specifically formulated serum addresses signs of aging, such as wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture.
Including copper peptides in the formulation supports the skin's natural healing processes and reinforces its structural integrity. This serum's lightweight, fast-absorbing texture allows easy application and layering with other skincare products. Use this serum in the morning and night, followed by a moisturizer, to enhance its efficacy.
by Vital Proteins
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a high-quality dietary supplement that provides an easily digestible source of collagen peptides derived from grass-fed bovine sources. This supplement is free from artificial additives and contains essential amino acids supporting collagen synthesis and improving skin health.
Regular consumption of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides improves skin elasticity, strengthens nails, promotes healthy hair growth, and supports joint health. While the tasteless and odorless powder mixes seamlessly into beverages or recipes, consuming on an empty stomach facilitates better absorption. Take one to two servings daily, depending on individual goals and needs.
In her July 2023 review of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides supplement for Forbes Health, writer Christin Perry used the product for a complete year in preparation. Perry's experience makes anyone considering a collagen peptide supplement for skin health contemplate purchasing this product.
Although her results were slow, Perry says she ultimately noticed a "vast change" for the better in her skin's overall condition. Her skin, for instance, was dull and dry before supplementation, and she was also dealing with hormonal acne and eczema on her nose.
Perry said, "Today, I believe my skin looks clear and bright, my eczema is in complete remission, and I no longer have cyclical acne. While I can't say these changes were a direct result of using the collagen peptides, these are the physical differences I noticed after a year of use."
by NeoCell
NeoCell Super Collagen + C
NeoCell Super Collagen + C is a popular collagen supplement that contains type 1 and 3 collagen peptides, along with vitamin C, which, like peptides, plays a role in collagen production. These collagen peptides are specifically formulated to support healthier skin, hair, and nails.
NeoCell Super Collagen + C is available in a convenient powder that mixes easily into your favorite beverage or smoothie. When taken consistently, this product improves skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and promotes a more youthful complexion. To optimize collagen synthesis, take NeoCell Super Collagen + C on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.
Complete Skincare Through Collagen
Collagen products play a vital role in promoting radiant skin as you age. From collagen-infused moisturizers to collagen peptide supplements, these products deliver a range of benefits that improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and provide deep hydration.
When selecting collagen products, consider your skincare needs, ingredients, and user reviews. And remember to consult a dermatologist to tailor your skincare routine and treatments to your unique skincare care needs. Although collagen products aren't a miracle, fix-every-skin-problem solution, incorporating them into your daily regimen adds another vital tool for helping you achieve the youthful and radiant complexion you desire.
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