You might be surprised to learn that the best collagen creams don’t always contain collagen – at least not if the goal is to actually boost your skin’s collagen. Sounds confusing? Here’s what the experts say.
Vogue’s favourite collagen creams at a glance:
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
“Collagen creams that contain only collagen help hydrate the skin and give it a temporarily plumper, more radiant look,” explains Dr Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at Dermatology Physicians Chicago – Kenilworth. “But they don’t actually rebuild the skin’s collagen. That’s because collagen molecules are typically too large to penetrate beyond the surface of the skin.”
Instead, she notes, creams made with ingredients like vitamin C, peptides or growth factors are more effective when it comes to stimulating your body’s natural collagen production.
So while the phrase “collagen cream” may be a bit of a misnomer, it is fair to say that the best of the bunch can help give the skin that smooth, bouncy look the structural protein is known for. And even for those not yet affected by visible signs of ageing, using collagen creams can help deliver that dewy glow that’s desirable at any age.
So, which collagen cream – and moreover, which active ingredient – is right for you? Valerie Aparovich, a biochemist, certified cosmetologist-aesthetician and the science team lead at OnSkin, breaks it down. “For a quick hydration boost, opt for formulas with collagen,” she says. “For anti-ageing benefits, such as firming and wrinkle reduction, look for products containing peptides.” In both cases, she recommends choosing formulas rich in antioxidants, as they help preserve collagen by reducing free-radical damage that can hasten its degradation. With that cleared up, it’s time to shop. Ahead, find an edit of the absolute best collagen creams on the market, ranging from buzzy K-beauty finds to high-tech formulations and the Elemis O.G. itself.
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