Collagen
Also known as marine collagen, collagen peptides, hydrolyzed collagen
What is collagen?
Collagen is the protein that gives your skin its firmness and bounce. You lose about 1% of it each year from your mid-20s, which leads to lines and sagging. Collagen in a cream hydrates the surface, and collagen you drink is broken into peptides that may help skin from the inside.
Best forFirmness
Elasticity
Fine lines
Aging skin
Pairs well with
- Vitamin C
- Peptides
- Retinol
- Sunscreen
Use with caution
- Expecting a cream to replace lost collagen
- Fish or shellfish allergy (marine collagen)
Collagen FAQs
Collagen cream hydrates and plumps the surface of your skin. The molecule is too large to sink in and replace the collagen you've lost.
Studies show collagen peptides can improve skin hydration and elasticity after 8 to 12 weeks. Results are modest and last only while you keep taking them.
Retinol, vitamin C, and peptides tell your skin to make more collagen. Daily sunscreen protects the collagen you still have.
Your mid-20s is a good time to start, since that is when collagen begins to drop. Sunscreen and vitamin C matter most at that age.
Related reading
This content on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to a dermatologist before starting a new skincare routine.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.