We hear the word collagen bandied around a lot in beauty, but many of us are a bit fuzzy on what exactly it is. We’re not talking about facial fillers, nor are we talking about beauty supplements. We’re focusing on collagen beauty products and how the ingredient can plump skin without a needle in sight.
To start with the basics, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and one of the major components of skin says Dr. Karyn Grossman, board-certified dermatologist and creator of KARYNG. It literally holds the body together and is the scaffolding that holds skin up adds Paula Begoun, founder and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Without it, skin would be floppy and sag. Of course, that’s what starts to happen when we age. After the age of 20, our levels deplete by about 1 percent per year says Grossman. That loss results in wrinkles, sagging and enlarged pores.
It would be nice if beauty products could add collagen to our depleted reserves. But, unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. (Those looking to actually stimulate collagen should scan product ingredient labels for collagen peptides or collagen amino acids.) Instead, most collagen contained in beauty products acts as a humectant helping to plump and hydrate says Grossman. The ingredient can be used at any age to help moisturize skin.
According to Begoun, there are three sources of collagen: synthetic, animal-derived and plant-derived. The good news is, according to research, one type isn’t better than the other. And they all help to hold moisture within skin’s surface layers.
Here are the hydrating collagen beauty products to add to your routine.
No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #1
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence, $90 at Elemis
This essence is better than the rest. It’s all thanks to a blend of next generation flash filler hyaluronic acid, padina pavonica and sea spring water rich in magnesium, copper and zinc. It basically doubles your skin’s moisture content while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And the hydration lasts for up to 24 hours.
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #2
Skin Inc Collagen Serum, $35 at DermStore
Love customized skin care? Mix this nutrient-rich serum with other serums to tackle all skin care concerns at once. Or apply it by itself. The formula quenches parched skin, boosts firmness and elasticity and improves the appearance of fine lines. Patented Japanese seaweed encapsulation technology ensures we get maximum benefits from the potent formula.
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #3
ID.AZ Dermastic Water-Fit Mask, $15 at ID Placosmetics
Add this plumping mask to your next #MondayMasking session. The sheet mask is loaded with hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid and mineral-rich sea water to hydrate skin. The formula actually helps bind moisture to skin for longer-lasting hydration.
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #4
Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen, $115 at Algenist
This liquid collagen isn't for drinking, it's for skin. It is dubbed the first-ever vegan, plant-based collagen formula with the highest concentration of active collagen. How much, you ask? There are a whopping 13,000 beads of microalgae oil in every bottle. Prior to using serum and moisturizer, apply one dropper full of the product to clean skin morning and night. The omega-rich formula will improve the suppleness and bounce of skin.
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #5
The Crème Shop 30 Count Collagen Cleansing Towelettes, $5 at The Crème Shop
Get rid of dirt, oil and waterproof makeup by gently rubbing faces with one of these towelettes. The wipes are formulated with collagen to help firm and tighten.
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #6
Derma E Advanced Peptides & Collagen Eye Cream, $29.95 at Derma E
Apply collagen all over, including the eye area. This rich eye cream targets fine lines and deep wrinkles while brightening had-four-hours-of-sleep dark circles. The powerful formula blends a cocktail of vitamins, green tea, peptides and collagen. Plus, it's cruelty-free, vegan and doesn't contain gluten, sulfates or mineral oil.
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #7
L'Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Daily Moisturizer, $8.99 at Target
Think of this moisturizer as a good filler that doesn't involve any needles. Formulated with natural collagen, the formula brings back skin's bounce while providing intense hydration. It's nourishing, but the moisturizer doesn't feel greasy or heavy underneath makeup.
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #8
Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask, $18 at Nordstrom
Wondering what's so super about this product? It's a pore-refining mask that's nondrying, making it suitable for mature, dry and sensitive skin. Nourishing botanicals and collagen purify and plump skin without stripping it. Apply a thin layer a couple of times a week to keep skin hydrated and dewy.
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #9
Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum, $78 at Nordstrom
Collagen and vitamin C are two effective skin care ingredients and this serum features both of them. Dull skin gets recharged thanks to the radiance-boosting formula. The serum also helps minimize the appearance of discoloration and improve firmness. With continued use, the product works to build collagen.
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No Filler: How Collagen Beauty Products Can Transform Skin #10
TONYMOLY Master Lab Intensive Moisturizing Collagen Sheet Mask, $4 at Ulta Beauty
It's possible to get almost any ingredient in a sheet mask. This one is made out of natural cellulose and drenched in a liquid collagen essence. The secure-fitting style will ensure all the actives are absorbed into skin for a more hydrated, luminous complexion. After removing the sheet mask, pat in any excess serum. You don't want one drop to go to waste.
