Collagen is a buzzword in skincare — however there may be some controversy about what the ingredient, a protein that is a constructing block of pores and skin, can and might’t do in topical merchandise. “Topical preparations containing collagen help the skin look smoother because they help it retain water,” explains Lian Mack, M.D. assistant medical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital Heart in New York Metropolis.
“When skin cells are plump and fully hydrated, skin appears more supple and radiant.” Plus, she provides that “collagen rebuilding products help the skin look more youthful because the more collagen we have in our skin, the less sagging we see, along with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.”
Do collagen merchandise actually work?
Dr. Mack explains that since collagen is a really massive molecule, it has problem penetrating the pores and skin’s floor when utilized topically. “While applying collagen to the skin may not boost the amount of collagen within skin because it is unable to penetrate, there are ingredients that increase collagen production or prevent its breakdown,” she says. These embody:
Retinol (vitamin A) ” prevents the breakdown of collagen by blocking the activity of certain enzymes in skin and it stimulates collagen production,” Dr. Mack explains.
prevents the breakdown of collagen by blocking the exercise of sure enzymes in pores and skin and it stimulates collagen manufacturing,” Dr. Mack explains. Vitamin C protects skin from free radicals, which prevents the breakdown of collagen from environmental stressors,” she says.
protects pores and skin from free radicals, which prevents the breakdown of collagen from environmental stressors,” she says. Safflower oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and “helps raise and protect pores and skin by stopping collagen degradation,” Dr. Mack explains.
How we take a look at collagen-boosting skincare merchandise
The Good Housekeeping Institute Magnificence Lab is consistently testing anti-aging skincare merchandise for face and physique that defend and increase collagen manufacturing, together with serums and moisturizers. Formulation are assessed within the Lab utilizing gadgets just like the Corneometer, which gauges pores and skin moisture ranges; the Cutometer, which measures pores and skin laxity; and the Visia Complexion Analyzer, which makes use of digital imaging to trace adjustments in pores and skin like strains and wrinkles. We additionally ship these merchandise to be evaluated at residence by client testers for seen results on pores and skin, texture, scent, software, ease of use, and extra.
Right here, evaluations of the very best collagen lotions and collagen-boosting face serums and moisturizers, together with formulation for physique and drugstore buys, as examined by the GH Magnificence Lab and pores and skin consultants: