Why Collagen Cream Deserves a Spot In Your Skincare Routine

The skincare world is always buzzing with new ingredients and treatments, and right now, collagen creams are taking center stage. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that helps keep skin firm, plump, and youthful. As we age, however, our natural collagen levels decline, leading to sagging skin and visible wrinkles. Many beauty enthusiasts believe that using collagen skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers, can help support firmer, smoother skin and slow the visible signs of aging. While the effectiveness of topical collagen is still being studied, one thing’s certain: collagen skincare is one of the year’s biggest beauty trends.

Ahead, we’ll break down what collagen does, explore the potential benefits of collagen creams, and show you how to incorporate them into your routine. Along the way, we’ll introduce you to some of our favorite collagen beauty products to add to your skincare routine.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein found in the skin, muscles, and connective tissue, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It essentially functions like glue, helping to hold your cells together. Alongside elastin (another protein), it also helps keep the skin strong, plump, and elastic. Over time, however, your body’s production of collagen lessens. As it does, your skin may become less resilient, and the visible signs of aging—such as fine lines and wrinkles—may become more pronounced.

What does collagen do for skin?

To recap, here are a few of the most notable collagen skin benefits:

• Supports skin elasticity
• Enhances skin firmness
• Helps protect against fine lines and wrinkles
• Makes the skin look plump and youthful
• Helps support hydrated skin
• May help diminish the appearance of pores

What Causes Collagen Loss?

As we mentioned earlier, the amount of collagen you have in your skin gradually decreases over time. Collagen loss is natural, but there are several factors that can accelerate collagen depletion.

Hormonal changes

As you grow older, your body's ability to produce collagen naturally begins to decrease while the collagen you already have begins to degrade. Though the loss of collagen can start earlier, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that the drop is most significant for women during menopause, with up to 30% of collagen depletion occurring in the first five years of menopause. After that, women lose about 2% of their collagen every year for the next 20 years.

UV exposure

One of the biggest culprits of collagen depletion is the sun. According to the Mayo Clinic, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light breaks down your skin's connective tissue—collagen and elastin fibers—which lie in the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). This sun damage and the breakdown of collagen can lead to signs of premature aging, such as laxity and wrinkles.

This is one of many reasons it’s so important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more every day, rain or shine.

Lifestyle habits

Harvard Health notes that while aging affects collagen levels, environmental factors and lifestyle habits can have the biggest impact. Sun exposure is a big one, of course, but lifestyle habits, such as not getting enough sleep, can be major players in the depletion game, too.

Does Topical Collagen Work?

In addition to being a naturally-occurring protein in the human body, collagen is also a popular skincare ingredient. Though the Cleveland Clinic notes that you cannot technically absorb collagen topically, collagen creams and serums can create a film-like layer over your skin, minimizing water loss and protecting against environmental stressors. Skincare products with this ingredient are typically designed to help smooth the skin and support a plump, bouncy complexion.

The L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Facial Anti-Aging Moisturizer is among our favorite collagen skincare products for bouncy, youthful-looking skin. The lightweight formula (the #1 collagen moisturizer in the United States) delivers up to 48 hours of intense hydration but absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling bouncy and refreshed. It’s suitable for all skin types, but if you have sensitive skin or prefer skincare without any added fragrances, there’s also a fragrance-free version of the hydrating day cream.

For added skin-plumping benefits, layer your collagen cream over the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Moisture Bounce Serum. Boasting a formula with 8% pure collagen, glycerin, and squalane, the milky serum deeply nourishes the skin and delivers up to 72 hours of hydration. It also contains ultra-fine, light-reflecting pearls to give the skin a subtle, lit-from-within glow.

Who Should Use Collagen Cream?

Nearly anybody can benefit from adding a collagen cream to their routine, but there are a few groups who may see greater benefits from others.

To care for mature skin

If you’re beginning to notice fine lines, crepiness, or wrinkles creep in, it may be a good idea to swap your basic moisturizer for one infused with collagen. Using a collagen cream, such as the aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Facial Anti-Aging Moisturizer, can help to replenish moisture, plump the skin, and support a more youthful-looking complexion over time.

To help prevent visible skin aging

You don’t have to have to wait for your natural collagen reserves to drop before adding collagen skincare products to your routine—in fact, incorporating anti-aging skincare products into your regimen while your skin is still firm, taut, and youthful may help to keep the visible signs of aging at bay. That being said, the best way to help protect your skin against premature aging is by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day. If you need a recommendation, we love the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Moisturizer with SPF 30, which helps brighten, firm, and smooth the skin while protecting it from UV damage.

How To Use a Collagen Cream Effectively

Using a collagen cream is pretty straightforward and doesn’t differ much from any other moisturizer. Still, if you’re looking for specifics, we’re sharing broad application guidelines below.

When to apply collagen cream

How you’ll use your collagen cream ultimately depends on the formula you’re using. Some, like the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Facial Anti-Aging Moisturizer, can be used morning or night, while others may be suited for daytime or overnight use. Take a look at the product label for a clearer idea of when (and how often) to use your collagen cream. Whether you’re using it morning or night, we generally recommend applying collagen cream as the last (or second-to-last) step in your skincare routine, after cleansing, toning, and applying your favorite facial serum. For daytime, you’ll want to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

How to apply collagen cream

To apply your collagen cream, cleanse your face, then layer on your facial toners and serums as usual. Then, dispense a dime-sized amount of moisturizer into your clean palms. Gently massage the cream over your face, avoiding the areas immediately around your eyes and lips, bringing any extra down your neck and onto your decolletage. Allow the moisturizer to absorb completely before layering on your sunscreen and/or makeup.

Can you pair collagen with other ingredients?

Collagen is a relatively gentle skincare ingredient and plays well with other hydrators. In our L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Moisture Bounce Serum, for example, it’s combined with glycerin and squalane. Collagen also plays well with vitamin C, which helps protect your skin from environmental damage that can accelerate collagen loss. To reap the benefits of both ingredients, layer your collagen serum beneath a vitamin C-infused moisturizer, like the brightening L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Vitamin C Glow Moisturizer.

Next Up: How To Create an Effective Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris