With all kinds of products and creams marketed to help us slow the signs of aging, it is hard to find products that really do help and are not a waste of money.  Products targeted to those who want to reverse the signs of aging and want to look and feel like we did when we were younger cost us millions of dollars a year.

Some of them work and some of them don’t.  The best thing to do is do your research about the products you are thinking of using.  Don’t just go with the flashy packaging or what you find on their websites.  Look for valid product reviews in multiple places.  A single jar or tube of product can be $60 or more, so spend your money and time wisely.

Why Do We Need Collagen Creams?

The sad fact of aging is that it is inevitable.  But that does not mean that we don’t have to go down without a fight.  The more we can slow the process down, the longer we will look and feel younger.

From the age 25, our bodies begin to decrease the amount of collagen made by about 1.5% a year.  By the time we are 40, collagen production is down over 22.5%.  The collagen that is already in our body degrades, just like all cells in the body, but because of the decrease in production, it cannot replace the collagen fast enough.  This results in thinner hair, fine lines, wrinkles, thinner skin, droopy skin, and a variety of aches and pains in our muscles and joints.

Lifestyle can also speed up the decrease in production.  Smoking, sun damage to the skin, and poor nutrition are all factors that make us look older because the new collagen made cannot keep up with the need.

Adding collagen cream to your daily skin regimes can help improve the outward signs of aging.

What to Look for in Collagen Cream Product

Two main ingredients to look for are collagen and elastin.  Consider these two substances best friends and they work together to add both strength and flexibility.  Collagen can also appear in the form of gelatin, especially if derived from animals – sorry vegans.  Synthesized collagen formulas are available and can work as well or better than collagen found naturally.

Elastin is another protein.  It acts like a rubber band in the body, allowing tissues to spring back after they are stretched.  Remember as well, elastin and collagen are BFF and work very well together.  Elastin can be in water, mineral oil, retinol, hydroxyl acids, copper peptides, cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, extracts, linoleic acid, and some fragrances.

Keratin is another ingredient to look for.  Keratin has several peptide proteins that help make up and support the collagen in the body.  That is why keratin hair treatments are so good for your hair.  It’s not just moisture that is applied, but proteins strengthen your hair.

Most collagen creams have the words “anti-wrinkle” and/or “anti-aging” on them.  Both mean that the product targets the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, repairing damaged skin from the elements, and boost hydration in the skin cells and directly below the layers of skin.  Some products will also help boost the elasticity of the skin, making it sag less and look less “stretched out”.

How to Use Collagen Creams

Most collagen creams can be applied gently with the fingers.  Some products come with brushes or other applications, but that is more packaging that actual benefits.  If not safely applied with your fingers, how can it be safe for your face?

Collagen creams can be applied one to two times a day.  They can work by themselves or with other beauty products depending on your goals and beauty regime.  Generally, they are formulated for the face, neck, hands, and shoulders, the areas of the body that are exposed to the elements the most.  There are also formulations that are body creams that can also be applied as you would any cream or moisturizer meant for the body.

When applying any product to the face and neck, keep in mind to use a gentle touch, especially around the eyes.  Delicate skin can be further damaged from rough treatment, thus defeating the purpose of collagen cream use.

How Well Do These Products Work?

It all depends on the product and how long you have been using it.  Creams that contain collagen labeled as “soluble” or “hydrolyzed” make it easier for the body to absorb and have shown the greatest results in product testing.  This is because the synthesized collagen is broken into small pieces on a molecular level, allowing them to be absorbed through the skin.  Depending on the goals of the product depends on how the collagen molecule is crafted.

Some products do not work at all, so before investing in any product, you should do some research.  Look for independent collagen product reviews and testimonials.  Don’t just trust what you see on the manufacture’s website or on the side of the box.  It is their job to make you want to buy their product.  Additionally, because collagen is considered a supplement, it is not regulated by the Federal Government in the least bit.  The manufacturers are not obliged to support any claims they make about their product, its effectiveness, or even contains the ingredients it claims are in there.

The products that do work do take some time.  Generally, improvement can be noticeable in 2 to 4 weeks.  Remember, you are working from the cell up so it can take a bit of time.

All collagen creams are not created equal.  When looking into a collagen supplemental cream, take the time to do the research and find a product that will do it’s best to meet your anti-aging goals without wasting your time or money.