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Do you start group chats about the best scalp treatments?
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Google AHA vs. BHA exfoliants until the wee hours?
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Powders, teas, lattes, gummies ingestible collagenseems to come in every delicious form possible lately.
However, the jury isstillout on their efficiency, Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara tellsAllure.
To fully understand why implementing collagen for skin, one must understand what collagen is.
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in mammals as the main component of connective tissues.
“It is the scaffold that gives these tissues structure,” Gohara explains.
In turn, wrinkles form, and skin sags.
“Newer collagen sources can be bio-engineered or from plant sources,” cosmetic chemist Ginger King tellsAllure.
However, in practice, all topical collagen truly does is moisturize skin, King says.
As a result, “Topical collagen will do little to improve structure and elasticity,” he adds.
First and foremost,collagenpeptideswill do the trick.
Basically, they mimic proteins, like collagen, but their particle size is much smaller.
Therefore, collagen peptidescanbe absorbed by skin, Hartman says.
Thankfully, Hartman shared some sure bets withAllure.
For those with oily skin, Hartman recommends theDHC Super Collagen Supreme.
“It has a lightweight finish that absorbs easily with no messy residue,” he says.
Retinoidsare the ultimate alternative, though, as they help stimulate collagen production, Gohara says.
Where studies supporting topical collagen lack, retinoids excel.
They are “tried and true scientifically,” she adds.
Your complexion and credit card will thank you.
Read more about buzzy skin-care ingredients:
Now, see Hyram Yarbro’s 10-minute skin-care routine in action:
