The first signs of collagen loss are easy to spot. “You might notice your skin looking a little less firm or bouncy,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch tells Vogue. “Fine lines show up more easily, you may see sagging around the jawline or under the eyes, and your skin might lose that smooth, full look. Basically, if your skin isn’t ‘snapping back’ like it used to, collagen loss could be the reason.”

Vogue’s Favorite Products to Slow Collagen Loss

For the uninitiated, collagen is a structural protein naturally found in the body; but its reserves decline as we age—the less collagen we have, the more signs of aging we experience. “While we can’t stop collagen loss altogether as it’s a natural part of aging, there are ways to slow it down with the right approach,” Dr. Gratch continues. Healthy lifestyle habits are key, of course. Think: avoiding smoking, eating a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet, and getting adequate sleep.

Next, you’ll want to consider your skincare routine. Start by ensuring you have adequate sun protection . “The biggest culprit of collagen breakdown is UV radiation, so daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF is essential,” double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Akshay Sanan explains. Sunscreen aside, the rest of your regimen is worth evaluating too. “While topical collagen itself can hydrate the skin, it doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to stimulate collagen production where it counts (in the dermis),” he continues. “What’s more effective are products that stimulate your body’s own collagen synthesis.” Ahead, experts weigh in on the collagen-boosting ingredients to know, plus the best products that incorporate them.

Best With Growth Factors: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

• Why We Love It: Of all the buzzy skincare ingredients taking the market by storm right now, few come as acclaimed as growth factors, which double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eunice Park explained “act as signaling molecules that communicate with skin cells to stimulate collagen production.” Of the formulas available, SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ is the most expert-endorsed. A first-of-its-kind formula, this is powered by human fibroblast conditioned media (naturally rich in growth factors) to improve the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and skin texture within weeks.
• Key Ingredients: Human fibroblast conditioned media, peptides, algae extracts
• Size: 1 fl. oz

Best Daily Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

• Why We Love It: Slowing collagen loss certainly doesn’t have to break the bank; and this option by Olay Regenerist is proof. Dr. Gratch calls it a solid, everyday moisturizer that helps firm the skin and improve elasticity. “It contains niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and peptides, both of which help support the skin barrier and boost collagen over time,” he says. “It’s great for anyone looking for visible results without a big price tag.” Boasting a rich, yet lightweight texture, it sinks well into skin morning or night, making it great for all skin types—it’s no wonder its garnered over 17,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. Want a sunscreen version? Pick up the SPF 30 bottle, too.
• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, amino acids, hyaluronic acid
• Size: 1.7 oz

Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

• Why We Love It: “This drugstore favorite has been around for a reason,” Dr. Gratch says. “It uses retinol to help smooth out fine lines and support collagen production.” In my test, I found it to be exceptionally gentle, yet powerful enough to keep skin plump and bouncy. And at $30 a tube, “it’s a good starter retinol for anyone new to anti-aging skincare, effective, affordable, and easy to find.”
• Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, shea butter
• Size: 1.0 fl. oz.

Best for Wrinkles: iS Clinical Youth Complex

• Why We Love It: “This anti-aging serum hydrates, firms, and stimulates collagen with a combination of peptides, antioxidants, and botanical extracts,” Dr. Sanan tells. “It has both immediate skin smoothening and long term structural support effects.” Not only does it deliver exceptional tightening and plumping to fine lines and wrinkles, but it feels quite lightweight on the complexion—achieving desired results sans irritation or dryness.
• Key Ingredients: Tripeptide-1, hyaluronic acid, fruit acids (Vaccinium Myrtillus, orange, lemon, sugar maple), white willow bark
• Size: 1 oz.

Best Retinol: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

• Why We Love It: Medik8’s Crystal Retinal serum works wonders for beginners to experienced retinol users for its range of concentrations offered. From 0.01% – 0.24% retinaldehyde (a form of vitamin A that works faster than regular retinol but tends to be gentler on the skin, per Dr. Gratch), this blends the anti-aging powerhouse with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and glycerin to balance out its potency with expert nourishing agents. “It’s released slowly overnight, so you get great results, like fewer fine lines and smoother skin, without the irritation some people get from stronger retinoids,” he continues.
• Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
• Size: 30 mL

Best With Peptides: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

• Why We Love It: “Alastin’s formula is packed with peptides and a blend they call TriHex Technology, which helps your skin clear out damaged collagen and make room for new, healthy collagen and elastin,” Dr. Gratch explains. “Over time, it can make your skin feel firmer and look more even.” These benefits are bolstered by the inclusion of niacinamide, silver mushroom, and hydrolyzed pea protein which supports skin’s repair, moisture levels, and evenness.
• Key Ingredients: TriHex Technology, niacinamide, silver mushroom
• Size: 1.0 fl. oz / 29.6 mL

Best With Exosomes: Plated Skin Science Intense Serum

• Why We Love It: The beauty of exosome skincare is its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, which can spur skin’s natural repair processes to address varied signs of collagen loss from sagging to pigmentation, as Dr. Park previously told Vogue. Of the topical treatments available, Dr. Sanan cites this serum by Plated Skin Science as one to watch. “A cutting-edge serum powered by lab-grown exosomes derived from platelet growth factors,” he says, “[this] promotes skin regeneration, enhances collagen production, and improves elasticity–ideal for aging or post-procedure skin needing rejuvenation from within.”
• Key Ingredients:
• Size:

Best with Vitamin C: Revision Skincare DEJ Daily Boosting Serum

• Why We Love It: Dr. Sanan is partial to Revision Skincare’s DEJ Daily Boosting Serum for its antioxidant-rich composition that supports cellular energy and collagen production. “It strengthens the skin barrier, improves firmness,” he says, by way of by way of NAD+, adaptogens, and peptides, plus a host of postbiotics and skin-nourishing agents which act to improve the look of wrinkles, pigmentation, and texture with ease.
• Key Ingredients: Acetyl hexapeptide-1, sunflower sprout extract technology, Antioxidant Blend [THD Ascorbate (vitamin C), resveratrol, red seaweed], iris florentina root extract, Postbiotic Blend [Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, saccharide isomerate, bacillus ferment]
• Size: 1 oz.