SICKA THAN AVERAGE

There was a time when collagen procedures became so popular and ubiquitous that the mere mention of the word "collagen" would send shudders down my spine. If I heard the word, I'd think of Janice Dickinson's Plucky-esque mouth or Melanie Griffith's freakish pout and I'd want to hide under the covers like the Boogieman was coming for my ass. Eventually, a lot of people adopted my same stance and collagen pretty much receded into has-been territory, with Botox becoming the new de rigueur procedure for women wanting to plump up any loose, sagging skin. Interestingly enough, however, "collagen" seems to have come full circle, and now tons of beauty product count this as a key ingredient. The difference is that these products claim to have natural collagen biospheres that activate once on the surface of the epidermis to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

L'Oréal's Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream, then, includes deep marine collagen, as well as collagen biospheres that, upon contact with the skin, absorb the water molecules around them — which, in turn, causes them to expand to up to nine times their original volume. As these collagen biospheres expand, they effectively fill out those lines and crevices in the skin, making the skin appear plumper and smoother (without making your face look swollen or fleshy). In addition to these ingredients, the cream includes boswelox, a phyto-complex containing manganese and gluconate that is said to correct lines and wrinkles, and nylon 66 which is meant to fill any existing imperfections. 

This creamy moisturizer is thick enough that I'd only really consider it for nighttime use (especially since it takes a while for it to fully be absorbed by the skin), but it does deliver deep hydration and effectively smooths and softens skin. I love looking in the mirror when I awake in the morning  and noticing that my skin looks and feels more radiant and a bit more dewy.

But don't go thinking this product is an overnight celebrity — initially, you'll barely notice the collagen's effects in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Over time, however, you will see that your face seems a bit tighter and that some of that extra baggage has been effectively eradicated. And no scary injections had to be used to get there (let's all let out a sigh of relief!)

L'Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream, $16.59. Available at LorealParisUSA.com and at chain drug, food, and mass market retailers.