Let's face it. It can be unsettling to see the bloom of youth leave your face. Looking at sagging, lined, blotchy skin where there was once a firm, smooth, creamy complexion can push anyone to grasp at the promise of the latest fad face cream.

If this describes you, please don't feel bad. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with wanting the best face cream that science can develop.

The latest fad in anti-aging skin care is collagen. Every time you turn around you're hearing something about the benefits of face cream that contains collagen.

I have to say, that in theory, having lots of collagen in your skin can make a big difference in keeping your skin youthful, supple and firm. However, in principal, there is no way to benefit from a face cream that claims to have collagen.

The molecules that make up this cosmetic collagen are just too large for your skin cells to absorb. This is a face cream fad that’s based on an empty promise.

But don't let this get you down. It still is possible to benefit from the anti-aging properties of collagen. The trick is to stimulate your body's own production of this amazing substance. The best face cream will contain special, natural ingredients that will go to work to boost this production.

You're seeing the signs of aging simply because your personal collagen factory has slowed down.

Finding the best face cream that will get your collagen factory working again is a matter of simple research. It really is easy to avoid fad skin care products when you begin your research with certain criteria.

Eliminate any products that contain synthetic chemicals. Mineral oil, parabens, dioxanes, alcohol and fragrance should be placed at the top of your "avoid-at-all- costs" list.

Instead, search for products that contain high concentrations of active, natural ingredients like plant oils, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other powerful nature-based substances.

You might be interested to know that during my research I came across a particularly fascinating substance that is extracted from the wool of a special New Zealand sheep. I know that sounds kind of funny, but I know that you've heard of lanolin. Lanolin comes from sheep. And this substance, Cynergy TK, which also comes from sheep, works with your natural keratin (a protein essential for the health of your skin) so that it is able to be readily absorbed by your skin cells.

Now this is the exciting part. Once in your skin cells, it naturally stimulates your body's production of collagen and elastins. There is a New Zealand company that has run numerous clinical trials with human volunteers, and has recorded some startling results.

The documented outcome included: "a sustained 14% improvement in skin moisture retention over 18 days in addition to a sustained improvement in skin elasticity of 42% over 18 days."

I would draw your attention to the elasticity result. That is clear evidence of an increase in natural collagen production.

Further investigation revealed that the improvement in the skins elasticity could be further strengthened by face cream containing another powerful, natural ingredient derived from a special Japanese sea kelp. This ingredient is called phytessense wakame, and the Japanese have known about it for centuries.

I'm sure the Japanese weren't aware that this sea kelp supports the body's levels of hyaluronic acid, which has been called the "youth molecule." They just know that it works. It works in conjunction with your natural collagen and elastins to support the elasticity, firmness and smoothness of your skin.

Phytessence wakame has also been put through numerous clinical trials by this New Zealand company, and has also produced remarkable results.

So I would encourage you to continue your search for the best face cream. I've already given you some information to point you in the direction of effective, healthful skin care products, and away from any fad face cream. You can find much more information about cutting-edge, nature-based face cream ingredients at my website.