Are you looking for the best collagen firming lotions?  Well, first things first, firming lotion should not contain collagen.  It's ineffective.

It is derived from cow hide or other animal parts, as is most keratin, another protein that makes up the epithelium or epidermis, the outermost of the skin's layers.  Collagens and keratins, along with hyaluronic acid and sebum (the skin's natural oils) are responsible for the skin's elasticity.

As we age, the production of new skin cells decreases, as does the presence of collagens, keratins, hyaluronic acid and often sebum.  So, basically, the whole rejuvenation process becomes slightly dysfunctional.

Only the best collagen firming lotions address the entire rejuvenation process.  Most of them address only one or two aspects.  For example, you will find firming lotion that contains only hyaluronic acid.  Others contain only moisturizers and antioxidants, which are needed to repair and prevent free radical damage, but, other ingredients are needed, as well.

Animal collagens are ineffective, because they cannot be used by the body to produce anything.  They are effective when injected during cosmetic surgery, because they fatten up the deepest of the skin's layers, stretching out the wrinkles.  They are effective for bone and skin grafts, but applying them in lotion form will do nothing to improve your appearance.

The best lotions contain a type of keratin that is derived from sheep's wool.  The protein remains active when processed correctly and can be used to improve the quality of the epidermis. 

The average lotion on the market contains hyaluronic acid.  But, researchers have shown that levels of hyaluronic acid fall with age because of an enzyme called hyaluronaise.  The enzyme basically destroys the amino acid.  But, a way has been found to block the enzyme by 52% in as little as five days.  So, the levels of hyaluronic acid rise to those of a much younger person.

The compound that blocks the enzyme is extracted from wakame kelp.  Firming lotion that contains it has been shown to provide protection from skin damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollution.  In addition, the kelp is rich in the vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain the skin's health.

You might think of the best collagen firming lotions as a vitamin supplement for the outside of your body.  All that the body needs is nourishment to keep the skin healthier and younger looking.  The moisture part of that nourishment is provided by sebum.

The average firming lotion contains moisturizers that are not compatible with the skin's own sebum.  So, they are not easily absorbed and largely ineffective.  In fact, some of them (mineral oils, petrolatum and paraffin) actually inhibit the natural rejuvenation process even further. 

Vegetable or plant oils, such as jojoba, grape seed, palm, olive and avocado oil, are much more compatible with human sebum.  They are quickly absorbed, excellent moisturizers.  Increasing moisture effectively improves elasticity. 

The best lotions contain a variety of these oils, along with active keratin, wakame kelp and a number of antioxidants.  You'll have to make some effort to find it, though.  They don't carry it in discount stores.