It is an attention grabbing headline, even with the label disclaimer: ‘*individual results will vary; clinical results on file’. In the fight against wrinkles, the prospect of a wonder cream is alluring indeed. You could say I was rather keen to test this product!
Rapid Collagen Infusion (launched February) is billed as the first product to penetrate the skin with pure collagen, a naturally occurring protein often described as the ‘glue that keeps the body together’. It is what keeps our skin firm, plump and wrinkle free but we lose 1% of it from age 20 by some estimates.
Unfortunately replacing collagen is not that simple, as the protein molecule is too large to penetrate the skin. If only it could be broken down! Well, that’s exactly what Murad claims to have done with this collagen building formula, which is also enriched with other anti-ageing ingredients including winged kelp, to foster natural collagen and elastin.
I like the approach that Murad take to skincare. The company is founded by Dr Howard Murad, a board certified dermatologist, trained pharmacist and researcher. He knows a thing or two about skin. He sees skin as a connected entity, not an isolated organ. In other words, skincare is just a part of the whole anti-ageing solution, a solution that also requires a good diet, a healthy lifestyle and so on.
As someone who spends a lot of time and effort trying to keep their skin looking as youthful as possible, through a combination of good skincare, diet and exercise, I wasn’t expecting to see any real change at the end of a 2 hour window. But with such a strong marketing message I felt obliged to test it out.
So I took a photo just before applying the serum for the first time, and then again two hours later. For the purpose of fairness, I had stopped using other wrinkle treatments a week before I started, including my Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream.
This cold turkey was painful, although I did continue using my latest eye cream gem Temple Spa Eye Truffle – I have the rest of the face to measure results by! Needless to say, it wasn’t long before I noticed some fine lines on my forehead and between the brows had started to creep back, so I was relieved to be back handling the anti wrinkle pots again.
Back to my 2 hour experiment: any changes? Well, no, ‘nul points’. But don’t stop reading! Keep with me, for there is exciting news ahead!
Rapid Collagen Infusion is a light textured white cream and is applied similar to a serum, ie after cleansing and toning but before moisturising. It has a good slip on the skin and takes seconds to massage in.
After a few days my skin was starting to feel a little dry and tight. I have incredibly thirsty skin, and I normally apply a face oil both at night and in the morning. I stopped for the purpose of this test. However, I took the decision to add the oil back in to my routine again and perhaps this is something you might want to consider if you too have dry or thirsty skin. Once I did all was well.
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| Top (before) and Below (at 3 weeks) |
Regarding results there was nothing much to see for the first week. Then half way through week 2, bingo! My skin suddenly felt softer, looked smoother and a line that had reformed between my brows had also softened. I’m now into week 3 and enjoying the ride, although I still have a few visible fine lines on my brow which I’m hoping will further soften with continued use.
For me Rapid Collagen Infusion wasn’t an instant hit but it definitely scored after further use. I’m a fan and now I’m going to continue using it until my next product test, layering it with the Kiehl’s product.
Murad’s Rapid Collagen Infusion costs £78 for 30ml and can be bought here, as well as at leading spas and salons nationwide, plus selected House of Fraser stores.
PR Sample
