Serums, creams, sunscreens, and even foundations – it looks like the beauty industry thrives on buzzwords and collagen seems to come in every skincare/makeup-related formula. These products promise a youthful, plump complexion. But before you empty your wallet on these trendy products, it would be nice to understand what exactly you are paying for.
Let’s talk about what collagen as an ingredient in skincare products does for your skin, what dermatologists say about topical collagen, and how effective this ingredient is for your skin.
Topical Collagen Craze: Fact or Fiction?
Collagen (more specifically type I collagen) is the most common protein in the human body, forming the building blocks of our skin, bones, and connective tissues. It provides structure, strength, and elasticity, keeping our skin firm and youthful. But, as we are, the natural production of collagen in tissues declines. A board-certified dermatologist Andrea Suarez says that the levels of natural collagen reach their peak in the third decade of our life: "After 30s, collagen levels decline 1% each year." As a consequence of this slow decline, the skin develops wrinkles, fine lines, enlarged pores, and loses firmness.
The allure of topical collagen products lies in the idea of directly replenishing this lost collagen, but the reality is more complex. The collagen molecules in these products are large and struggle to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin where collagen resides. Studies suggest these molecules primarily sit on the skin's surface, offering temporary hydration benefits but not reaching the dermis where collagen production and structural support occur.
So, the promise of topical collagen directly reversing wrinkles is largely a myth. However, this only renders some collagen-based skincare products useful.
Do Collagen Skincare Products Work?
While topical collagen might not reach the deeper layers, some collagen-containing products can still offer benefits. However, you need to look out for the type and amount of collagen in your preferred product. If collagen comes in the form of soluble collagen is way too big to be absorbed by your skin. "It is like putting a piece of chicken on your face!" states dermatologist Shereene IdrissYouTuber Shereene Idriss in one of her video shorts.
- Hydration: Many products utilize hydrolyzed collagen, a smaller form of collagen molecules that can better penetrate the skin's surface. This can lead to improved hydration, making the skin appear plumper and smoother.
- Moisture Barrier Support: Certain collagen-based products also contain ingredients that help strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier. It plays an important role in keeping your skin plump and well-hydrated.
- Ingredient Synergy: Collagen-infused products often combine other beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants. These ingredients work synergistically to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and offer some anti-aging benefits.
Therefore, while the "collagen fix" for wrinkles might be exaggerated, collagen-infused products can still offer some degree of hydration and skin health support, especially when combined with other effective ingredients.
Collagen Pattern in Skin Tissue; Photo: Steve Gschmeissner
Collagen in Skincare and Its Main Benefits for the Skin
Although topical collagen has limitations, understanding collagen's role in the skin is key to a healthy skincare routine. Here's why collagen is essential for youthful-looking skin:
- Structural Support: Collagen provides the scaffolding for our skin, keeping it firm and plump. It is like a glue that holds our cells together. As the levels of collagen decrease, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity, which results in sagging.
- Hydration: Collagen acts like a sponge, helping the skin retain moisture. This hydration keeps the skin looking healthy and supple.
- Wound Healing: Collagen plays a vital role in wound healing and tissue repair. It promotes cell regeneration and helps maintain the skin's integrity. Some medical reports claim that the application of topical collagen improves the wound healing process collagen improves the wound healing process, but it doesn't have an effect on the cosmetic appearance of scars.
Why Topical Collagen Won't Fight Aging...
While collagen is undeniably crucial for healthy skin, applying it topically has limitations. As mentioned earlier, the large size of collagen molecules hinders their ability to reach the deeper layers of the skin where collagen production and structural support occur.
Even if some collagen molecules penetrate the skin, they can be broken down by enzymes before they have a chance to stimulate collagen synthesis. It is best not only to focus on investing your money in skincare products with collagen but also focus on overall health. Collagen production is influenced by various factors beyond topical application. An unhealthy lifestyle affects your skin (smoking, alcohol, strict dieting, and sun exposure) together and genetics all play a significant role.
What Skincare Ingredients Boost Collagen?
But, if topical collagen isn't the answer to reversing aging and reducing wrinkles, then what ingredients (or actions) can actually stimulate natural collagen production in tissues?
- Retinol: This derivative of vitamin A is a proven powerhouse for stimulating collagen synthesis and promoting cell turnover. Studies show retinol can effectively reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
- Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant, vitamin C protects the skin from free radical damage, which can accelerate collagen breakdown. Plus, vitamin C plays a huge role in the production of natural collagen.
- Peptides: Peptides have shown promise in reducing wrinkles and improving skin firmness. These amino acids are messengers that tell the skin to produce more collagen.
- Niacinamide: Every skincare enthusiast knows and loves niacinamide in skincare! This form of vitamin B3 offers a wide range of benefits for the skin, including improving skin barrier function, reducing inflammation, and stimulating collagen production.
- Skin-massaging: Research shows that skin-stimulations lead to higher rates of decorin, fibrillin, tropoelastin, and procollagen-1 in tissues. So, massaging your face with fingers or special massaging tools will only bring more benefits to your skin, Plus, it is so pleasant!
Concluding...
Well, it is time to conclude today's article. Topical collagen has been on the market for so many years. It is probably one of the most popular and widely-produced ingredients that is used in serums, creams, and supplements. Because of aggressive marketing, we all think that we surely need to use collage in our daily routines. But, it is important to understand the amount, potency, and even type of collagen your skin actually needs and will absorb effectively.
