Yes, because both collagen and retinol have anti-aging properties. However, retinol is a more potent anti-aging product, so it's better for those with deep-set wrinkles. Collagen is better for those with fewer and finer wrinkles. You can also use either collagen or retinol for the bags under your eyes.
In short - yes, retinol and collagen can be used together! In fact, these two ingredients can be combined to make a strong duo when it comes to anti-ageing. Retinol and collagen can be found alongside each other in many different forms, including creams, serums, and of course, liquid collagen.
Differences: Collagen and Retinol
Collagen helps to keep the skin firm and elastic, while retinol helps to protect the skin from free radical damage and stimulate collagen production. Both of these ingredients can help to improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the signs of aging.
Tretinoin (aka retinoic acid) is a prescription retinoid you can get from a doctor. It's 20 times more potent than OTC retinol and achieves faster results 1. Tretinoin is also the only FDA-approved retinoid to treat photoaging (i.e., premature skin aging due to long-term sun exposure).
Those who used collagen supplements saw an improvement in the firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin, with wrinkles appearing less noticeable. That sounds promising, but it's unclear if these skin improvements were actually due to collagen.
If you're taking collagen for the anti-aging benefits, look for type I, or a combo of type I and type III. Both are found in the skin and support skin health (think: improved skin hydration, firmness and texture, as well as fewer wrinkles, per a review study in 2019 in the journal Molecules).
Collagen's role in the body
Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz.
Retinol can penetrate deep into your skin's layers to activate collagen and elastin, which give your skin structure and support to prevent wrinkles. You can apply products that contain retinoids at home directly onto your skin as you would a lotion or a moisturizer.
What does retinol do for your skin? Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.
Ingredients that can serve as more gentle alternatives to retinol include bakuchiol, peptides, azelaic acid and more. Below, check out top-recommended products and then learn a bit more about how these alternative ingredients work.
If you're looking for an ingredient that can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, retinol may be the better option. However, if you're looking for something that will keep your skin hydrated and plump, hyaluronic acid may be a better choice.
While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. And if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch to get noticeably healthier, you can certainly try incorporating both into your routine.
Don't mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) or alpha and beta hydroxy acids, otherwise known as AHAs and BHAs (glycolic acid and salicylic acid). Layering these products one after the other could cause irritation.
You'll want to use your retinol first. Wash your face using warm water and a gentle soap. Dry your face gently but thoroughly. Applying retinol to wet skin can increase its absorption rate and make your skin very sensitive.
In fact, retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, try to use them at night because light and air deactivate some types. If you experience any side effects — like skin redness or dryness — then it's a good idea to back down to once every 2 or 3 nights.
Topical retinoids.
Prescription medicine that contains retinoids, which is derived from vitamin A, may reduce fine wrinkles, splotches and roughness when applied to the skin. You may need to use the product for a few weeks or months before you notice improvement.
Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin. However, it takes three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent—and the best results take six to 12 months.
"If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning," says Dr. Icecreamwala. "This will make your skin look older and accentuate wrinkles."
Retinol can be a skin irritant
Dermatitis, erythema (redness), scaling/dryness, peeling, burning or stinging, and irritation of the skin are common adverse reactions reported with retinol use, and, in some cases, the reactions are so bad, that even at low concentrations it cannot be used by certain people.
Even though Retinol and Botox are both great options to reduce aging signs, retinol is minimally invasive and has more long-lasting benefits to offer. Try out the Retinol Moisturizing Cream by ML Delicate Beauty to give your skin some-much needed rejuvenation and relief from aging signs and acne.
How can I naturally rebuild collagen? You can naturally support the collagen production process by using topicals such as vitamin C and retinol, collagen peptide supplements, eating a nutrient rich diet, and avoiding habits that damage the collagen (such as poor sleep and sun exposure.)
Collagen peptide complex, hydrolyzed collagen, collagen type II, collagen type I, and collagen type III are among the five sources of collagen peptides that are present in it. These substances support the body's natural production of collagen and keep skin appearing tight, elastic, and firm.
The single best collagen supplement to take for skin health, wrinkles and sagging is MedmaRX Collagen. MedmaRX Collagen. These ultra-pure, full spectrum collagen capsules contain every bioactive form of collagen, including all of the types clinically proven to be most beneficial to skin.