Hyaluronic acid can effectively reduce the look of fine wrinkles and give your skin a healthy shine but it can't encourage the growth of new cells the way collagen can. Collagen is the best substance to use when trying to tighten loose skin. When it comes to acne-prone skin, the best option is hyaluronic acid.
One is not more important than the other as they are both fundamental building blocks of the skin: Hyaluronic acid is a kind of carbohydrate, a sugar molecule, that can bind large amounts of water. It's key to skin moisture. Collagen is a protein that is organized in a matrix in the skin.
How to use hyaluronic acid and collagen together. Good news: collagen is safe to take with many skincare products. Great news: it's best pals with hyaluronic acid. While hyaluronic acid locks moisture into your skin, collagen helps keep it firm and tight.
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.
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.
Several different studies have shown that consuming collagen peptides might help older people with bone and skin health during the process of aging. Collagen peptides are collagen that's broken into small parts for easy absorption. A study involved 102 postmenopausal women who were suffering from low BMD.
This makes your cells and connective tissue stronger and less loose, resulting in more hydrated skin, smoother skin, and effectively reducing wrinkles. Collagen is clinically proven to have positive effects on skin, as well as hair, nails, joints, muscles, and gut health.
Look out for type I collagen for wrinkles. Marine (fish) collagen is the most bioavailable source of type I, but you'll also find high levels in bovine (beef) collagen sources.
Types I and III collagen increase elasticity of the skin, thus minimizing wrinkles and allowing youthful glow. Moreover, types I and III collagen stimulate the production of amino acids, in particular glycine. Glycine is the amino acid that is responsible for building the muscles and burning fat.
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.
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.
Both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are natural and work against the signs of aging. When used together, the anti-aging benefits are amplified. Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture while vitamin C increases collagen production. Each substance keeps dryness at bay and promotes excellent skin elasticity.
Polyglutamic acid's biggest claim to fame is its hydrating powers, specifically the ability to hold 4000 times its weight in water (that's 4 times more than hyaluronic acid—the most iconic hydrating ingredients out there…for now).
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.
Some studies have shown that supplemental collagen is beneficial for skin health, including tightening sagging skin, boosting hydration, and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative damage and plays a role in the production of collagen, which helps keep skin firm and elastic. Particularly in topical applications, Vitamin C has been shown to decrease skin wrinkling and increase collagen production.
FOR YOUR SKIN
To increase skin's elasticity, firmness, and texture, and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles, studies show that taking up to 2.5 grams is effective. Here's a caveat: most users will find that they need less than 2.5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen to see skin-benefiting results.
To reap the benefits for skin health, the research recommends that you take between 2.5 to 5 grams of collagen per day (2). This amount is shown to increase skin elasticity and hydration in elderly women while reducing the depth of existing skin wrinkles in middle-aged women.
Studies show that it takes about 6 to 12 weeks of regular supplementation to see noticeable improvements in your skin, including its elasticity, hydration and density. One factor that contributes to why collagen is taking its time to provide results is its low dosage amount through your supplements intake [2].
While topically applied collagen will moisturize the skin, that's about the extent of what it can do. Applying collagen topically has never been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis or growth. This is because collagens have molecular weights making them too large to penetrate the top layer of skin.
More collagen means fewer wrinkles and smooth, lifted skin. Here are the topical products, in-office treatments, and lifestyle habits to practice for a healthier-looking complexion now.
Many of the studies available suggest that you'd be able to noticeably see improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and density anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks of regular collagen supplementation.