There is no doubt about it that retinol is significantly stronger than collagen. This is because retinol penetrates down deep into your skin, tricking your body into thinking it's younger than it is.
What's more, retinol stimulates collagen synthesis: it helps your body use the collagen it already has, rather than producing collagen itself. So, using retinol and collagen together: Adds collagen into your system (collagen supplements) And ensures it's used as efficiently as possible (retinol).
Current research reveals that collagen use could result in a reduction of wrinkles, rejuvenation of skin, and reversal of skin aging [16], which may improve skin hydration and elasticity [17].
Retinol improves collagen synthesis in skin, but often at the expense of skin dryness, inflammation, and sun sensitivity. Peptides are generally more gentle and moisturizing than retinol and therefore a better choice for those with a more sensitive skin type.
The key difference between collagen and retinol is that collagen is a structural protein in our body, whereas retinol is a type of vitamin that occurs in food. Collagen is a biochemical substance, which is a structural protein in the extracellular matrix that can be found in the various connective tissues in our body.
Collagen's role in the body
"Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz. Your body naturally makes collagen, but this production decreases with age.
Fish, or “marine”, collagen contains 90% Type I and 10% Type III collagen. These are the two main types of collagen in the skin. Therefore, they are the best types of collagen for eliminating wrinkles and sagging skin.
If you're looking for more-dramatic results, a dermatologist can recommend medical treatments for wrinkles, including prescription creams, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections or skin-resurfacing techniques.
For topical products, hyaluronic acid is the clear winner. Building collagen takes time and other methods, but it will give you the most long-term and visible results to prevent wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and strength overall.
How long does it take to see results? Collagen turnover is a slow process. As such, no matter your goal for using collagen, it will take at least 8 weeks to experience noticeable results ( 6 ).
Bottom line: Most people have 1 treatment and feel some tightening right away. It takes time for your body to make collagen, so you'll see the best results in about 6 months. Some people benefit from having more than 1 treatment. Results can last 2 to 3 years with the right skin care.
Collagen Lift, also known as 'The Facelift Facial' is a non-surgical treatment for skin tightening and firming loose or sagging skin. This treatment tightens, tones and lifts achieving firm, youthful looking skin – without the telltale frozen stares and 'puffed up' look associated with injectables and fillers.
We are here to tell you that you can use retinol (vitamin A) any time you want. Morning. Night.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
Many plastic surgeons say that Juvederm and Restylane are the most durable and longest-lasting fillers available. Both contain hyaluronic acid and are good for smoothing wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid carries 1,000 times its weight in water and makes the skin look young, supple, and soft.
Research has shown that supplemental collagen—especially marine collagen peptides—can reduce signs of wrinkles, tighten loosening skin, and improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Ultraviolet radiation, which speeds the natural aging process, is the primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin's connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin (dermis).
Moisturize
Research shows that using a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are especially effective at preventing wrinkles from forming or getting deeper. Ask your dermatologist for product recommendations for your skin.