Do collagen creams work? Experts chime in

Read what ingredient in creams is not worth wasting money on.

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Emilia Moskal specialises in medical and psychological texts, including content for medical entities. She is a fan of simple language and reader-friendly communication. At Natu.Care, she writes educational articles.

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Do collagen creams work? Experts chime in
21 August, 2024
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Cosmetics are packed to the brim with nourishing plant extracts, minerals and vitamins to look after our skin. However, there is a substance that, when encapsulated in a cream, will not live up to your expectations - collagen.

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Most often, collagen creams are advertised as miraculous specifics that are supposed to work like the best fillers administered in beauty salons. Reducing wrinkles, improving skin tone and smoothing the oval of the face are just some of the popular marketing slogans. Do they have anything to do with the truth?

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From this article you will learn:

  • Whether collagen helps to get rid of wrinkles:
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  • How collagen creams work.
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  • What results can you expect when using these cosmetics.
  • What can you expect from collagen?
  • What to do to really plump up your wrinkles.
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How does collagen affect wrinkles?

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It's true - collagen works on wrinkles. It is, after all, the basic building block of the skin - making up around 70% of its dry weightand. When used regularly, it can visibly smooth crow's feet and fine lines. It also increases skin density and elasticity. 

Collagen fibres form a scaffold-like network in the skin that holds tissues together. This helps your skin to retain its structure, not collapse or sagand. Unfortunately, as we age, the body's production of collagen declines.

After the age of 25, the natural synthesis of collagen begins to be less than the need for this protein. As a result, you lose around 1.5% of the valuable building block every yearand you start to see the first wrinkles in the mirror. Fortunately, you can replenish collagen in your body.

Collagen creams - what do they do?

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Wanting to replenish collagen in the facial skin, it seems sensible to apply it to the complexion in the form of a cream. Collagen cosmetics tempt with promises of smoothing wrinkles and firming the skin. From the packaging and advertising they shout scalpel-free lifts and incredible rejuvenating effects.

It is important to know that creams, gels and serums mainly work on the epidermal layer. And yes, cosmetics with collagen will perfectly moisturise itand. The hydrated epidermis becomes fuller, which visually can give the impression of filling in fine lines and firming the skin.

This will be a very subtle effect, however - you have nothing to count on spectacular results. To expect them, you would have to work from the inside out.

Why is it necessary to work from the inside out?

Why won't collagen cream remove wrinkles?

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The skin consists of three layersand:

  • The epidermis -which is the outer layer. It is where most cosmetics reach.
  • Dermis -this is where the network of collagen fibres, blood vessels, glands and hair follicles are located.
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  • Subcutaneous tissue - consisting mainly of fat cells, which have a thermo-insulating function.

Even the best face creams with collagen are usually only able to penetrate the epidermis. The collagen molecules in cosmetics are too large to reach the dermisand.

This means that the cosmetic will not be able to affect the collagen structure of the skin. Instead, it can effectively moisturise its outer layer and strengthen its natural protective barrier.

See also:

What collagen can help you with wrinkles?

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What can you do to make sure collagen actually has an anti-wrinkle effect? Replenish its deficiencies in the body. You can do this with the right diet, rich in collagen products. But if you're not particularly fond of pork knuckles, cold legs, giblets and cartilage, you'll find it easier to take collagen in supplement form diet.

See also:

How to choose a collagen supplement?

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Before you start wondering whether you'd rather ingest a pill or add collagen powder to your favourite smoothie, pay attention to the composition of the product.

The ideal dietary supplement contains collagen hydrolysate, which is its best-absorbed formand. If you are not allergic to fish, choose sea collagen. According to research  collagen extracted from fish it has the most similar structure to the one we have in our bodies. It is also digested better and faster, meaning it is absorbed more efficiently.

Another important aspect is the daily serving that the product provides you with. Research suggests that an effective serving is between 2,500 mg and 15,000 mg per dayand. For regular supplementation, formulations containing 5,000-10,000 mg of collagen per daily serving are best suited.

Also look out for additional active ingredients. Vitamin C supports the body's natural production of collagenand, a hyaluronic acid ensures proper hydration of tissuesand. These substances thus perfectly complement the action of collagen.

It is also worth looking at whether there are any preservatives, artificial colours, fillers or large amounts of sugar hiding in the composition of the supplement. All of these additives also affect your body, even if they have been approved for use in the food industry.

Particularly if you are taking a supplement.

Check out the collagen supplements we recommend:

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See also:

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Is collagen supplementation safe?

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Collagen is a well-researched proteinand. Its supplementation is usually safe for most people, but there are some exceptions. Collagen supplementation should be avoidedand:

  • pregnant and breastfeeding women,
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  • persons taking certain medications,
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  • patients with kidney disease, ailments liver and selected autoimmune diseases,
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  • persons allergic to any of the ingredients in the preparation.
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If you are in doubt, have a chronic illness or are taking any medication, consult your doctor before starting collagen supplementation.

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See also:

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Summary

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  • Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in the skin. It is its main building block.
  • Collagen can help in the fight against wrinkles: it fills them in and improves the density of the skin.
  • Collagen is a protein that is naturally present in the skin.
  • Collagen creams work on the outer layer of the skin, because the molecules of this protein are too large to penetrate into the dermis.
  • Collagen can help improve the appearance of the skin.
  • If you want to improve the appearance of your complexion and provide anti-wrinkle results, use collagen in the form of a dietary supplement.
  • The best collagen supplements contain fish-derived hydrolysate.
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FAQ

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. Which collagen is best for wrinkles? .

Choose fish type I collagen because it is the most effective at reducing wrinkles. sea collagen is best because it has finer particles that are better absorbed. Look for products containing collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed by the body. 

Pay attention to the composition and choose products that are free of preservatives, artificial additives and sugar. Such a supplement is Natu.Care Premium Collagen.

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. Does collagen plump up wrinkles? .

Yes, collagen is an effective ingredient that can help to plump up wrinkles. For best results, rely on collagen dietary supplement, containing its hydrolysate. collagen peptides included in such a product are best absorbed by the body.

. What works better on wrinkles: collagen or hyaluronic acid? .

Both substances are helpful in the fight against wrinkles. Collagen fibres form a reticular structure in the skin that provides firmness and density to the complexion. It can also fill in wrinkles from within.

Hyaluronic acid ensures optimal tissue hydration, which also translates into visually filling in fine lines as hydrated tissue becomes fuller.

For optimum results, choose a product that combines the properties of collagen and hyaluronic acid - for example Natu.Care Premium Collagen.

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. Does the collagen cream work? .

Yes, face cream with collagen works on the outer layer of the skin, i.e. the epidermis. The effect of such a cosmetic will be primarily to moisturise the skin and improve its protective properties.

. How much does a collagen cream cost? .

Prices hydrating creams with collagen range from a dozen to even several hundred zlotys. On average, if you want to stock up on such cosmetics, you need to expect to spend between 35 and 80 PLN.

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. What is a good cream for wrinkles? .

The anti-wrinkle action of creams mainly focuses on nourishing and strengthening the skin to prevent the formation and deepening of wrinkles. It is best to choose anti-wrinkle creams containing antioxidants such as retinol or vitamin C. It is also important to moisturise (hyaluronic acid) and strengthen the skin's natural barrier (ceramides).

. How does the collagen cream work? .

Cream with collagen has a moisturising and elasticising effect on the outer layer of the skin. It will also help to strengthen its natural protective barrier. This will help protect the complexion from the adverse effects of external factors such as air pollution.

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Resources

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Al-Atif, H. (2022). Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual12(1), e2022018. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.1201a18

Bauza, E., Oberto, G., Berghi, A., Dal, C. F., & Domloge, N. (2004). Collagen-like peptide exhibits a remarkable antiwrinkle effect on the skin when topically applied: An in vivo study. International Journal of Tissue Reactions26(3-4), 105-111.

Choi, F. D., Sung, C. T., Juhasz, M. L. W., & Mesinkovsk, N. A. (2019). Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD18(1), 9-16.

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de Miranda, R. B., Weimer, P., & Rossi, R. C. (2021). Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Dermatology60(12), 1449-1461. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.15518

Kim, J., Lee, S. G., Lee, J., Choi, S., Suk, J., Lee, J. H., Yang, J. H., Yang, J. S., & Kim, J. (2022). Oral Supplementation of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Improves Biophysical Properties of Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Medicinal Food25(12), 1146-1154. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2022.K.0097

Proksch, E., Schunck, M., Zague, V., Segger, D., Degwert, J., & Oesser, S. (2013). Oral Intake of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Increases Dermal Matrix Synthesis. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology27(3). https://doi.org/10.1159/000355523

Avila Rodríguez, M. I., Rodríguez Barroso, L. G., & Sánchez, M. L. (2018). Collagen: A review on its sources and potential cosmetic applications. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology17(1), 20-26. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12450

Naomi, R., Ridzuan, P. M., & Bahari, H. (2021). Current Insights into Collagen Type I. Polymers13(16), 2642. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162642

Boyera, N., Galey, I., & Bernard, B. a. (1998). Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross-linking by normal human fibroblasts. International Journal of Cosmetic Science20(3), 151-158. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.1998.171747.x

Farage, M. A., Miller, K. W., Elsner, P., & Maibach, H. I. (2013). Characteristics of the Aging Skin. Advances in Wound Care2(1), 5-10. https://doi.org/10.1089/wound.2011.0356

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Sibilla, S., Godfrey, M., Brewer, S., Budh-Raja, A., & Genovese, L. (2015). An Overview of the Beneficial Effects of Hydrolysed Collagen as a Nutraceutical on Skin Properties: Scientific Background and Clinical Studies. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal8, 29-42. https://doi.org/10.2174/1876396001508010029

de Miranda, R. B., Weimer, P., & Rossi, R. C.. (2021). Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Dermatology60(12), 1449-1461. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.15518

Dermatological expertise on an eight-week lasting clinical-dermatological application test with hydration determination using a corneometer. Nutricoll Marine Collagen Peptide Powder (3 kDa). (2017). Seagarden AS. https://seagarden-norway.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Nutricoll-Marine-Collagen-Study_Methodology-Info.pdf

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Jalili, Z., Jalili, F., Moradi, S., Bagheri, R., Moosavian, S. P., Naeini, F., Mohammadi, H., Ghoreishy, S. M., Wong, A., Travica, N., Kermani, M. A. H., & Jalili, C. (2023). Effects of collagen peptide supplementation on cardiovascular markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled trials. British Journal of Nutrition129(5), 779-794. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114522001301

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Meet the team
Emilia Moskal - Tekst

Natu.Care Editor

Emilia Moskal

Emilia Moskal specialises in medical and psychological texts, including content for medical entities. She is a fan of simple language and reader-friendly communication. At Natu.Care, she writes educational articles.

Katarzyna Srebr - Recenzja

Cosmetologist

Katarzyna Srebr
Verified by an expert

Cosmetologist and linergist with extensive experience working with clients with a wide range of skin health needs and concerns.

Bart Turczynski - Redakcja

Editor-in-Chief

Bart Turczynski

Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.

Nina Wawryszuk - Fact-checking

Natu.Care Editor

Nina Wawryszuk

Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.

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