We all want to believe in the power of a magic skincare ingredient that can erase all signs of aging and give us perfect skin. And for a while, it seemed like collagen might be that ingredient.
Collagen is a protein that our bodies produce naturally, and it's responsible for keeping our skin plump and elastic. So it makes sense that we would want to apply collagen directly to our skin in the form of creams, serums, and other topical products.
Unfortunately, the reality is that skincare products that contains collagen are not very effective.
Here are the reasons why:
1. Collagen production happens too deep within the skin for topical products to be effective.
Our bodies produce collagen in the lower layers of the skin, called the dermis. This is where the majority of our skin's collagen is found. The dermis is also where our blood vessels and hair follicles are located. The epidermis, on the other hand, is the outermost layer of the skin. This is where we find dead skin cells, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.
The epidermis acts as a barrier between the dermis and the outside world. This barrier prevents most things from penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin—including collagen molecules. So when you apply a collagen cream or serum to your skin, those collagen molecules are not actually reaching the dermis where they can do any good.
In order for topical collagen products to be effective, they would have to be able to penetrate through the epidermis and reach the dermis. But since that's not possible, those products are essentially useless.
2. In order to be absorbed by the skin, it needs to be processed.
Hydrolized collagen is a form of collagen that has been processed so that it can be easily absorbed by the skin. While this may sound like a good thing, it actually isn't. When we apply hydrolized collagen to our skin, our bodies stop producing collagen because it thinks that we don't need it anymore. And when we stop producing collagen, we lose out on all of the other benefits that come with it.
3. There are other ways to increase collagen production from within.
While topical collagen products don't work, there are other ways to help boost collagen production from within. For example, eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps support overall health—including skin health.
Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced by our bodies. It helps to keep our skin looking young and plump by providing structure and support. Using products that encourages the skin to drive and increase its own collagen production is key.