Why Ingesting Collagen Overrules Topical Collagen Application
By: Shahara Lum
For years, collagen has emerged as a superior ingredient for some areas in Asia. Its popularity has increased across various cultures — Japan, Korea, and the United States — seeking to enhance facial youth and prevent dull skin. And while collagen is often used topically, ingesting collagen is more beneficial than people think.
Consuming collagen orally allows the supplements to be broken down into amino acids during digestion, allowing the collagen to be absorbed more within the body. However, the effectiveness of oral collagen supplements is limited. But generally, both methods are used to prevent aging and results may vary.
What is collagen
Collagen is a wonderful protein for the human body, it plays a crucial role in maintaining skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration. As we age, our natural collagen production decreases, leading to very visible signs of aging such as fine lines, sagging skin, and wrinkles. As a result, many individuals chose to utilize collagen-infused skincare products. Nonetheless, topical applications have their value — the most effective way to replenish more collagen levels in the body is through ingestion
“It is the primary building block of your body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, and other connective tissues. It is also found in your organs, blood vessels and intestinal lining. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. The main amino acids that make collagen are proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. These amino acids group together to form protein fibrils in a triple helix structure. Your body also needs the proper amount of vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese to make the triple helix” [2]
Oral collagen
When ingesting collagen, it is broken down into amino acids and small peptides during digestion. These compounds are then absorbed into the bloodstream and dispersed throughout the body, including the skin. This delivery of collagen-divided peptides provides necessary support to your body’s natural collagen production. Furthermore, many foods help collagen production and are recommended by doctors.
Some study suggests that taking collagen powder daily can help your bones become denser, reduce the aging process that causes brittle bones, and boost your body in producing new bone — collagen supplements have also been demonstrated to increase skin moisture and elasticity in elderly people [4].
However, there is not enough evidence suggesting that ingesting collagen pills or consuming collagen drinks will enhance your hair, skin, or nails. Maryanne Makredes Senna, MD, “Our bodies cannot absorb collagen in its whole form. To enter the bloodstream, it must be broken down into peptides so it can be absorbed through the gut” [3].
Topical collagen
Unlike taking collagen orally, applying collagen topically, such as in the form of serums, creams, or masks, helps it absorb directly into the skin. While collagen molecules are too large to deeply penetrate the skin, topical collagen treatments can provide the skin with temporary hydration and improve the skin’s moisture barrier. They can also create smooth and plump skin’s outer layer. It is important to remember that these applications do not stimulate collagen formation in the skin’s layers.
In addition, findings and reports made by clinical research have said that topical collagen application has notably improved damaged skin by the end of one month. These studies are significant as they reveal realistic and researchable studies showing the depletion in the number of wrinkles when using topical applications compared to those not using them [1].
Another study was released — evaluating the consequences of oral and topical collagen additions used for skin enhancement of 60 healthy females. According to the experiment, the females who used topical applications demonstrated a rise in skin hydration and elasticity in 1 month. Those who used oral supplements showed more noticeable results, decreasing size at the end of 3 months without any short or prolonged effects [1].
So, which is better?
While experts and others argue that taking collagen orally is far more beneficial than topical collagen due to its many benefits — our bodies naturally manufacture collagen. Although, ingesting collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen can help fill collagen depletion. In addition, they are designed to absorb into our bloodstream easily, effectively producing the needed collagen.
It is also critical to note that not all collagen supplements are created effectively. When choosing a collagen supplement, you should choose high-quality and as mentioned before hydrolyzed collagen peptides.
The best oral collagen
Look for types 1 and 3 collagen as they are particularly better for skin health — products with bovine (cow), marine (fish), or poultry — marine collagen, sourced from fish, is often suggested for its smaller particle size, and can enhance absorption.
As always, buy products that have undergone thorough testing for quality, and purity, and have no contaminants. Often, collagen supplements that contain additional valuable ingredients such as vitamin C should be considered.
Most popular:
- Vital Protein Collagen Peptides
- BioSil Collagen Generator
- Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Super Beauty
- Orgain Collagen Peptides
- Hum Nutrition Collagen Love
- Neocell Super Collagen
- Ancient Nutrition Multi-Collagen Protein
- Vida Glow Marine Collagen
- 8Greens Skin + Marine Collagen for Beautiful Skin
- Goli Nutrition Superfruits Gummies
- Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer
- Golde Collagen Boost
The best topical collagen
Before purchasing a collagen supplement(s) for yourself or someone else, look for collagen products that contain ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. And opt for supplements that have a high concentration of active collagen — as they are made to penetrate the skin easily. Like all purchases, you should choose products from well-known brands with an excellent record of producing high-quality skincare formulas.
And, of course, read product reviews from other users to see the effectiveness and user experience with the product. Lastly, consider your skin type — if you have any specific skin concerns and sensitivity choose a collagen product that will address those needs and not irritate the skin.
To try:
- Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
- L’Oréal Paris Collagen Filler Day/Night Cream
- Olay Face Moisturizer
- StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Vitamin C Moisturizer
- RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Cream
- Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Cream
- Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream
- Pacifica Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Collagen Cream
- Neostrata Triple Firming Anti-Aging Neck Cream
- Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream
References:
[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824545/#:~:text=
However%2C%20topical%20collagen%20does%20not,of%20collagen
%20fibrils%20%5B34%5D.
[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen
[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/considering-collagen-
drinks-and-supplements-202304122911
[4] https://www.webmd.com/diet/collagen-health-benefits
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