The Truth about Collagen Cream | ellé derm

Most skincare products have added collagen for their anti-ageing effects. The truth is, collagen molecules present in skincare products are way too big to penetrate into the deeper layers to perform their function. Instead, they sit on the upper surface of the skin and function as a humectant and protect the skin barrier. 

Bioengineered hydrolysed collagen on the other hand, are smaller molecules which enables them to penetrate into deeper into the skin to work their magic. Studies have shown hydrolyzed collagen is not nearly as effective as direct collagen stimulation or taking collagen supplements. 

Collagen production can only be stimulated in 3 ways: 

1: Eating certain types of collagen rich food - a much more effective method to build collagen for the skin, thus reduce wrinkles; and 

2: Using ingredients in skincare products that directly stimulates collagen production such as retinoids, glycolic acid and peptides. Peptides contain amino acids responsible for building collagen.

3: Taking collagen supplements. Most collagen supplements contain all three types of collagen - Collagen Type I, Type II and Type III. Once ingested, the different types of collagen are transported to their "home" within the body to carry out their specific role (see Figure 1). 

Why should we care about collagen?

As we age, our body doesn’t absorb nutrients as well or produce collagen as effectively. Our bones become weaker, our skin starts to lose its elasticity and joints can become painful. Collagen supplements can boost overall health of our body by delivering the different types of collagen to right areas of the body for its best and highest use.

It is important to include sun protection as part of any anti-ageing routine. UVA and UVB accelerate collagen breakdown and is what causes premature ageing. 

Author: 

Helen Huynh (B Pharm) MPS