Collagen has been touted as the fountain of youth, but does it really live up to the hype? This article delves into the science behind collagen and its potential anti-aging benefits, with insights from a dermatologist. Discover the truth about whether collagen supplements or topical products can effectively combat wrinkles and signs of aging. Collagen is a key component of our skin, but its effectiveness in reversing the aging process is more complex than you might think.
The Collagen Conundrum
For years now, collagen has been the buzzword in beauty and wellness circles, with marketing claims touting glowier and more youthful skin. You see, collagen accounts for nearly a third of our body, so, it does sound fair that skin, bones and even your organs will miss the stuff if you run out! Natural collagen production decreases with age, which results in the visible signs of aging such as fine lines, and drooping.
That development triggered a boom in collagen-centric products, ranging from oral supplements to serums and creams we apply topically. However, do they really work to better the collagen in your skin? Why, the answer is not as simple as you possibly can suppose. Dermatologists are not certain exactly how well collagen works to fight wrinkles and aging, with conflicting scientific data about the benefits.
Oral Collagen: Hype or Help?
The way in which most people consume collagen is through dietary supplements that come in capsules/powders. The concept is that through consuming collagen, you accordingly give your frame the construction blocks had to replenish or reinforce the collagen observed on your dep of pores and skin, which may additionally enhance wrinkles and boom pores and skin elasticity.
Yet the research on oral collagen supplements is still not strong. “Research is mixed regarding the benefits of ingested collagen — by food or supplement,” says a dermatologist. “If it is human research, oftentimes the wrong quantities will be used and no one would realistically eat that much over time in your diet and habits.
Thus, although there may be mild benefit in skin hydration and elasticity from collagen supplements depending on the study, these results are not reliably above placebo nor sustained. Dr. Ahn told MSN Lifestyle that more studies are needed be done on oral collagen, but it may only have a limited effect.
Collagen Pieces / Solutions For The Skin:hidden On Purpose
Alongside oral supplements, the market is awash in topical collagen products like serums, creams and lotions that are said to bring you those anti-aging bennies of collagen straight to your skin. But the dermatologist warns that topical collagen may not be absorbed very well so may have limited effectiveness.
“Collagen is a big protein with a complicated structure, and it cannot be absorbed directly through the skin,” explain dermatologist. Some over-the-counter products even use terms like [“high hydrolyzed collagen peptides”] (which no FDA regulations that confine such verbiage) in order to state that the chemical structure of this collagen would break down better so can be absorbed into your gut wall, or on top of the skin for greater ‘effect’ than other collagens.
It is hard to say about the effectiveness of these topically applied collagen products because without regulation and clinical testing, there can be a greater chance of error. The dermatologist does offer that “to get heavier anti-aging benefits” might be better served with a prescription or medical-administered treatment by our advanced practice provider.
