Collagen has been exploding in the health and beauty industry for quite some time. Protein powders, beauty creams, eye masks, and what not now contain this anti-aging element. It’s a miracle cure. However, its topical application in the form of serums is creating a frenzy. Let’s discuss do collagen serums work.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in our body. It makes up to 75% of our skin and is regarded as the “Fountain of Youth.” We can even find collagen in our bones, ligaments, connective tissues, and muscles.
As we age, our collagen production declines by about 1% each year. When your body begins to produce less and less collagen, it will automatically reflect on your skin. You may experience wrinkles, fine lines, loose, and saggy skin. Hydration and firmness will get lost.
However, this rate of decline can increase. Thanks to bad lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and skin damage from the sun. In your 20s, your skin starts looking like your 40s. Too sad. Collagen is the knight in shining armour for you. Before hopping onto the big question- do collagen serums work? Let us know the benefits of collagen for the skin.
Benefits of collagen for skin
1. Collagen is the glue that holds your different body parts together. It even tightens the tissues inside your skin and face. Thus, preventing saggy and loose skin.
2. Our skin is basically made up of two layers- epidermis (top layer) and dermis (middle layer). The dermis contains fibroblasts that are essential for maintaining the elasticity of the skin. Collagen preserves fibroblasts and thus, the elasticity of the skin.
3. Collagen also prevents and reverses photodamage. Long exposure to the sun’s rays causes the skin to appear dull and damaged. It can even lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
4. Aging can even strip off your natural moisture. Collagen helps to restore hydration and prevents dryness.
Do collagen serums work?
There are plenty of anti-aging serums available in the market. They all have one thing in common. Any guesses? Correct, the youth elixir: Collagen. Collagen serums claim that they boost collagen synthesis and quality. But do collagen serums work?
In order for collagen to actually work, they need to enter the skin properly. But the problem is that collagen molecules are usually big and can not just go deep into the skin. They are large enough to just sit on the epidermis and can not be sucked into the dermis. No substantial research has shown that collagen serums can go below the surface of the skin.
What to use instead?
If not collagen serums, then you can go for collagen peptides. Collagen peptides are hydrolyzed collagen that is broken down into small forms of collagen. We all know that collagen is a type of protein. Our body breaks it down into small amino acids so that it can easily absorb them. A hydrolyzed collagen is made up of short chain amino acids that are easily digestible.
You can avail the benefits of collagen peptides in two ways. Firstly, use serums and moisturizers that contain peptides. Since their particle size is smaller, they can easily enter the dermis and contribute to firmer and younger looking skin. Often collagen and collagen peptides are interchangeably used. Make sure you read the ingredients carefully.
Another option is a collagen peptide supplement, often called a hydrolyzed collagen supplement. They help in maintaining glow and hydration in the skin. Plus, they offer additional benefits too. Such as strengthening bones and joints, supporting good gut health, making hair stronger, and more. Thus, hydrolyzed collagen powder is an amazing way to delay the signs of aging.