Many people turn to skin care products to help boost collagen. However, collagen skin absorption isn't possible. Collagen has a massive molecular weight, so it's physically too large to penetrate the skin. So, the collagen in these formulas simply sits on your skin's surface.
Collagen can't be absorbed through skin... it just dissolved.
But to ensure your body gets all the collagen it can from supplements, opt for collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen. This alternative includes fragments of animal-derived collagen. Breaking down collagen makes it easier for the body to absorb in its entirety than collagen taken as a complete protein.
Retinol is the most proven method of stimulating collagen. Work your way up to a product with a high concentration of real retinol (not an ester like retinyl palmitate), or get a prescription for tretinoin.
Thus far, no human studies have clearly proven that collagen you take orally will end up in your skin, hair, or nails. If your goal is to improve skin texture and elasticity and minimize wrinkles, you're better off focusing on sun protection and using topical retinoids.
"Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz.
For skin improvement and joint support, hydrolyzed collagen peptides are often considered the most effective due to their high bioavailability.
Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth is a potent source of collagen. This broth, made by boiling chicken bones in water, is believed to extract collagen, thus supporting body health.
Treatments like Sculptra and biostimulatory fillers are highly effective for long-term collagen stimulation, offering gradual and natural results. Microneedling and radiofrequency skin treatments also provide excellent benefits by encouraging the skin's natural healing processes.
Timing for collagen supplements depends on the reason you are taking them. If you have experienced gases or gut issues with these supplements, it is best to have them in the morning blended in with your smoothies or in a cup of coffee. If you want a good night sleep, you can take it at night with a glass of milk.
Facial massages are not just a moment of relaxation, but an effective technique for stimulating collagen production and keeping skin firm and elastic. By incorporating this practice into your skincare routine, you actively contribute to the health and tone of your skin.
There are a few ways that exercise can boost collagen levels: Exercise delivers nutrients, like vitamins and oxygen, to skin cells, helping them repair and multiply. Specifically, these nutrients feed the fibroblast cells in your skin that produce collagen.
Good news: Unless you're allergic to their ingredients, there are no known side effects of taking collagen peptides. As with anything else, check the label closely, but if you're allergy-free, you should be A-OK to try collagen peptides.
Which fruit has the most collagen? Fruit doesn't contain collagen. But many fruits are high in vitamin C, which helps with collagen production. Fruits high in vitamin C — like oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, and papayas — can help your body make more collagen.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, Unflavored, 1.5 lbs | Costco.
The short answer is it depends on your everyday routine. If you hit the gym at 5 every morning, tossing your collagen capsules in a baggy and going on your way may be suitable. If you have several cups of coffee before hitting your in-home office in the morning, collagen powder may be your go-to option.
Studies show that consuming 15g of collagen (which provides an adequate amount of glycine) can improve sleep quality by supporting this cooling effect. What does this mean for you? If you find yourself tossing and turning, glycine-rich collagen may help you relax, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer.