Oral Vs. Topical Collagen: Do You Have the Same Benefits?

It’s no secret that collagen is a famous ingredient, essential for maintaining youthful skin. But as we age, we experience a decline in collagen synthesis, leading to the development of sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. It’s no wonder collagen-boosting products have become all the rage. Today, you can find collagen in both topical skin care and oral supplements — but which is more effective?

We’ll take an in-depth look at the differences between oral collagen supplements and topical collagen in skin care, how topical peptides play a role, and what you can expect from collagen skin care.

Topical Collagen in Skin Care: Does it Work?

Collagen is often referred to as the mortar of the skin (fun fact: its name comes from the Greek word “kolla”, which means glue). This structural protein binds our cells and tissues together, helping them maintain their strength and elasticity. Unfortunately, collagen synthesis decreases over time, leading to the appearance of sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. This is where topical collagen comes in.

You’ll find topical collagen in creams, serums and targeted treatments aimed at improving skin elasticity and resilience. Although collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, they have water-binding properties. Dendy Engelman, MD states that topical collagen creams undeniably “hydrate the skin,” which in turn minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This hydration also leaves the skin smoother and more supple.

If you are looking for an additional ingredient to work with topical collagen, we recommend topical peptides. Let’s unpack this powerful active next.

Can topical peptides improve the appearance of skin?

Thanks to their smaller molecular size, locally Peptides are more easily absorbed than collagen molecules and help to visibly rejuvenate the appearance of the skin. Like collagen, peptides are a form of protein, albeit smaller versions of protein. When the topical peptides reach the dermis, they provide the skin’s fibroblasts with the building blocks they need to produce new collagen. By boosting the skin’s collagen levels, peptides can improve the appearance of skin elasticity to enhance skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. As a result, many skin care products add topical peptides to their formulations as well.

Us Product Support Team here in Eminence Organic Skin Care explains the role of peptides in skin care:

“A peptide is a molecule made up of shorter chains of amino acids that make them more easily absorbed by the skin. There are various benefits that peptides provide to visibly rejuvenate the skin and different peptides work on the skin in different ways. Certain peptides trigger the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for skin tone and texture. Increasing these proteins can give aging skin increased elasticity and suppleness.”

Now that we’ve explored both topical collagen and topical peptide options, a different approach you can take is oral collagen supplements. But do oral collagen supplements really work?

Will taking collagen by mouth improve the appearance of skin?

Oral collagen is another way to add this essential protein to your beauty routine. Liquid collagen is hydrolyzed — broken down into peptides that are small enough to be digested and absorbed.

According NCBI, “Oral collagen intake enhances the skin’s moisture content, particularly the corundum layer, as well as skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles and roughness.” Beyond skin care, oral collagen supplements are also beneficial for hair, nails, and joint health. They promote healthy digestion, exercise recovery and more for your body’s overall well-being.

Now let’s dispel a common myth! Oral collagen is not a magic ingredient for instant results. Results from oral collagen take time and may vary from person to person. It is best to talk to your doctor before introducing collagen supplements into your diet.

Topical collagen vs oral collagen: What the experts say

What do the experts say? Jeannette Graf, MD says Birdie that putting collagen on your skin provides moisturizing benefits and makes skin feel softer and smoother. Marie Hayag, MD, adds that it’s the intentional layering, or cocktail, of ingredients that work well together (eg, topical collagen and topical peptides).

Prevention Magazine advocates combining all three elements together and incorporating oral supplementation into a skin care regimen with topical collagen and peptides, saying, “It’s the breaking down of collagen into very specific small chains of amino acids and peptides that holds the secret to youthful skin . ” Dermatologist Doris Day agrees, saying that “supplements are here to stay” and that they have a key place in your skin care routine, alongside a good diet, sunscreen and moisturizer. The New York Times also endorses ingestible collagen, saying, “Studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity (ie, wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging.”

Combines topical collagen, peptides & oral supplements

The best way to improve the look and feel of your skin could be a combination of all three types of collagen. Topical collagen, peptides, and oral collagen often work synergistically to support skin health. While topical collagen provides more immediate skin-smoothing results, topical peptides and oral collagen work overtime to improve the appearance of skin elasticity. The result: Firmer, smoother skin that looks firmer.

Essentials for healthy skin

See how you can incorporate topical collagen and topical peptides into your Eminence Organics skin care routine.

Collection of marine flower peptides

The award-winning Marine Flower Peptide Collection includes products with botanical peptides and collagen. Let’s explore how these products combine both to support the look of your skin.

Marine Flower Peptide Serum, Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum all contain botanical collagen with water-binding properties that hydrate the skin’s appearance as well as botanical peptides that improve the appearance of skin’s elasticity, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles visible. Marine Flower Peptide Serum and Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream also include Smart Collagen+ Complex, formulated with cruelty-free collagen, natural plant peptides and sustainably sourced freshwater and saltwater algae. These advanced active ingredients improve the appearance of skin so that it appears significantly smoother, firmer and more youthful.

All products in the Marine Flower Peptide Collection, including Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate, contain botanical peptides. These peptides improve the appearance of elasticity in the skin, resulting in a visible reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pro tip: Add Birch Water Purifying Essence to your routine for an extra dose of botanical collagen.

Both topical collagen and topical peptides have a place in your skin care routine. And oral collagen completes them. Together, these buzzing ingredients pack a powerful punch that leaves skin looking smoother and brighter.

Other natural ways to boost collagen

Having explored the benefits of topical collagen, peptides, and oral supplements, let’s now delve into natural strategies to further enhance your skin care routine and effectively boost collagen production.

Balanced nutrition and hydration

Include collagen-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, amino acids, and antioxidants found in citrus fruits, leafy greens, and lean proteins. Talking to you HT LifestyleDermatologist based in Hyderabad Dr. Lakshmi Sowjanya shared“You can increase your skin’s resilience and youthful appeal by adopting natural strategies to boost collagen production.”

Regular Exercise

Consider engaging in activities that stimulate blood flow and oxygenation, promoting collagen synthesis and skin elasticity.

Quality sleep

Prioritize restful sleep, as collagen production peaks during this time, helping to repair and regenerate the skin.

Use Hyaluronic Acid

Use products with hyaluronic acid to improve the appearance of collagen in the skin and maintain skin elasticity. Its ability to retain moisture improves skin texture and firmness, while also contributing to overall skin health and a youthful appearance.

Sun protection

Apply sunscreen daily to protect skin from UV damage and prevent collagen breakdown. Applying sunscreen daily is a vital step in maintaining the firmness and elasticity of your skin.

Are topical and oral collagen part of your skin care routine? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let us know what has worked for you in the comments below.