Ever looked at a bottle of anti-aging cream or serum and wondered if it really works?

You know how we all really, really don’t like getting older? It’s like, wrinkles, who invited you? No one, that’s who! So, we often get drawn to stuff that says it can make us look younger. A lot of these products, like collagen creams and serums, say they can help. But do they? Let’s find out.

What Exactly is Collagen?

So, what’s collagen? It’s a strong protein that makes up about a third of all the protein in your body. Think of it as the “glue” that holds everything together, like your bones, muscles, skin, hair, and more. In fact, “collagen” comes from a Greek word that actually means “glue.” But the bad news is, when we start getting older, around 25 or so, our body’s natural “glue factory” slows down. It gets worse each year, and by the time we hit 60, it’s slowed down a lot. Things like sun exposure, smoking, and too much sugar can make this even worse.

Is There Actually Any Benefit to Using Skin Care Products with Collagen?

So, do skin care products with collagen help? We asked the experts. You see collagen everywhere, in creams, serums, makeup, you name it. But while these things might make your skin feel softer and smoother, they can’t really put the collagen back in your skin. Dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D., says that these product claims are more marketing than reality. The collagen just sits on top of the skin and doesn’t sink in. Other methods are needed to boost collagen production.

Another skin doctor, Deanne Mraz Robinson, agrees. She says that the hype around topical collagen, the stuff you put on your skin, is just that—hype.

What About Supplements?

So, what about collagen supplements? After learning that creams and serums aren’t the best at helping our skin, we asked experts what would work better. They all agreed that taking collagen supplements is the best way to go.

Robinson explained that a collagen supplement is easier for the body to take in. The collagen is broken down into tiny pieces called peptides that can travel all around your body and stimulate more collagen production. Engelman explains it even further, saying that when you eat these supplements, they get into your blood and help your body make its own collagen.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Make Collagen Supplements Work Better?

Actually, yes! Here are some things you can try:

• Retinol: This is a type of vitamin A that can help the skin in lots of ways. It can help make more collagen, improve skin color, hydrate the skin, and even reduce acne. But be careful, retinol can irritate some people’s skin, so check with a dermatologist before trying it.
• Vitamin C: This is great for boosting collagen too. Vitamin C is necessary for making collagen in the body and also helps protect against damage that can break down collagen. Plus, it can help with things like skin discoloration.
• Glycolic Acid: Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner suggests this as another good option. He says glycolic acid can kick-start a healing response in the skin, which can then help make new collagen. It can also help with stubborn acne.

So there you have it! If you’re serious about boosting your skin’s collagen, the best bet is a collagen supplement that works from the inside. Take that, wrinkles!