Topical Collagen Products: Do They Really Work?

Topical Collagen Products: Do They Really Work?

Collagen is the protein that gives our skin its firmness, elasticity, and youthful appearance. As we age, natural collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of radiance. With this in mind, many people turn to collagen-based skincare products in the hopes of restoring that youthful glow. But do topical collagen products actually work, or are they just a marketing gimmick? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind collagen in skincare, analyze whether these products can really deliver, and review the best practices for using collagen topically.

How Collagen Works in the Skin

Collagen is a structural protein that makes up about 80% of the skin’s dry weight. It is essential for maintaining skin strength, elasticity, and hydration. However, the body’s natural collagen production begins to decline around age 25, with significant reductions occurring as we age further. This decrease is accelerated by external factors such as UV exposure, pollution, and smoking.

This is where collagen-based skincare products come in, promising to replenish lost collagen and restore youthful, glowing skin. The question is: can applying collagen topically to the skin actually penetrate deeply enough to make a difference?

The Science Behind Topical Collagen Products

Collagen molecules are naturally quite large. In fact, they are too large to penetrate the outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum). This has led many dermatologists to be skeptical about the effectiveness of topical collagen products. A study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology confirms that collagen's large molecular size prevents it from penetrating the deeper layers of the skin and, therefore, cannot directly increase collagen levels when applied topically (Sivamani et al., 2015).

However, while collagen itself may not penetrate the skin, some topical collagen products contain hydrolyzed collagen, which has been broken down into smaller peptides. These peptides are more easily absorbed by the skin and can help support hydration and elasticity. A study in Nutrients highlights that hydrolyzed collagen can improve skin barrier function and hydration when applied in topical formulations (Campos et al., 2019).

Do Topical Collagen Products Work?

The effectiveness of topical collagen products depends largely on the formulation. While intact collagen molecules cannot penetrate the skin, hydrolyzed collagen or collagen-boosting ingredients in these products may offer some skin benefits. Here’s what topical collagen can and cannot do:

What Collagen Products CAN Do:

  1. Hydration: Topical collagen products often help hydrate the skin. Even if the collagen itself doesn’t penetrate deeply, these products can form a protective layer that helps the skin retain moisture.

  2. Skin Texture Improvement: The hydrating effects of collagen-based creams can improve the overall texture of the skin, making it feel smoother and more supple.

  3. Support Other Ingredients: Collagen-containing products often also feature ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, which can boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

What Collagen Products CANNOT Do:

  1. Increase Collagen Production Directly: As mentioned earlier, collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin barrier, so they can’t directly replenish the skin's collagen stores. However, certain peptides and ingredients in collagen products can stimulate the body’s natural collagen production.

  2. Firm and Tighten Skin in the Long-Term: While collagen creams can offer temporary hydration and smoothness, they won’t provide long-term firming effects like collagen produced naturally within the skin.

Best Practices for Using Topical Collagen Products

If you're considering adding a collagen-based product to your skincare routine, here are a few tips to maximize its benefits:

  1. Look for Hydrolyzed Collagen: Hydrolyzed collagen is broken down into smaller peptides, making it more easily absorbed by the skin. Look for products that contain this ingredient for more effective results.

  2. Combine with Other Active Ingredients: Products that include vitamin C, retinol, or peptides can help stimulate collagen production more effectively than collagen alone. Vitamin C, in particular, is crucial for collagen synthesis, while retinol encourages skin cell turnover and boosts natural collagen production.

  3. Hydration is Key: One of the main benefits of topical collagen products is their ability to hydrate the skin. Ensure you are moisturizing regularly and maintaining a good skincare routine to see the best results.

  4. Consistency is Essential: As with any skincare product, consistency is key. Collagen creams may not deliver instant results, but with regular use, you may notice improvements in skin hydration and texture.

Alternatives to Topical Collagen for Boosting Collagen Levels

If you’re looking for a more effective way to boost collagen levels in your skin, there are several proven alternatives:

  1. Collagen Supplements: Oral collagen supplements are broken down during digestion into amino acids, which can then be used by the body to synthesize collagen. Research shows that collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle depth over time (Bolke et al., 2019).

  2. Retinoids and Peptides: Retinoids and peptides are among the most effective ingredients for stimulating collagen production within the skin. Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) increase cell turnover and boost collagen synthesis, while peptides send signals to your skin to create more collagen.

  3. Microneedling: Microneedling involves creating tiny micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing response and promotes collagen production. This treatment can help improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and enhance skin firmness.

Conclusion: Should You Use Topical Collagen Products?

While topical collagen products won’t penetrate deeply enough to boost collagen production directly, they can still offer valuable benefits such as hydration and improved skin texture. For those looking to see a real increase in collagen levels, combining topical collagen with other active ingredients like peptides or vitamin C, or exploring treatments like collagen supplements or retinoids, may yield better results.

In summary, topical collagen products are best used for their hydrating and smoothing properties, but for more significant, long-term collagen production, other treatments and ingredients may be more effective.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Back to The MISMO Journal

You may also like

View all
The Role of Collagen in Cartilage and Bone Health
The Role of Collagen in Cartilage and Bone Health
Can Collagen Reduce Joint Pain and Arthritis?
Can Collagen Reduce Joint Pain and Arthritis?
Topical Collagen Products: Do They Really Work?
Topical Collagen Products: Do They Really Work?
MISMO MSM - 440g / Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - Capsules / Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MSM capsules pain relief
MISMO MSM - 440g / Pure Crystalline - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - 850g Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - 850g/ Pure Crystalline - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - 2kg Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - 2kg / Pure Crystalline - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - Capsules/ Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - Capsules / Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - 440g / Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - Capsules / Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MSM capsules pain relief
MISMO MSM - 440g / Pure Crystalline - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - 850g Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - 850g/ Pure Crystalline - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - 2kg Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - 2kg / Pure Crystalline - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - Capsules/ Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief
MISMO MSM - Capsules / Ultra-Pure Distilled - Pain Relief

MISMO MSM

$38.00 AUD
/
Tax included. Shipping free over A$150 (see conditions below).

What is MSM?

MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane or Dimethyl Sulfone) is an organic sulphur compound found in all living organisms. It is the purest and most bio-available form of sulphur, one of the essential minerals crucial to life and the regeneration of cells. MSM has traditionally been taken as a food supplement to increase joint health for flexibility and mobility, as well as for strong hair and nails, beautiful skin, and other health conditions from leaky gut syndrome to mild arthritis, osteoporosis, and psoriasis. 

Why do we need to supplement with MSM?

Natural MSM is largely destroyed when our food is processed and can be lost entirely when foods and ingredients are stored for a long period of time. MSM bonds with moisture, so any food which undergoes any sort of dehydration will lack its natural MSM.

For these reasons, and because MSM is so critical for almost every athletic function in active bodies, it is important to consistently supplement with a quality MSM nutritional supplement 

What is the science of MSM?

Sulphur is integral to the production of collagen and elastin, and MSM is a source of organic Sulphur. Collagen is the principal structural protein holding the skin together and is largely responsible for the skin’s mechanical properties.  Approximately half of the body's sulphur content is found in the skin, muscles, cartilage and bones.

Click here for more information on The Science of MSM

How can MSM benefit your skin, hair and nails?

  • Protecting collagen against collagen degrading enzymes
  • Reducing fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen and elastin production
  • Boosting the natural production of Glutathione, one of the body's key anti-oxidants ... as an anti-oxidant, MSM will boost the immune system and reduce pigmentation and cellular damage
  • Acting as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing the production of cytokines (compounds that cause inflammation)
  • Maintaining skin cell membrane flexibility and permeability, promoting an efficient exchange of nutrients and waste products to help keep skin clear
  • Helping to maintaining the body's pH balance

How can MSM help with joint health and support? 

MSM has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a natural alternative to help reduce pain from mild arthritis and osteoarthritis related symptoms.

How does MISMO MSM help with exercise recovery?

Our muscles, skin, bones, organs, and connective tissue all rely on sulphur and without it our bodies can not function properly.  MSM is an important nutritional supplement for anyone living an active lifestyle, as it delivers the sulphur and methyl nutrients which are key to the structure of healthy cells in muscle and connective tissue.

MSM is valued by bodybuilders, strength, and power athletes because it supports healthy and flexible cell structures and can help reduce the inflammation of muscle tissue and can offset muscle soreness and joint pain caused by inflammation.

Where is MSM found and how is it manufactured?

MSM is found in the fluid and tissue of all living organisms. It is present in a variety of foods including raw vegetables, eggs, milk and fish, but is lost through cooking and food processing. One of the richest natural supplies is pine trees and cabbage.

Although MSM is abundant in nature, even the richest natural sources only provide MSM in the level of several parts per million. Commercial extraction of MSM from trees is not possible so a process is undertaken which parallels the natural oxidation that occurs in the marine atmosphere and produces MSM that is a chemical compound identical to that found in nature.

Click here for a detailed explanation of how MSM is manufactured.

What is the difference between Distilled Ultra-Pure MSM and Pure-Crystalline MSM?

With the distilled product, the MSM solution is heated up to a point where the MSM is released as a vapour and the pure crystals are formed and harvested as the vapour cools on the inside surface of a distillation column.  The heating-up of the MSM solution and the subsequent cooling and harvesting process requires a lot more energy, and hence the reason why the price is a bit higher.

With the crystalline product, the MSM solution is "spun" at super-high speed in a centrifuge and the MSM crystals are formed on the walls of the centrifuge.  And although the MSM solution is highly-pure before the crystallisation process begins (having undergone a reverse-osmosis filtration process), there is a remote possibility that if there are any trace impurities in the solution they can become encapsulated in the crystalline structure.


How pure is MISMO MSM?

Every batch of our MSM is rigourously tested by an independent laboratory to ensure the highest possible quality with no additives or anti-caking agents. MSM is gluten free and vegan / vegetarian. Packaged in Australia from imported ingredients.

    How much MISMO MSM should I be taking?

    An average dose is between 2 to 6 grams daily. Most people take a teaspoon (approx. 4 grams) daily. If more relief is needed, increase the dose slowly. Can be taken in water or juice after breakfast, although there are no rules as to when you should take MSM.

    It is recommended to take MSM in the morning, as it can give a boost of energy. Side effects when starting out with MSM can be nausea and/or headaches. This is not uncommon and is linked to the detoxifying benefits of MSM. We recommend lowering your dose if experiencing these symptoms and gradually increasing with time.

    WARNINGS: If taking strong blood thinners, do not take MSM without your doctor's approval. Not to be taken by children without a health professional's advice.  MSM can also interfere with the accuracy of the blood test for liver enzymes by sometimes producing false positive results. It is recommended you cease taking MSM at least 4 days before these blood tests. You can resume after the test.

    Is MISMO MSM listed with the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)?

    Yes, click here to view the TGA listing for MISMO MSM

      Size
      Type