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.

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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
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MISMO MSM - 850g/ Pure Crystalline - Pain Relief
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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
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Tax included. Shipping free over A$150 (see conditions below).

MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane or Dimethyl Sulfone) is an organic sulfur compound found in all living organisms. It is the purest and most bio-available form of sulfur, a crucial mineral for life and cellular regeneration. MSM has long been used as a supplement to support joint health, improve flexibility and mobility, and enhance the strength of hair and nails.

In addition to its joint benefits, MSM is commonly recommended for skin health, helping with conditions like psoriasis and leaky gut syndrome. It’s also supportive for those dealing with mild arthritis and osteoporosis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

MSM is recommended for those who:

  • Experience joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
  • Want to improve skin conditions like psoriasis
  • Are looking for strong hair, nails, and healthy skin
  • Seek relief from digestive issues like leaky gut syndrome
  • Want to support bone health and manage arthritis

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

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.

How will MSM benefit me?

MSM for Skin, Hair, and Nails

MSM helps protect collagen from degrading enzymes, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen and elastin production. It also increases the body’s natural production of glutathione, a key antioxidant, which supports the immune system, reduces pigmentation, and prevents cellular damage. MSM acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing cytokine production (inflammatory compounds) and maintains skin cell membrane flexibility, allowing for better nutrient exchange, keeping skin clear and healthy.

MSM for Joint Health

MSM’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties make it a natural option for reducing pain and inflammation associated with mild arthritis and osteoarthritis. It helps support joint mobility and flexibility by delivering essential sulfur to cartilage and connective tissue, making it valuable for joint health.

MSM for Exercise Recovery

MSM is important for those with active lifestyles, delivering sulfur and methyl nutrients needed for healthy cells in muscles and connective tissues. It supports flexible cell structures, reduces inflammation in muscle tissue, and helps alleviate muscle soreness and joint pain caused by exercise-related inflammation. This makes it especially valued by bodybuilders and athletes for faster recovery and enhanced performance.

Should I buy capsules or powder?

The main difference between MSM capsules and powder comes down to convenience and cost. MSM powder is more economical, as you get more product for the price, making it a great option for daily use at home. However, MSM capsules are more convenient for traveling and ideal for those who don’t enjoy the natural taste of MSM powder, offering a tasteless, easy-to-take alternative.

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?

    Start with 1/4 - 1/2 tsp per day (or 1-2 capsules). This is to prevent potential detox side effects (headache or nausea). These are easily avoided with a low start dosage and adequate hydration. 

    After one week, start slowly increasing to the average dose of 2 to 6 grams daily (or 5-6 capsules). 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

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