Does collagen really help fight wrinkles and aging? Dermatologist explains

Collagen has been seen in the media in regard to having anti-aging properties. At least 30% of the body—skin, bones, tendons, organs—is made up of collagen. Collagen is a protein of the supportive tissue of the skin, which helps give it its tightness and suppleness.

As collagen is lost over time, this can lead to sagging and thinning of the skin and the development of wrinkles. Much of the anti-aging industry focuses on maintaining or, hopefully, building collagen.

Collagen comes in the form of over-the-counter dietary supplements such as capsules or powder, but it can also be consumed through gelatin found in foods such as Jell-O and marshmallows.

Studies are unclear as to whether taking collagen by mouth, either through diet or by supplement, is beneficial. Oftentimes, when research on collagen is performed, it is not performed on humans, or it may be performed on humans but in an amount that is impractical for your daily diet or habits over time.

When considering topical collagen products such as serums and moisturizers, keep in mind that collagen is a large protein with a complex structure that cannot be absorbed directly through the skin.

Over-the-counter products may be labeled with fancy words such as “high hydrolyzed collagen peptides,” which claim that the collagen’s chemical structure is more absorbable in the gut lining or on the top of the skin so that it seemingly would be more active.

Topical products that are not medications are not registered through the Food and Drug Administration in the same way that prescription medication is. Similarly, oral supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and oral medications are regulated. With numerous products available on the market, it is difficult to tell how it has been tested, what it contains and if those ingredients are helpful, neutral or potentially harmful.

In dermatology and plastic surgery, as well as facial, ear, nose and throat surgery, collagen and fillers in the skin are given through other treatment methods in the office, such as by injection.

So, if someone is interested in anti-aging properties and bringing more volume to the deeper layers of their skin, at this time, prescription or active medical intervention in a physician’s office is suggested versus over-the-counter oral or topical treatment.