Collagen is what gives our skin its bouncy, elastic texture, and is the most abundant protein in the body making up 30% of our total protein content. When we are young, our skin is full of collagen, keeping it soft, supple, and firm. But with age our skin starts to pay the price because your body begins to produce less collagen starting at the age of 20, the skin produces 1% less collagen each year. More dramatic visible changes appear in your 30s and 40s, as those fine lines and wrinkles begin to creep in... and before you know it, gravity wins the battle, and your skin starts to sag. So below you can read about how to increase your collagen levels by taking supplements or using topical collagen to help with anti-aging.

Does topical collagen work?

Topical collagen usually comes in the form of a face mask. These masks are typically creams, gels, or sheet masks which are designed to be applied to your face and contain collagen as an ingredient. The idea is that you leave them on skin for a set amount of time and the collagen from the product absorbs into your skin where it works to decrease lines, wrinkles, and sagging.

When applied topically, via a mask, the main concern doctors and skin professional’s debate is whether the collagen protein will penetrate the top layer of skin. Some products and brands may list collagen as an ingredient however they are too large for the skin to properly absorb meaning you will not gain as much benefit.

However, if your product contain the ingredients "hydrolyzed collagen" or "collagen amino acids" your skin will receive much better absorption. The reason that hydrolyzed collagen is more readily absorbed into the skin is because the collagen has been broken down into smaller groups or chains of amino acids.  Hydrolyzed collagen also acts as an antioxidant So, as your skin soaks up the amino acids, the skins collagen production increases.

What other ingredients boost collagen levels?

Other topical treatments and ingredients like retinol (vitamin A) and tretinoin are scientifically proven to promote collagen formation. Additionally, antioxidants such as vitamin C can reverse the inflammation that causes damage to the collagen in your skin.

Something to take into consideration with these other topical options, are that they can be irritating to the skin, and can also cause inflammation. So, they are best to be used or tried out when you don’t have a date or an important event coming up soon.

Do collagen supplements work?

Collagen supplements are typically in the form of collagen peptide powders, capsules, or liquid. According to Dr. Ohara Aivaz who works at Cedars-Sinai “We're not actually sure if collagen supplements benefit us. The issue is that most things we ingest are broken down by stomach acids and are not absorbed into the bloodstream. It's unclear if we absorb ingested collagen or if it's totally broken down in the stomach. I tell patients that the jury is still out on taking collagen," Dr. Aivaz says. "If they pick a safe collagen product, there's probably very little harm from trying it."

Can I use a collagen serum and retinol cream on the same night?

Always apply collagen and retinol to freshly washed, bare skin and never try to layer either on top of one another or over other face products. The reason why is because both of these are considered a base product  and can be layered with products on top of it once it is applied to the face, but not vice versa. If you were to layer them or use over other products you will be blocking them from penetrating the skin, thus making them useless.

Something you should keep in mind is that your skin will go through an adjustment period when using retinol because of its strength. If you want the adjustment period to be less noticeable, start with the weakest form of retinol and work your way up. If you start to have an adverse reaction it is a sign your body can’t handle that strength and it is suggested, you go back down to the previous retinoid level. It is also essential to apply it just once the first few weeks and to slowly increase the frequency otherwise you’re going to irritate and damage your skin.  Meanwhile, use a topical collagen on the nights you are not using the retinal to provide your skin the moisture, and help it needs to fight those annoying fine lines and wrinkles.

Why we recommend Raybae's overnight collagen mask

This reparative overnight face mask combines the power of hydrolyzed collagen, collagen-supporting peptides, and moisture-boosting ingredients. Together, acetyl hexapeptide-8 and palmitoyl oligopeptide work to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and creases while supporting the production of collagen, a protein critical for skin density, firmness, and elasticity. Hydrolyzed collagen helps to diminish signs of photo damage and reduce the look of wrinkles. Mega-moisturizers like glycerin and squalane help lock moisture into the skin, while oat kernel extract soothes and comforts.

Helps With

• Elasticity and Firmness
• Diminishes Wrinkles & Fine Lines
• Fades Dark Spots
• Fights Inflammation
• Repairs Damaged Skin

Key Benefits
• Heals and restores skin overnight
• Provides elastic, more firm skin
• Leaves the skin soft & smooth
• Reduces the appearance of past skin damage

Learn more about Raybae’s Award Winning Overnight Collagen Mask!

If you would like to read more about natural skin care tips for anti-aging you can follow this link