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What Are the Benefits of Collagen for Wrinkles?

Dee Jones
Dee Jones

Collagen is a fibrous protein that helps to keep the bones, teeth, blood vessels, joints, and skin healthy. Many recommend collagen for wrinkles because this protein can help to repair skin damage and reduce the fine lines and wrinkles that can appear as natural collagen production decreases with age. Using collagen for wrinkles helps to restore the skin’s elasticity, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and making the skin smoother and firmer, all of which will help to promote a younger, more youthful appearance. While there are many ways to stimulate the production of collagen, like eating the right foods, collagen for wrinkles can also be found in many topical creams. There are also collagen supplements that may replenish and restore the collagen the skin may have lost.

Many might be tempted to try topical collagen for wrinkles, however, many insist the collagen molecules contained in most of these creams are too big to be absorbed into the skin and, as a result, such creams have few real benefits. Some might find a better topical option to be retinol cream, which is derived from vitamin A, a powerful anti-aging nutrient. Retinoids, which have been proven effective in various trials and studies, not only prevent the loss of the skin’s natural collagen, they also stimulate the production of new collagen. The use of retinol creams, however, is not without its risks. These creams can make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, meaning sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible, and one must be diligent about using sun protection.

A woman with wrinkles.
A woman with wrinkles.

Another option is the injection of collagen for wrinkles, which some consider among the more drastic options. Other procedures that can increase collagen production include laser treatments, laser light therapy, and chemical peels. These options can be pricey, and many prefer more natural and less expensive methods of stimulating natural collagen production.

Collagen cream.
Collagen cream.

A diet that contains foods rich in antioxidants — like leafy green vegetables, beans, prunes, red berries, and citrus fruits — will help protect from the free radicals that can break down collagen. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help with collagen production, so one should have plenty of foods like nuts, tuna, salmon, flaxseeds, and fortified eggs in her diet. Smokers who wish to reduce the visible signs of aging should keep in mind that smoking breaks down the collagen in the skin, making it more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid are all great for preventing and treating wrinkles. I personally try to get as much collagen as I can through my diet. I eat a lot of fish and I use homemade chicken broth a lot.

SarahGen

@ysmina-- I don't think that there is consensus on whether collagen creams work for wrinkles or not. Some brands claim that they process collagen in such a way that the skin is able to absorb it. I'm not an expert in this subject so I have no idea if it's true. I have heard however that collagen creams have other ingredients that temporarily make skin cells plumper to give the appearance that wrinkles have reduced.

If collagen creams work for you, you should keep using them. If at any point you don't feel that they work, you might want to look into collagen fillers and collagen supplements. I've heard great things about both.

ysmina

I keep hearing that collagen creams don't work. But I'm using a collagen cream and I have seen an improvement in my skin. My skin looks plumper and tighter. Even my neighbor commented on how great my skin looks nowadays. She told me to keep doing what I'm doing.

So how can people say that collagen creams don't work?! I've experienced the benefits first hand!

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    • A woman with wrinkles.
      A woman with wrinkles.
    • Collagen cream.
      By: picsfive
      Collagen cream.
    • A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkles.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkles.
    • A diet high in antioxidant-rich foods like salmon may help prevent a breakdown in collagen.
      By: natalyka
      A diet high in antioxidant-rich foods like salmon may help prevent a breakdown in collagen.