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What is a Collagen Moisturizer?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

Simply put, a collagen moisturizer is a type of moisturizer that contains collagen. Collagen injections and creams have been used by cosmetic surgeons for many years now, though there is some debate as to whether or not over-the-counter collagen moisturizers actually work. While collagen injections and prescription creams have been proven effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, this is not the case with collagen moisturizers.

Since skin needs collage in order to appear youthful, attempting to slather skin in collagen seems to make sense. Skin cannot absorb the collagen that is present in over-the-counter moisturizers. Instead, collagen must be injected into the skin in order for skin to become noticeably younger. This fact is well-known to the cosmetic industry, which is why collagen moisturizers have been widely marketed all over the world.

Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of collagen.
Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of collagen.

Many countries, including the United States, do not monitor the effectiveness of non-prescription products. Therefore, many cosmetic products that are sold worldwide may or may not work as advertised. Collagen moisturizer is one product that is largely ineffective, but is still sold to many people throughout the globe on a regular basis. In order to find a non-prescription moisturizer that helps to reduce wrinkles and restore youthfulness, it is important to look for other moisturizer ingredients.

Since collagen must be injected into the skin in order to be effective, collagen moisturizers generally do not erase wrinkles.
Since collagen must be injected into the skin in order to be effective, collagen moisturizers generally do not erase wrinkles.

Some moisturizer ingredients, such as Coenzyme Q10, have been proven to improve the look of wrinkles. A collagen moisturizer that contains similar ingredients may be more effective than a collagen moisturizer that does not contain any beneficial ingredients. Still, the best way to find an effective moisturizer is to make an appointment with a licensed dermatologist.

Some moisturizer ingredients, such as Coenzyme Q10, have been shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Some moisturizer ingredients, such as Coenzyme Q10, have been shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles.

Unlike non-prescription moisturizers and wrinkle creams, prescription products are tested in most countries. Therefore, any product that is not effective cannot be sold to dermatology patients. Facial products that are sold over the counter are frequently diluted versions of prescription products. Thus, some non-prescription products may work if take over a long period of time on a consistent basis, but a prescription product will work right away as prescribed.

There  is some debate over whether over-the-counter collagen moisturizers actually work.
There is some debate over whether over-the-counter collagen moisturizers actually work.

In the end, purchasing a collagen moisturizer will not help to reduce wrinkles. While moisturizer manufacturers may promise consumers that certain products will restore youth, this is not always the case. When seeking to reduce wrinkles or restore youth, the best course of action is to eat well, stay out of the sun, do not smoke, and exercise. If topical creams are needed, make an appointment with a dermatologist who will prescribe proven moisturizing treatments.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

Doctors keep saying that collagen facial moisturizers don't work because the collagen molecules are too large for our skin to absorb. I have no idea if this is true but I think that my collagen moisturizer makes me look younger. It probably has other ingredients in it that improve skin. Either way, I'm going to keep using collagen moisturizer.

SteamLouis

@anamur-- I think most moisturizers with collagen use marine collagen.

Technically, it is possible to get collagen from cows, pigs and fish. The product should specify what type of collagen was used. You can call or email the company to check if they haven't mentioned it.

Every company works a little bit differently. But for the most part, bovine (cow) and pig collagen are mostly used in collagen injections. Collagen moisturizers usually use marine collagen. My collagen cream has marine collagen, so it comes from fish.

serenesurface

Where does the collagen in collagen moisturizer come from?

I've heard that collagen from pigs is also used in skin care products. Is this true? This may be a weird question, but are collagen moisturizers considered kosher?

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    • Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of collagen.
      By: Alila
      Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of collagen.
    • Since collagen must be injected into the skin in order to be effective, collagen moisturizers generally do not erase wrinkles.
      By: picsfive
      Since collagen must be injected into the skin in order to be effective, collagen moisturizers generally do not erase wrinkles.
    • Some moisturizer ingredients, such as Coenzyme Q10, have been shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles.
      By: Mikhail Malyugin
      Some moisturizer ingredients, such as Coenzyme Q10, have been shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles.
    • There  is some debate over whether over-the-counter collagen moisturizers actually work.
      By: picsfive
      There is some debate over whether over-the-counter collagen moisturizers actually work.
    • Skin cannot absorb the collagen that is found in over-the-counter moisturizers.
      By: Africa Studio
      Skin cannot absorb the collagen that is found in over-the-counter moisturizers.