If you’re serious about your skin care or if you’ve done even the smallest amount of research, odds are you’ve heard the word “collagen”. In addition to being one of the main support structures of the skin, collagen is a popular ingredient in anti-wrinkle and anti-aging creams. It’s such a favorite ingredient because it’s an essential part of the extracellular matrix that maintains skin structure. However, not all collagens are created equal. Keep reading to find out how collagens differ and how to find the right collagen cream to meet your needs. 

The Structure Of Collagen 

Collagen is a protein consisting of three polypeptide chains. What this means on a very basic level is that it is chemically complex and each molecule is relatively large. This makes it so that collagen in its complete state cannot penetrate the skin. Therefore, if you see collagen in the ingredients but it is not labeled as soluble, hydrolyzed, or peptides, then it is highly unlikely to absorb into your skin.

When not broken down into peptides that allow it to cross through the skin’s barrier, topical collagen can do little more than moisturize. Of course, moisturizing is important, so if all you’re looking for is a moisturizer and you see collagen in the ingredients, you don’t have to be too worried about which type of collagen was used. But, if you want to reap all the anti-aging benefits collagen has to offer, you’re going to want a product that does more than just hydrate the skin – you want it to boost the collagen levels in your skin for a smoother complexion.

Where Collagen Comes From

The collagen used in cosmetics is usually animal derived. The main sources of collagen are bovine (cattle) or marine (fish), though porcine (pig) and avian (bird/chicken) collagens may also be used. Due to the conditions in which porcine and avian animals are kept as well as religious aversions to pigs, bovine and marine collagen are generally preferred and considered safest for human use. 

Between the 2 top contenders, marine collagen is often preferred because it absorbs better than other types of collagen (1). Fish-derived collagen peptides have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitory activities (2). MMPs are enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix; meaning that they break down the support structures of the skin, which is why preventing their activity can help slow down skin aging.

The bottom line is that marine collagen peptides are considered better than bovine. Marine collagen can be said to help prevent wrinkles through their multi-action effects on the skin. Additionally, the farming and extraction process of marine collagen emits less greenhouse gases than bovine farming.

Why You Should Consider A Collagen Cream

Collagen production slows with age. When you’re young, you produce collagen at a rate equal to or faster than your collagen breaks down. Once production slows, collagen levels start to fall and skin starts to wrinkle and sag. But don’t despair, collagen creams can help you maintain higher collagen levels.

Types Of Collagen Creams

There are four different types of collagen cream formulas:

  1. Containing collagen that isn’t soluble and does little more than hydrate.
  2. Containing collagen that is soluble and helps boost collagen production.
  3. Containing collagen-boosting ingredients with no collagen in the cream.
  4. Containing both soluble collagen and collagen-boosting ingredients.

Agelyss Collagen Cream belongs to the 4th category. It contains soluble marine collagen to deliver collagen into the skin, as well as retinol and hyaluronic acid to boost collagen synthesis. We want our creams to be the most effective they can be, and we don’t cut corners or skimp when it comes to our formulas. Agelyss Collagen Cream is specially formulated to boost collagen levels in the skin for smoother, healthier-looking, Agelyss skin.

Experience the ultimate collagen cream with Agelyss – Shop Now!