Collagen Cream

Collagen in the skin forms an important part of the lower layer or dermis. This layer of skin is covered and protected from the outside world by the epidermis, which prevents many substances from entering the body. Collagen is a large molecule that cannot penetrate the upper layers of the skin, so collagen applied to the skin in a cream cannot enter the body and be incorporated into the lower levels of the skin.  There is an alternative using creams that contain the collagen molecule itself. Collagen is a protein that is made up of smaller protein molecules or peptides. The protein components of collagen are small enough to pass into the skin from a cream applied onto the surface. Some creams contain these collagen building blocks, known as keratin.  Just five years ago, collagen cream couldn't directly replace the collagen in skin. However that has changed. These skin creams are believed to help stimulate the skin to produce more collagen. They do this by providing the building blocks for collagen production, as well as other molecules such as Vitamin C that can help with collagen production. This should reduce the signs of skin aging, if more collagen is produced by the body and incorporated into the skin. The new generation of collagen creams supposedly contain molecules that are small enough to penetrate the dermis and actually put collagen molecules where they are needed the most. There is no scientific evidence that proves collagen creams can reduce or prevent wrinkles and other effects of ageing on the skin, but many cosmetics companies do produce collagen creams. Many consumers who regularly use skin care products that contain collagen or its components say that these creams have helped to make their skin look and feel smoother and more supple. The best way to find out whether a collagen cream or other skin care product will work for you is to test it out on your own skin type.

 

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