Do the Ingredients in Collagen Cream Products Really Work?

Treatments and products are numerous when claiming to treat wrinkles and to provide anti-aging. However, some people get confused and need to clarify what really works and what’s pure nonsense. Over the years many researchers from the University of Osaka and University of Michigan have been trying to determine what ingredients really work for collagen cream products that may give consumers a more affordable skin care and anti-aging treatment rather than going for expensive Botox or collagen injections, or worse, plastic surgery.

After several dozen research studies as well as studying past research of other institutions, they found that 3 ingredients being used today have the most effect when used in collagen creams. These are retinoic acid, collagen peptides, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s). These 3 are proven to have solid evidence. It was also pointed out that neither the researchers nor their institutions have any financial links to any collagen cream manufacturer. Basically, the 3 ingredients work because they can replenish what the skin loses, which is collagen, and which is the basis of all wrinkling in the skin.

Naturally, aging and exposure to the sun are the main culprits in the breakdown of collagen production. One good thing however, is that this is all reversible. Given the right treatments, wrinkles can be smoothed out by activating the production of collagen again in skin cells. The treatments are able to once again make the skin repair and rejuvenate itself through the renewed production of collagen. A good example of this is here.

Retinoic Acid

Derived from vitamin A, this nutrient stimulates the growth of new collagen. The good news is that many collagen creams today carry this ingredient. The bad news is that a few only has less than 5 percent of retinoic in content. For it to be an effective ingredient, there has to be at least 5 percent. For its maximum effect, there should be at least 25 percent. You can even try topical vitamin A creams for really maximum effect.

Collagen Peptides

By itself, collagen cannot just be applied and absorbed by the body. Its molecular structure is too large for it to penetrate the skin. However, when collagen is combined with protein peptides, they allow the collagen to penetrate the skin. At the same time, the protein peptides stimulate additional production of more collagen from the skin.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s)

These gentle acids that come from citric fruits and vitamin C acts as moisturizers for the skin as well as chemical agents to stimulate collagen growth even from old and wrinkled skin. It also boosts the absorption of the protein peptides needed for collagen production.