Topical vs. Ingestible Collagen: Which One is Worth the Hype?
Collagen seems to be everywhere these days—from powders you mix into your coffee to serums that promise to plump your skin. But with all the hype around this magic protein, one major question arises: is topical collagen actually doing anything for your skin, or is ingesting collagen the real key to glowing skin? As someone who lives and breathes a holistic lifestyle, I wanted to get to the bottom of this, blending both personal experience and science to find out which approach gives you the best bang for your buck.
The Role of Collagen in Skin Health
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, forming the scaffolding that keeps skin firm and elastic. Think of it as the natural glue that holds our skin together, maintaining plumpness and reducing the appearance of fine lines. As we age, our natural collagen production declines—leading to sagging skin, fine lines, and a loss of that youthful bounce.
So, the idea of replenishing collagen—whether by applying it or consuming it— sounds perfect, right? Let’s explore the science to understand which method holds more promise.
Topical Collagen: What the Science Says
Topical collagen products are everywhere in the skincare aisle. Collagen-infused creams and serums promise to increase elasticity and smooth out fine lines. But is topical collagen really that effective?
One key point here is molecular size. Collagen molecules are relatively large, which means that they cannot easily penetrate the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis). Studies support this; according to a publication in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, topical collagen has difficulty reaching deeper skin layers, limiting its effects primarily to hydration rather than boosting collagen production directly .
However, the hydration benefit is real. Collagen creams can act as effective moisturizers by forming a film on the skin that helps prevent water loss, keeping your skin hydrated and smooth. This moisture retention can make skin temporarily look plumper, which may explain some of the positive effects people experience. But these changes tend to be superficial rather than fundamentally improving collagen levels in the skin.
Bottom Line: Topical collagen can help improve skin hydration and temporarily plump the skin, but it doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to directly stimulate collagen production or reverse aging at a cellular level.
Ingestible Collagen: Digestion and Skin Benefits
Now, let’s move on to ingestible collagen. Whether it’s in the form of powder or capsules, powder is my go-to form, ingesting collagen has become a popular way to boost your body’s own collagen levels. But does science back this trend?
According to multiple studies, ingestible collagen may, in fact, provide more significant benefits for skin health. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology showed that participants who took collagen supplements saw increased skin hydration, improved elasticity, and reduced wrinkles compared to those who did not take collagen . This is largely because collagen peptides, when ingested, get broken down into smaller amino acids, which can be absorbed by the bloodstream and used by the skin to produce more collagen.
Another study published in the International Society of Dermatology (2021) found that ingesting hydrolyzed collagen over a 90 day period led to a significant improvement in skin hydration and elasticity. The researchers concluded that collagen peptides, once digested, stimulate fibroblast activity—the cells responsible for collagen production in the skin . This means ingesting collagen peptides could help support the natural production of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin, which topical products may not effectively reach.
Bioavailability is also key here. Hydrolyzed collagen (or collagen peptides) is broken down into smaller units, making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize. The presence of vitamin C also aids collagen synthesis, which is why I often suggest pairing collagen supplements with foods rich in vitamin C—think berries, bell peppers, or even a morning lemon water.
Bottom Line: Ingestible collagen has shown real promise in clinical studies for supporting skin elasticity, hydration, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. This is because it works from the inside out, supporting collagen production deep within the skin.
Which One Is Worth It?
If you’re trying to decide between topical collagen and ingestible collagen, here’s the takeaway: while topical collagen products can help hydrate the skin and give a plumping effect, they don’t directly increase collagen production deep in the skin. For real, sustained benefits—like improved elasticity and reduced wrinkles— ingestible collagen has a stronger case supported by science.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with using both. I like to think of topical collagen as my hydration booster, perfect for keeping skin dewy on the surface. Ingestible collagen, on the other hand, is my go-to for long-term skin health—working at the deeper levels to support structural integrity.
My Routine: A Dual Approach for Radiance
After years of trial and error, I’ve found a dual approach works best. Each morning, I add collagen peptides to my smoothie. It’s a simple routine that keeps my skin elastic and hydrated from within. On the outside, I use a collagen-infused cream as part of my nighttime routine—mostly to seal in moisture and give my skin a little extra plumping while I sleep.
If you’re looking to improve your skin health in a real, lasting way, I recommend starting with ingestible collagen and being consistent. The benefits don’t happen overnight, but with regular use over a few months, you’ll notice your skin looking more hydrated, elastic, and youthful.
If you want to buy the Collagen Peptides I use, use this link and enter the code DONNABARTOLI at checkout for 10% off
Stay Nourished and Glowing,
Donna Bartoli
Healthy, radiant skin is a reflection of balance—what we do inside, outside, and everything in between. Want more skincare advice? Head over to the Skin page for my latest tips and treatments, or follow me on Instagram where I share my daily skincare rituals and favourite products. Let’s achieve your best skin yet, one step at a time.”
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