Can collagen be absorbed through the skin?

Can collagen be absorbed through the skin? | Healthbiztips

Can collagen be absorbed through the skin? | Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

I've found this face mask and toner that claims to contain collagen, but I know collagen is a protein that is too large to be absorbed by the skin, so what is the science behind this?

Can collagen be absorbed through the skin or is this another marketing strategy to make me buy this beauty product?


The verdict:

Sad to say but topically applied collagen, such as those found in facial creams, are too large to be absorbed by the pores of the skin. It simply is not possible.

Collagen is extensively marketed in the beauty industry because of it's incredible cosmetic benefits such as improvement in the elasticity of the skin, minimization of sagging, and reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Collagen containing skincare products usually comes at such a high price, but many beauty enthusiasts are not aware that their skin is not capable of absorbing such large molecule of collagen.

Collagen is a protein that makes up a large percentage of the human body, not just the skin. It is what makes structure tough, elastic, and pliable. Humans can naturally produce collagen, but with age, the ability to manufacture this protein diminishes which leads to signs of aging such as wrinkling and sagging.

There are beauty companies who blatantly advertise that the collagen content of their topical beauty formula can be directly absorbed by the skin, however, we know that this is simply not possible given the biology of the human skin.

On the other hand, there are beauty products out there that rely on potent ingredients their skincare products contains to boosts the skin's natural ability to produce collagen.