Chasing Collagen: Supplements, Creams, or Growth Factors What’s Best to Improve Your Skin?

Ever look in the mirror and think, “Well, hello there, wrinkle—who said you could crash this party?” You can thank collagen, or rather the loss of it, for the uninvited guest. When collagen production declines, wrinkling and sagging waste no time moving in and making themselves right at home. Talk about a party pooper.

But fear not, this doesn’t have to end the party, In the quest for youthful, firmer skin, collagen supplements, creams, and growth factor products are stepping up as the ultimate guest list to reclaim your glow. Which one is the real VIP for lifting and firming? Read on for a breakdown of the science and secrets behind these skin rejuvenating options.

The Collagen Lowdown: Your Skin's Best Friend, Until It Slows Down

Let’s take a deeper look at collagen, your skin’s long-time ally (that is until it fades.) Collagen is a structural protein, naturally found in your body that gives skin its firmness, smoothness, and youthful bounce. It’s so important it makes up about 30% of the protein in your body. It’s the building block for skin, bones, and connective tissues.

But here’s the rub. Beginning in your mid-20s, collagen production starts to decline. By the time you hit your 40s and 50s, the effects are hard to ignore, fine lines, deeper wrinkles, and skin that just doesn’t snap back like it used to. Factors like genetics, hormonal changes, and external influences like UV exposure and pollution can make things even worse. It’s like collagen decided to retire early, and your skin is left picking up the slack.

Say Hello to Upping Collagen Levels

If this sounds familiar, there’s no need to panic! This slowdown is totally natural. But just because collagen slows down doesn’t mean you have to. Celebrate the life you’ve earned, throw your own shindig, and invite collagen boosting cheerleaders.

There’s a lot of buzz fueling the collagen craze and how to get it back, but what’s worth your time and money? Let’s break down the top contenders for boosting collagen. 

Collagen Supplements and Skin Health

Collagen supplements are definitely having a moment, showing up in powders, pills, and shakes. They claim to help keep your joints happy, bones strong, hair and nails fabulous, muscles in top form, and gut feeling great, on top of smoothing and hydrating your skin. 

While collagen supplements are popular, the science is still a bit mixed. But there is research out there showing oral collagen supplementation can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen density in the skin.

Do Collagen Supplements Actually Improve Your Skin?

The short answer is…Maybe. Many supplements contain hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are broken-down forms of collagen, so your body can easily absorb and process them. Here’s the rub, the collagen you swallow can make it into your bloodstream, but it may not end up helping your skin. 

Your body decides where it needs collagen the most. So, on the way to rescue your skin, it may get sidetracked and go to your joints, tendons, or nails. Either way, there’s benefit, not necessarily what you intended.  

Take away: Supplements alone might not be all you need to rejuvenate your skin, but they can be a good addition to your skincare routine.

Topical Collagen Creams

Let's talk about collagen creams. The name says it all, it’s a cream packed with collagen. Your skin needs collagen, so why not slather it on for your skin to soak it up? Here’s the catch: collagen molecules are huge. They are too big to penetrate the skin deeply.

Studies on topical collagen vary. Some experts believe they are limited to just hydrating the skin’s surface. The debate continues about its effectiveness on deeper structural layers.

A Surface Level Helper

Collagen creams do hold promise as moisturizers. They can work wonders on the surface by providing hydration even if they're not likely to increase collagen levels below the surface.

If you’re looking for a quick fix to refresh your skin’s appearance and health, collagen creams may effective. Keep in mind, they won’t directly replace or rebuild collagen deep in the skin for hydration and overall maintenance. They’re not the best option around to rejuvenate and rebuild your skin’s structure. 

Take away:  A good quality moisturizer is an important part of your skincare routine, but don’t count on collagen creams alone to tighten, lift, and firm your skin.

Collagen Boosters: Growth Factors

Now we’re talking science. Growth factors are the foundation of regenerative skincare. They are proteins naturally found in your body. Their job is to signal your skin to act more like it did when you were younger by encouraging your skin cells to repair and regenerate.

By stimulating your skin’s natural regenerative process, growth factors boost collagen and matrix levels. Higher levels of collagen and matrix improve elasticity, firmness, and lift, minimizing the signs of aging.

The Next Generation of Skincare

Regenerative skincare works with your skin's natural ability to heal and renew itself from the inside out, helping your skin get healthier and stronger at a cellular level.  

Smoothology’s NECK+ is a stand out in regenerative skincare. Smoothology is the only beauty skincare line with NovoSerum®, a patented human growth factor complex. 

A clinical study shows NovoSerum significantly boosts collagen and matrix levels, the building blocks of healthy, new skin. Its growth factors address the root cause of skin aging by stimulating collagen production, improving firmness and texture in the delicate neck area. Sagging, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles are no match for this potent, targeted cream.

 Take away: Science-backed regenerative skincare with growth factors is the powerhouse when it comes to lifting, firming, and smoothing. If you’re looking to regenerate, renew, and revive your skin with visible results, growth factors are the way to go.

Lifestyle Habits: Protecting Your Collagen Daily

While skincare products and supplements are great tools, don’t underestimate the power of your daily habits on your health and collagen levels! Certain lifestyle choices can make or break your skin’s natural collagen reserves. Here’s how to be a collagen-preserving pro:

• Sun Protection is Key: UV exposure is one of collagen's biggest enemies, breaking it down faster than you can say SPF. Wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, to give your skin the shield it needs to protect it from damage.
• Quit the Caffeine Overload: Too much caffeine can dehydrate your skin, leaving it looking dull and tired. If coffee is your love language, balance it out with plenty of water.
• Anti-Sugar Squad: A high sugar diet can lead to glycation, a process that damages collagen and elastin. Opt for collagen-friendly snacks, like fruits and nuts, to curb your cravings.
• The Power of Sleep: They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing! During deep sleep, your body repairs itself, producing growth factors and collagen. Aim for 7–9 hours of good rest each night.
• Stress Less: Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which interfere with collagen production. Find what helps you relax, whether it’s yoga, reading, or a good laugh.

Takeaway: Small, consistent choices in your daily routine can protect your collagen levels, making your skin healthier from the inside out.

Level Up Your Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

The quest for collagen is about helping your skin feel strong, healthy, and beautiful at every age.

Whether you're sipping collagen shakes, hydrating with nourishing creams, or embracing the cutting-edge power of growth factors in Smoothology, you're giving your skin the tools it needs to thrive.

The secret is in the synergy. Layer the benefits and stay consistent to let these powerhouse products take your skincare routine from good to wow-worthy. Ready to level up your skincare routine? Add Smoothology to your collagen quest!